Biostratigraphic re-appraisal of nine wells from the ... - CO2CRC

Biostratigraphic re-appraisal of nine 

wells from the northern Vlaming 

Sub-basin, Perth Basin, Australia 

(Appendix 13 of report no. RPT06-0162) 

Monteil,E. 1 

1 Geoscience Australia 

August 2005, Geoscience Australia

Biostratigraphic re-appraisal of nine 

wells from the northern Vlaming 

Sub-basin, Perth Basin, Australia 

(Appendix 13 of report no. RPT06-0162) 

Monteil,E. 1 

1 Geoscience Australia 

August 2005, Geoscience Australia

No. 2005/05 

Biostratigraphic re-appraisal of nine wells from the 

northern Vlaming Sub-basin, Perth Basin, Australia 

Eric Monteil (Geoscience Australia) 

August 2005 

While Geoscience Australia has endeavoured to make the information in this product 

as accurate as possible, Geoscience Australia does not guarantee or warrant the 

information is totally accurate, up to date, complete or suitable for any purpose for 

which it may be acquired. Geoscience Australia neither invites nor accepts any 

responsibility for any reliance that may be placed on the information contained in this 

product.

Biostratigraphic re-appraisal of nine wells from the northern Vlaming 

sub-basin, Perth Basin, Australia 

By Eric Monteil 

INTRODUCTION 

A palynological reassessment of samples from critical sections in Bouvard-1, Charlotte-1, 

Gage Roads-1, Gage Roads-2, Minder Ref-1, Mullaloo-1, Parmelia-1, Peel-1 and 

Warnbro-1 was undertaken at the request of Barry Bradshaw (Project Leader of 

Southwest Frontiers project, Geoscience Australia) and Rick Causebrook (Project Leader 

of Perth Basin sub-project; CO2CRC Program). The objectives were to contribute to a 

better understanding of the stratigraphy of this interval and to help solve biostratigraphic 

issues. This re-apppraisal involved: 

a) correlating biostratigraphic dating in the wells with the structural correlations seen 

on seismic data 

b) resolving conflicting biostratigraphy and well correlations, and 

c) correlating the key lithostratigraphical horizons with the seismic data 

The dinocyst zonation used in this study follows that of Backhouse (1988), Helby et al. 

(1987, 2004) and Morgan (1980). Results are summarised in four tables at the end of this 

report. 

A. Biostratigraphic breakdown 

CHARLOTTE -1 

781.2 -1256.9 m: Phoberocysta lowryi Zone 

1280.2 -1420.4 m: Kawaradinium scrutellinum Zone 

1447.8 -1568.5 m: Gagiella mutabilis Zone 

1588.6 m: Fusiformacysta tumida Zone 

B. Age discussion 

Phoberocysta lowryi Zone: SWC 781.20 m (2563’) – SWC 1256.99 m (4124’) 

1

Age based on the occurrence of the eponymous species in all samples belonging to this 

interval. 

Kawaradinium scrutellinum Zone : SWC 1280.16 m (4200’) – SWC 1420.37 m 

(4660’) 

P. lowryi and K. scrutellinum are absent from SWC 1280.16 (4200’) to SWC 1402.1 m 

(4600’), but most of the species usually associated with this zone are present. The 

eponymous species first occurs stratigraphically at 1420.37m (4660’) in a sample more 

marine than the samples above, and is associated with other species including 

Avellodinium lepidum, Cassiculosphaeridia magna, Discorsia nanna, Meiourogonyaulax 

bulloidea, Muderongia tetracantha, Oligosphaeridium complex, Senoniasphaera 

tabulata, Scriniodinium attadalense and Wallodinium krutschii. 

Gagiella mutabilis Zone : SWC 1447.80 m (4750’) – SWC 1568.50 m (5146’) 

G. mutabilis is rare to common through this interval. At 1447.80 m (4750’), the sample 

where G. mutabilis has its last stratigraphic occurrence, the assemblage includes marine 

species such as C. magna, Hystrichodinium compactum, Gonyaulacysta sp., 

Oligosphaeridium pulcherrimum and Phoberocysta sp. This is interpreted as an 

expression of the marine influence marking the terminal part of the Gagiella mutabilis 

Zone, an event that has also been observed in Bouvard-1, Gage Roads-1 and Warnbro-1. 

