Testing the Surat Basin two deposition centre hypothesis: Part A Zircon geochronology

Abstract

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) has the potential to reduce atmospheric CO2 from industrial emissions. The Precipice Sandstone in the southern Surat Basin of southeast Queensland is a potential CCS reservoir. However, there are knowledge gaps about its geological history, which affects safe storage. Detailed understanding of reservoir and seal rocks is crucial for effective CCS. Current knowledge is mainly based on the northern Surat Basin, while the southern part, with greater CCS potential, is less explored. Research on the Precipice Sandstone and Evergreen Formation examined mineral composition, sediment provenance, and age dating. The hypothesis of two depocentres was tested but not strongly supported. Some differences were noted in sandstone compositions and detrital zircon age spectra in the southern basin. The Precipice Sandstone received sediment from various sources, including the Thomson Orogen and Roma Shelf to the west and the New England Orogen to the east and south. The Evergreen Formation is placed in the middle Pliensbachian to the topmost Toarcian, and the Precipice Sandstone in the Lower Jurassic Sinemurian to Pliensbachian. The research provides insights for CCS implementation and suggests previous studies on reservoir and seal characteristics in the EPQ7 tenement may be applicable to EPQ10 for carbon geostorage. This contributes to understanding the geological factors involved in CCS in the Surat Basin.