A sequence stratigraphic analysis of the late Permian succession in the Dural area, central Sydney Basin, New South Wales

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an integrated core, wireline log and seismic sequence stratigraphic analysis, and structural interpretation, of the Late Permian Illawarra Coal Measures, within the central coalfield, Sydney Basin, New South Wales, using data obtained from an AGEX Pty Ltd exploration programme. Five stratigraphic sequences were correlated from the southern coalfield into the central coalfield, using well control, and were then tied into a local grid of reprocessed single-fold, and more recently acquired multi-fold, seismic data. Time-structure form maps within the Illawarra Coal Measures are presented, together with isochron (time-thickness) maps of five sequences recognised within the upper part of that stratigraphic interval. The structural interpretation and trap validity of the previously explored Dural Dome, within the central coalfield of the Sydney Basin, were revisited during this study and the remaining hydrocarbon potential of that feature has been demonstrated to be relatively small.