Soil hydrocarbon survey
In 2012 as part of CarbonNet, the Victorian Government conducted a soil hydrocarbon survey in Gippsland to gather data on the geological formation of the region.
A soil hydrocarbon survey is a test that collects information on hydrocarbon pathways which helps us to better understand the geology of an area, such as how underground rock formations interact.
The survey took place from March to July 2012, following consultation with stakeholders, landowners and the relevant authorities.
Survey Approach
Geologists from the Geological Survey of Victoria placed modules the size and shape of shoelaces in the ground at a depth between 40cm and one metre and collected these approximately three weeks later. The modules were sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Approximately 130 soil modules were placed on Crown and private land across the Gippsland region between Yarram and Lakes Entrance, and a further nine in the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park.
This was a passive survey, meaning that there is no lasting impact on the land. No soil was removed from the site during the placement or removal of the module.
The department received consent from private land holders, local councils, Parks Victoria and the former Department of Sustainability and Environment and complied with all conditions of approval.
Survey results
Information gathered from the soil hydrocarbon survey is part of a broader dataset that provides a better understanding of the region’s underground rock formations.
Our scientific experts examined current information about the subterranean geology in the region and determined the best locations for the survey.
As anticipated, traces of hydrocarbons were detected in the soil at all the sample locations. Hydrocarbons exist naturally in the soil as a result of organic growth and decay processes. In areas such as Gippsland, it is also possible for traces of hydrocarbons to migrate over thousands of years from oil and gas reservoirs deep below ground in the Gippsland Basin. While these traces are minute, the patterns observed contribute to an understanding of the region's geology.
The findings of this survey complement a range of data being analysed by CarbonNet to examine potential storage sites for the long term, secure storage of CO2.
A regional overview of the survey outcomes is now available at Earth Resources publications.
This project received funding from the Australian Government.
A soil hydrocarbon survey is a test that collects information on hydrocarbon pathways which helps us to better understand the geology of an area, such as how underground rock formations interact.
The soil hydrocarbon survey was conducted as part of the CarbonNet Project that is looking at the viability of capturing carbon dioxide from industrial facilities in the Latrobe Valley, and securely storing it deep below the ground in the Gippsland Basin’s geological formations. The Gippsland Basin has securely contained large reserves of oil and gas underground for millions of years.
Information gathered from the survey will help provide a better understanding of the rock formations that lie deep beneath the ground across the region.
Our scientific experts examined current information about the underground geology in the region and determined the best locations for the survey.
All the testing and survey work is aimed at obtaining a better understanding of the region's geology.
This is a passive survey, meaning that there is no lasting impact on the land. No soil was removed from the site during the placement or removal of the module.
A regional overview of the survey outcomes is now available at Earth Resources publications.
More information
- Soil Hydrocarbon Survey: Regional overview of results from Earth Resources publications.
- Airborne Gravity Survey
- Carbon capture and storage
Page last updated: 02 Jun 2021