Depth contours derived from the NSW Basement Elevation Model.

In 2016, the Geological Survey of NSW (GSNSW) published a state-wide depth to basement 3D model (Robinson 2016, 2017). Since then, new geological and geophysical data have been released and used for the construction of basin-scale 3D geological models for the southern Thomson Orogen and the Sydney, Gunnedah and Bowen basins (Davidson 2019; Oliveira and Davidson 2019; Oliveira et al. 2019). The basement topography under these regions was modelled using constraints from drillholes, seismic, Seamless Geology, magnetics and gravity data. The results have now been incorporated into the updated Statewide 3D Basement Elevation Model reported herein.

In 2023, the Geological Survey of NSW (GSNSW) engaged Geognostics to perform a review and update of the previous OZ SEEBASE 2021. Previous SEEBASE® studies of NSW basins undertaken by Frogtech Geoscience were undertaken over 15 years ago, and significant new data have been acquired since that time (drillholes, gravity, magnetics, seismic, etc.), along with on-going research and consolidation of statewide interpretations undertaken by the Geological Survey of NSW (GSNSW; i.e., the Seamless Geology Map of NSW by Colquhoun et al., 2022).

In 2023, the Geological Survey of NSW (GSNSW) engaged Geognostics to perform a review and update of the previous OZ SEEBASE 2021. Previous SEEBASE® studies of NSW basins undertaken by Frogtech Geoscience were undertaken over 15 years ago, and significant new data have been acquired since that time (drillholes, gravity, magnetics, seismic, etc.), along with on-going research and consolidation of statewide interpretations undertaken by the Geological Survey of NSW (GSNSW; i.e., the Seamless Geology Map of NSW by Colquhoun et al., 2022).

Depth to the Mohorovičić discontinuity (Moho) interpreted and modelled by Geognostics with support from government and industry. The Moho surface is the boundary between the Earth's crust and the upper mantle. The depth to moho is a representation of the thickness of the Earth's Crust. This moho surface is derived from seismic, gravity and other geophysical datasets.

In 2016, the Geological Survey of NSW (GSNSW) published a state-wide depth to basement 3D model (Robinson 2016, 2017). Since then, new geological and geophysical data have been released and used for the construction of basin-scale 3D geological models for the southern Thomson Orogen and the Sydney, Gunnedah and Bowen basins (Davidson 2019; Oliveira and Davidson 2019; Oliveira et al. 2019). The basement topography under these regions was refined and the results have now been incorporated into the updated state-wide depth to basement 3D model reported herein.

Depth to the Lithosphere–Asthenosphere Boundary (LAB) modelled by Geognostics with support from government, academia and industry. The LAB surface is the base of the ridgid lithosphere and the top of the ductile asthenosphere. In geothermal terms it marks a thermal and mechanical tranisition in the Earth at a temperature of 1330 °C. This surface is modelled using themal modelling (mantle heat flow, crustal heat production, thermal conductivity, Moho depth and lithospheric structure) seismic tomography, magnetotellurics, global and regional geodynamic models and tectonic context.

Basement terrane age interpreted by Geognostics with support from government, academia and industry. Geological age of Basement terrane age is interpreted from a combination of geological and geophysical datasets. Basement terrane age is important in a Geothermal studies as older terranes have lower heat potential.

Basement type interpreted by Geognostics with support from government, academia and industry. The basement type describes the geological processes that has produced each basement block

The 3D geoscience project aims to generate 3D models of lithological and structural aspects of basin and orogenic provinces at scales ranging from broad to site-specific. The models have applications in land-use management, civil engineering, water resource management, waste management, mineral and energy resource exploration and research.