Moss Vale Geological Mapping Project
Overview
1:100 000 map sheet
The Moss Vale 1:100 000 map sheet area has been identified by an internal report as one of the geologically least known parts of the Sydney Basin. The region is located approximately 150 km southwest of Sydney and is an area of major population growth. A better geological understanding will assist in assessment of mineral resource potential, land use issues and potential energy resources of the area.
Sydney Basin rocks crop out across much of the central and eastern parts of the area, while the underlying Lachlan Orogen rocks are exposed in the western part of the map sheet area and along the deeply incised Shoalhaven River gorge.
Field investigations are concentrating on the Sydney Basin rocks. Generally speaking, the stratigraphy of the Sydney Basin is well understood. However, most of the of the units exposed in the Moss Vale map sheet area have been described from their coastal exposures and are less well known inland. This project will determine the validity of the previous geological correlations across the area and any variation in the stratigraphy away from the coast.
unconformably overlying Lachlan Orogen basement rocks
on the eastern side of Billy Bulloos Canyon
Recent mapping by the Geological Survey of NSW of the Goulburn 1:100 000 sheet area, which lies to the west of the Moss Vale sheet area, has lead to a greater understanding of the local geology of the Lachlan Orogen. This understanding, in conjunction with abundant past university and industry-sourced mapping, will allow for a more accurate interpretation of the Lachlan Orogen rocks on the Moss Vale map sheet.
Project status
Fieldwork for the Moss Vale 1:100 000 Mapping Project has been completed and differences in lithology and sedimentology to the type sections of rock units proximal to the western depositional edge of the Sydney Basin have been noted. Bore hole data and university research work has helped to identify subsurface distribution of units as well as provide information on basement lithologies resulting in a more detailed understanding of the Sydney Basin basement.
Mapping techniques and outcomes
Moss Vale 1:100 000 map sheet
Field mapping was being carried out using Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) equipment to digitally collect point and line data. This field work was being carried out in conjunction with air photo and remote sensing interpretation, drill core inspection and geophysical interpretation.
Results of this work are being incorporated with previous exploration company mapping and university work to produce a 1:100 000 scale geological map. It will be accompanied by several geological cross sections and a report describing the rock units in the area.
For further information please contact the Geological Mapping Team.
(Last updated on 18/08/2011)