ABSTRACT

Understanding the chronostratigraphy of geological units is crucial for the transition to net zero by providing a 4D framework (three-dimensions through geological time) to assess potential energy and mineral resources, groundwater systems and storage sites for carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Integrating geological and hydrogeological data into a unified national 3D framework enhances decision-making across government, industry and communities for sustainable resource management, supports environmental approvals and cross-jurisdictional collaboration. Geoscience Australia’s former Exploring for the Future program and current Resourcing Australia’s Prosperity Initiative have advanced 3D conceptualisation of Australia’s sedimentary basins and groundwater systems, standardising stratigraphy and terminology across basins and jurisdictional borders. This enabled consistent 3D geological models revealing potential connections between geological units, reservoirs and aquifers. The integration of airborne electromagnetic and seismic data, with drillhole stratigraphy within a consistent national 3D chronostratigraphic framework underpins depth estimates for the nationwide Estimates of Geological and Geophysical Surfaces database. Collaboration with the jurisdictions harmonised 3D geology, focussing initially on updating aquifer boundaries in a groundwater context. The overarching goal is to improve national geological and groundwater datasets to support integrated management of energy, minerals, and groundwater resources. A key achievement is the national-scale 3D chronostratigraphic surface modelling, based on the Australian Borehole Stratigraphic Units Compilation, consolidating data from 53 sources and 171,396 drillholes. Ongoing refinement of subsurface geology is fundamental for resource potential mapping, multi-commodity assessments, and 3D visualisation, supporting the global energy transition, climate resilience, and water security for communities, industries and the environment.