Throughout this interval, reworking from the Permo-Trias is indicated by spores, pollen 

and acritarchs and reworking from the underlying units “Charlotte Sandstone” and 

Carnac Member is indicated by the occurrence of a few specimens of Pentafidia 

charlottensis. Further evidence of Permo-Trias reworking is given by the presence of one 

single specimen of Sahulidinium ottii at 1478,28m (SWC/4850’; slide 2, EF B26/4). This 

species, described by Stover & Helby (1987) from the Bonaparte Basin, is only known 

from the Anisian to Ladinian. 

Fusiformacysta tumida Zone: SWC 1588.62 m (5212’) 

The age assigned to this sample is based on abundant Tetrachacysta baculata, P. 

charlottensis and ?Moorodinium sp. 

C. Comparison with previous studies 

The biostratigraphic breakdown produced for this well is in perfect agreement with the 

ages assigned to this interval by Ingram (1991). 

D. Remarks 

Based on the morphotypes of Gagiella mutabilis recognised in this study, the interval 

1447.8 m (4750’) -1478.28 m (4850’) is most likely upper (?uppermost) Gagiella 

mutabilis Zone. 

2


GAGE ROADS - 1 

1329.8 - 1445 m: Phoberocysta lowryi Zone 

1476.8 – 1586.8 m: Kawaradinium scrutellinum Zone 

1597.8 – 1699.9 m: Gagiella mutabilis Zone 

1705 m: Fusiformacysta tumida Zone 



Age based on the occurrence of the eponymous species in all samples from this interval. 

Kawaradinium scrutellinum Zone : SWC 1476.76 m (4845’) – SWC 1586.79 m 

(5206’) 

P. lowryi and K. scrutellinum are absent from SWC 1476.76 m (4845’) to SWC 1539.24 

m (5050’), but most of the species usually associated with this zone are present. K. 

scrutellinum is found in strongly marine samples from SWC 1557.53 m (5110’) to SWC 

1586.79 m (5206’). Other species associated with K. scrutellinum include Aprobolocysta 

galeata, Avellodinium lepidum, Endoscrinium campanulum, Cassiculosphaeridia magna, 

Cyclonephelium hystrix, Discorsia nanna, Hystrichodinium compactum and Spiniferites 

ramosus grp. 

Gagiella mutabilis Zone : SWC 1597.76 m (5242’) – SWC 1699.87 m (5577’) 

G. mutabilis is rare to common through this interval. At 1597.76 m (5242’) , the sample 

where G. mutabilis has its last stratigraphic occurrence, the assemblage includes marine 

species such as Avellodinium lepidum, Discorsia nanna, Hystrichodinium compactum, 

Spiniferites ramosus grp., Meiourogonyaulax bulloidea, Oligosphaeridium complex, 

Prolixosphaeridium parvispinum and Wallodinium krutschii. This is interpreted as an 

expression of the marine influence marking the terminal part of the Gagiella mutabilis 

Zone, an event also observed in Bouvard-1, Charlotte-1 and Warnbro-1. 

Non-marine or slightly marine samples show strong reworking from the Permo-Trias and 

from the underlying Parmelia Formation and Carnac Member. 


Based on the absence of G. mutabilis and on the occurrence of only non-marine 

dinoflagellate cysts (Tetrachacysta sp, Moorodinium sp.), associated with abundant 

Spheripollenites sp., this sample is dated as F. tumida Zone. 

3


The biostratigraphic breakdown proposed for this well is in good agreement with the ages 

assigned to this interval by Ingram (1991). However, the top P. lowryi Zone is placed 

here at SWC 1329.84 m (4363’) based on the first downhole occurrence of the 

eponymous species, instead of SWC 1379.83 m (4527’) as interpreted by Ingram. 

D. Remarks 

Based on the morphotypes of Gagiella mutabilis recognised in this study, the interval 

SWC 1597.76 m (5242’) – SWC 1699.87 m (5577’) is most likely upper (?uppermost) 

Gagiella mutabilis Zone. 

The transition between the G. mutabilis and K. scrutellinum Zones occur in a similar 

manner in Gage Roads 1 and Charlotte 1. The marine influence gradually increases. A 

marine input is already clearly identified at the top of the G. mutabilis Zone before the 

strong transgression marking the base of the K. scrutellinum Zone. Alternatively, this 

event might be interpreted as a slowing down in the turbitidic episod. The interval SWC 

1597.76 m (5242’) – SWC 1699.87 m (5577’) in Gage Roads 1 is very likely coeval 

with the interval SWC 1447.80 m (4750’) – SWC 1568.50 m (5146’) in Charlotte-1. 

