Deep seismic reflection surveys in north Queensland that were collected in 2006 and 2007 discovered a previously unknown sedimentary basin, now named the Millungera Basin, which is completely covered by a thin succession of sediments of the Jurassic–Cretaceous, Eromanga-Carpentaria Basin. Interpretation of regional aeromagnetic data suggests that the basin could have areal dimensions of up to 280 km by 95 km. Apart from regional geophysical data, virtually no confirmed geological information exists on the basin. To complement the seismic data, new magnetotelluric data have been acquired on several lines across the basin. An angular unconformity between the Eromanga and Millungera basins indicates that the upper part of the Millungera Basin was eroded prior to deposition of the Eromanga-Carpentaria Basin. Both the western and eastern margins of the Millungera Basin are truncated by thrust faults, with well-developed hangingwall anticlines occurring above the thrusts at the eastern margin. The basin thickens slightly to the east, to a maximum preserved subsurface depth of ˜3,370 m. Using sequence stratigraphic principles, three discrete sequences have been mapped. The geometry of the stratigraphic sequences, the post-depositional thrust margins, and the erosional unconformity at the top of the succession all indicate that the original succession across much of the basin was thicker–by up to at least 1,500 m–than preserved today. The age of the Millungera Basin is unknown, but petroleum systems modelling has been carried out using two scenarios, that is, that the sediment fill is equivalent in age to (1) the Neoproterozoic-Devonian Georgina Basin, or (2) the Permian–Triassic Lovelle Depression of the Galilee Basin. Using the Georgina Basin analogue, potential Cambrian source rocks are likely to be mature over most of the Millungera Basin, with significant generation and expulsion of hydrocarbons occurring in two phases, in response to Ordovician and Cretaceous sediment loading. For the Galilee Basin analogue, potential Permian source rocks are likely to be oil mature in the central Millungera Basin, but immature on the basin margins. Significant oil generation and expulsion probably occurred during the Triassic, in response to late Permian to Early Triassic sediment loading. Based on the seismic and potential field data, several granites are interpreted to occur immediately below the Millungera Basin, raising the possibility of hot rock geothermal plays. Depending on its composition, the Millungera Basin could provide a thermal blanket to trap any heat which is generated. 3D inversion of potential field data suggests that the inferred granites range from being magnetic to nonmagnetic, and felsic (less dense) to more mafic. They may be part of the Williams Supersuite, which is enriched in uranium, thorium and potassium, and exposed just to the west, in the Mount Isa Province. 3D gravity modelling suggests that the inferred granites have a possible maximum thickness of up to 5.5 km. Therefore, if granites with the composition of the Williams Supersuite occur beneath the Millungera Basin, in the volumes indicated by gravity inversions, then, based on the forward temperature modelling, there is a good probability that the basin is prospective for geothermal energy.
An unknown sedimentary sequence was first recorded during a Geoscience Australia/ Geological Survey of Queensland/ pmd*CRC deep seismic reflection survey in the Mount Isa Inlier and adjacent undercover terrains, during 2006/07. The sequence occurs unconformably underneath the Carpentaria Basin succession in the Julia Creek area, east of Cloncurry in north Queensland, and is named the Millungera Basin. A section through the basin is recorded along seismic line 07GA–IG1, recorded between north of Cloncurry to east of Croydon. In this section three internal sequences are noted—with two strongly reflective units separated by a poorly reflective unit. As well as deep crustal seismic reflection profiles, magnetotelluric profiles were collected along the same traverse. These data show a moderately conductive Millungera Basin underlying the strongly conductive Carpentaria Basin. Zones of limited reflectors beneath the basin in the seismic sections have been interpreted as granites, raising the possibility of raised geothermal gradients. The Millungera Basin may comprise a potential geothermal target. The Millungera Basin sequence is interpreted to overlie granites. Adjacent Proterozoic granites of the Williams Batholith are known to be high heat producing granites, containing high levels of potassium thorium and uranium. The hydrocarbon potential of the basin is similarly uncertain. Strong reflectors in the seismic sections may be coal beds. Although the depth of the basin in the seismic section is insufficient to have reached the oil window, interpretation of gravity profiles by Geoscience Australia suggest the basin deepens to the south, possibly reaching 4,000 m. If fertile beds have reached the oil window, the structurally more complex eastern side of the basin may contain petroleum traps. The age of the rocks in the Millungera Basin is not known. Constraints from the seismic suggest between the early Mesoproterozoic and the Middle Jurassic. Investigations into the nature of the basin are continuing. A more detailed magnetotellurc survey is being undertaken to better define the shape of the basin. In order to reliably describe the basins components, a deep drilling program is required.
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