Understanding the Earth’s hidden secrets

Vibrations caused by natural events such as waves breaking on a beach or earthquakes are helping us to better understand the Earth’s geological evolution, its deep geology, and Victoria’s resource potential.

Vibrations caused by natural events such as waves breaking on a beach or earthquakes are helping us to better understand the Earth’s geological evolution, its deep geology, and Victoria’s resource potential.

The Geological Survey of Victoria (GSV) is collaborating with Geoscience Australia (GA) to unlock secrets hidden in rocks deep underground by measuring seismic waves from vibrations in the Earth caused by sources big and small.

The initiative is part of the Australian Passive Seismic Array Project (AusArray). Activities are scheduled to commence later this year using over one hundred two litre milk bottle sized sensors spread across the state.

GSV Director Paul McDonald said that by determining how quickly vibrations travel through different parts of the Earth’s crust, passive seismic data can be used to interpret the distribution of rock types at depth.

“The result will be used to build a three-dimensional model of Victoria’s sub-surface, resulting in a better understanding of our geological history and helping us to assess the state’s resource potential more accurately.

“Importantly, the model will allow us to assess for natural hazards and this could inform decisions about infrastructure design and placement.”

Mr McDonald said the AusArray initiative was part of GA’s Exploring for the Future program.

“It’s about contributing to a sustainable, long-term future for Australia through an improved understanding of the nation’s minerals, energy and groundwater potential.”

Data acquired for the AusArray-Victoria and national AusArray projects will be publicly available through GA’s Data Discovery Portal.