This interval is dated as upper (?uppermost) G. mutabilis Zone (Middle Valanginian). 


GAGE ROADS - 2 

1255.8-1384.1 m: Phoberocysta lowryi Zone 


Based on the currently available set of palynological slides both the K. scrutellinum and 

G. mutabilis Zones were not identified in this well. 



Age based on the occurrence of the eponymous species at SWC 1384.09 m (4541’/slide 

3, EF: N35/3), together with an assemblage including: Aprobolocysta alata, 

Batioladinium micropodum, Cassiculosphaeridia magna, Cribroperidinium spp., 

Hystrichodinium compactum, Muderongia testudinaria and Oligosphaeridium complex. 

No specimens of P. lowryi were found in the interval SWC 1255.78 m (4120’) – SWC 

4

1354.23 m (4443’) and the assignment to this biozone is based on the characteristic 

assemblage of the K. scrutellinum Zone which includes: B. micropodum, C. magna, H. 

compactum, Meiourogonyaulax bulloidea, O. complex, O. ?pulcherrimum, 

Senoniasphaera tabulata and W. krutschii. 

The occurrence of A. alata at SWC 1384.09 m (4541’) suggests the upper part of the P. 

lowryi Zone. 


Age based on the common occurrence of Tetrachacysta baculata and rare ?Moorodinium 

sp. 


This study modifies significantly the interpretation of Ingram (1991). The sample SWC 

1384.09 m (4541’) previously dated by this author as top of the Fusiformacysta tumida 

Zone is here dated as base of the P. lowryi Zone. This dating is based on the presence of 

P. lowryi, M. testudinaria and other characteristic species usually found in this zone. 

D. Remarks 

The detailed palynological slide re-examination carried out in this study shows that the 

two zones, K. scrutellinum and G. mutabilis (Valanginian to Early Hauterivian) are 

missing in Gage Roads 2. Therefore, it can be concluded that the sandstones present in 

the interval 1339 m (4393’) to 1366 m (4482’) definitely do not represent the Gage 

Formation sandstone in Gage Roads-2. 

In addition, contrary to the situation that prevails in Minder Reef-1, palynological results 

show that the base of the P. lowryi Zone is present in Gage Roads-2. 


821 - 861 m: Phoberocysta lowryi Zone 

865 m: Gagiella mutabilis Zone 



MINDER REEF - 1 

5

Phoberocysta lowryi Zone: SWC 821 m (2693.54’) – SWC 861 m (2824.77’) 

This age is based on the eponymous species occurrence in most of the samples 

throughout the interval, including the bottom and top samples. Other species encountered 

within this interval are: Aprobolocysta alata, Batioladinium micropodum, C. magna, 

Discorsia nanna, Endoscrinium campanulum, Meiourogonyaulax bulloidea, Muderongia 

crucis, Oligosphaeridium complex, Scriniodinium attadalense and Senoniasphaera 

tabulata. 

The occurrence of A. alata at 861m suggests this sample represents the upper part of the 

P. lowryi Zone. 

Gagiella mutabilis Zone : SWC 865 m (2837.90’) 

G. mutabilis is common in this sample where no marine dinoflagellate cysts are observed. 

Reworking from the Parmelia Formation is indicated by the presence of Pentafidia 

charlottensis and Tetrachacysta baculata. 

The presence of only circular morphotypes of G. mutabilis, as well the lack of marine 

dinoflagellate cysts, suggests assignment to the middle/upper lower part of the G. 

mutabilis Zone. 

Fusiformacysta tumida Zone : SWC 867 m (2844.45’) 

This sample is assigned to the F. tumida Zone based on the presence of an assemblage 

including T. baculata, Moorodinium sp. and a undescribed species of Pentifidia 

unformally named “P. diaphanis” by Ingram (1991). 


Results of this study confirm the biostratigraphic breakdown established for this interval 

by Helby (1984) and Ingram (1991). 

D. Remarks 

This study clearly confirms that two hiatuses occur within the studied interval: 

- Hiatus 1 (between 861 and 865 m): absence of most of the P. lowryi Zone, K. 

scrutellinum Zone and upper (? uppermost) G. mutabilis Zone, i.e. Middle Valanginian to 

Middle Hauterivian. 

- Hiatus 2 (between 865 and 867 m): absence of most of the lower G. mutabilis Zone and 

some of the upper F. tumida Zone, i.e. Late Berriasian to Early Valanginian. 

