Thermal evolution and sediment provenance of the Cooper–Eromanga Basin: Insights from detrital apatite

Abstract

The prolific hydrocarbon and geothermal potential of the Cooper–Eromanga Basin has long been recognised and studied, however, the thermal history which underpins these resources has largely remained elusive. This study presents new apatite fission track and U–Pb data for eight wells within the southwestern domain of the Cooper–Eromanga Basin, from which thermal history and detrital provenance reconstructions were conducted. Samples taken from sedimentary rocks of the upper Eromanga Basin (Winton, Mackunda and Cadna‐owie Formations) yield dominant Early‐Cretaceous and minor Late‐Permian–Triassic apatite U–Pb ages that are (within uncertainty) equivalent to corresponding fission track age populations. Furthermore, the obtained Cretaceous apatite ages correlate well with the stratigraphic ages for each analysed formation, suggesting (1) little time lag between apatite exposure in the source region and sediment deposition, and (2) that no significant (>ca. 100°C) reheating affected these formations in this region following deposition. Cretaceous apatites were likely distally sourced from an eastern Australian volcanic arc, (e.g. the Whitsunday Igneous Association), and mixed with Permian–Triassic sediment sources from the New England and/or Mossman Orogens. Deeper samples (>2000 m) from within the southwestern Cooper Basin yielded partially reset fission track ages, indicative of heating to temperatures exceeding ca. 100–80°C after deposition. The associated thermal history models are broadly consistent with previous studies and suggest that maximum temperatures were reached at ca. 100–70 Ma as a result of hydrothermal circulation correlating with high rates of sedimentation. Subsequent Late‐Cretaceous–Palaeogene cooling is interpreted to reflect post magmatic thermal subsidence and cessation of hydrothermal activity, as well as potential modified rock thermal conductivity as a response to fluid flow. Five of the seven modelled wells record a Neogene heating event, the geological significance of which remains tentative but may suggest possible reactivation of the Cooper Hot Spot and associated hydrothermal circulation.