These two hiatuses are interpreted as two unconformities bounding a thin slice of Gage 

sandstone equivalent in Minder Reef-1. 

6


MULLALOO - 1 

1005 -1294 m: Phoberocysta lowryi Zone 

1311.8 -1369 m: Kawaradinium scrutellinum Zone 

1384.5 -1784.9 m: Gagiella mutabilis Zone 



Phoberocysta lowryi Zone: SWC 1005 m (3297.21’) – SWC 1294 m (4245.35’) 

This age is based on the occurrence of P. lowryi in all samples from this interval. The 

assemblage yielded by SWC 1294 m (4245.35’) also includes : B. micropodum, C. 

magna, Gardodinium lowii, Muderongia crucis and M. testudinaria. 

Kawaradinium scrutellinum Zone: SWC 1311.8 m (4303.75’) – SWC 1369 m 

(4491.41’) 

The identification of this zone is based on the presence of K. scrutellinum, 

Senoniasphaera tabulata, G. attenuatum, G. lowii and M. crucis. 

Gagiella mutabilis Zone : SWC 1384.5 m (4542.27’) – SWC 1784.9 m (5855.90’) 

This age assignment is based on the continuous occurrence of rare to common G. 

mutabilis through the interval. G. mutabilis shows a high morphological diversity in the 

samples where it is a common component of the assemblage. 

Fusiformacysta tumida Zone : SWC 1824.8 m (5986.80’) 

This age is based on the presence of an assemblage containing T. baculata, Pentafidia 

charlottensis and P. punctata. 


The biostratigraphic breakdown interpreted for this well mirrors the ages assigned to this 

interval by Helby (1984), the F. tumida Zone excepted. However, though Helby did not 

formally recognise the zone in his report, he had noted the resemblance to F. tumida 

associations in the interval below 1824 m. 

Discrepancies exist between this study and the previous work of Ingram (1991). Firstly, 

the F. tumida Zone is placed here at SWC 1824.8 m (5986.80’) instead of SWC 1888.50 

m (4527’) and secondly, the K. scrutellinum Zone is placed here at SWC 1311.8 m 

(4303.75’) instead of SWC 1325 m (4347.06’). 

7

D. Remarks 

Based on my palynological review, I agree with Helby (1984) that it is likely that “… the 

Mullaloo-1 sequence, particularly the Gage Sandstone and the underlying upper member 

of the Parmelia Formation is more complete than in the adjacent wells.” 


1300 m: Upper Phoberocysta lowryi Zone 

1316 – 1467 m: Gagiella mutabilis Zone 


PARMELIA-1 

Based on the currently available set of palynological slides the K. scrutellinum Zone was 

not identified in this well. 


Upper Phoberocysta lowryi Zone: SWC 1300 m (4265.04’) 

The sparse assemblage yielded by this sample is assigned to the Upper P. lowryi Zone 

based on the single occurrence of both Dingodinium cerviculum (this study; slide 1, 

J18/2) and Aprobolocysta alata (specimen reported by Ingram, 1991). The presence of 

Pterospermella aureolata indicates a marine environment. 

Gagiella mutabilis Zone : SWC 1316 m (4317.53’) – SWC 1467 m (4812.93’) 

This age is based on the continuous occurrence of rare to common G. mutabilis through 

the interval. Reworking from the Parmelia Formation is indicated by a few specimens of 

Pentafidia charlottensis, sometimes found in association with G. mutabilis. 


The dominance of Pentafidia charlottensis over the microplankton assemblage is 

characteristic of the uppermost part of the Parmelia Formation (Backhouse 1988; p. 103). 

It is on this basis that a F. tumida Zone age is assigned to this sample. 


The biostratigraphic breakdown proposed for this well differs from the ages assigned to 

this interval by Western Palynoservices (1991). The sample from 1300m interpreted by 

Western Palynoservices to be ?upper K. scrutellinum Zone is here assigned to upper 

8

Phoberocysta lowryi Zone. As a result, the apparent absence of the K. scrutellinum Zone 

in this well may indicate a hiatus not identified before. Another discrepancy exists with 

the sample from 1508 m questionably assigned to the G. mutabilis Zone by Western 

Palynoservices (1991), but considered here to represent the top of the F. tumida Zone. 

D. Remarks 

The palynological re-assessment of Parmelia-1 shows that the Neocomian Unconformity 

is not located at 1669 m, as picked on dipmeter and reported in the WCR, but higher in 

the section, between 1517m (first sample with brackish/marine influence) and 1594m 

(last sample yielding fully terrestrial material). This is in agreement with Ingram (1981) 

and Western Palynoservices (1991) who both placed this unconformity at 1594m, depth 

where the last entirely continental assemblage occurs. Crostella & Backhouse (2000) 

moved this unconformity up slightly to 1593 m, in order to place it at the base of a thick 

sandy interval. 


1554 m: Kawaradinium scrutellinum Zone 

1560 - 1623.5 m: Gagiella mutabilis Zone 



PEEL-1 

Kawaradinium scrutellinum Zone: SWC 1554 m (5098.36’) 

The eponymous species was not found in this sample and the age assignment is based on 

the occurrence of Aprobolocysta galeata. 

Gagiella mutabilis Zone : DCR 1560 m (5118.05’) – SWC 1623.5 m (5324.74’) 

This age is based on the occurrence of G. mutabilis through this interval. 

Fusiformacysta tumida Zone : DCR 1710 m (5610.17’) 

This DCR sample comes from a sandstone interval and cavings from the Warnbro Group 

(i.e. Sentusidinium aptiense, Oligosphaeridium complex, G. mutabilis, P. charlottensis) 

comprise most of the assemblage. However, based on the recovery of one single 

specimen of Moorodinium peregrinum (slide 1A; EF: G29/3) assumed to be in situ, this 

sample is interpreted to be placed in the upper part of the Carnac Member (Backhouse, 

1988). 

9


The only difference between this study and the report of Western Palynoservices (1991) 

is that the top of the F. tumida Zone is moved upwards, from SWC 1751 m (5744.69’) to 

DCR 1710 m (5610.17’). 

D. Remarks 

The Neocomian Unconformity, overlying the Charlotte sandstone, has been placed at 

1625 m (5331.3’) by Crostella & Backhouse (2000), and is in agreement with this study 

which shows the existence of a hiatus between 1623.5 (5324.74’) and 1710 m (5610.17’). 


1045 m: Phoberocysta lowryi Zone 

1075m: Kawaradinium scrutellinum Zone 

1100m: Upper Gagiella mutabilis Zone 

1145m: Fusiformacysta tumida Zone 


BOUVARD-1 

Phoberocysta lowryi Zone : SWC 1045 m (3428.44‘) 

P. lowryi was not encountered in this sample. The age based on the presence of M. 

testudinaria (slide 3; O30/4) as well as the rest of this assemblage which includes: 

Muderongia crucis, Hystrichodinium compactum, O. complex, O. ?pulcherrimum and 

Senoniasphaera tabulata. 

Kawaradinium scrutellinum Zone: SWC 1075 m (3526.86’) 

The eponymous species was not found in this assemblage and the age assigned to this 

sample is based on occurrences of both Aprobolocysta galeata and Avellodinium lepidum, 

as well as the general character of the assemblage, which includes: C. magna, Canningia 

reticulata, Cribroperidinium spp., Gardodinium attenuatum, M. bulloidea, O. complex, 

Senoniasphaera ptomatis. 

Upper Gagiella mutabilis Zone : SWC 1100 m (3608.88’) 

A couple of specimens of G. mutabilis are found in this sample, together with marine 

species C. magna and S. tabulata. This is interpreted as the expression of marine 

10

influences marking the terminal part of the Gagiella mutabilis Zone, an event that has 

also been observed in Charlotte-1, Gage Roads-1 and Warnbro-1. 


This age is based on the occurrences of P. charlottensis and Moorodinium sp. 


Except for the age now assigned to the sample 1100 m (3608.88’), G. mutabilis Zone 

instead of previously ?K. scrutellinum Zone, the biostratigraphic breakdown established 

for Bouvard-1 is in agreement with the scheme produced by Western Palynoservices 

(1991). 

D. Remarks 

So far the G. mutabilis Zone was not identified in Bouvard-1. Based on this re-appraisal 

the presence of the G. mutabilis Zone in Bouvard-1 is established. 


WARNBRO-1 

1693.2 – 1825.8 m: Phoberocysta lowryi Zone 

1844 – 1939.8 m: Kawaradinium scrutellinum Zone 

1961.1 – 2137.9 m: Gagiella mutabilis Zone 



Phoberocysta lowryi Zone: SWC 1693.16 m (5555’) – SWC 1825.75 m (5990‘) 

This age assignment is based on the occurrence of P. lowryi/M. testudinaria at SWC 

1825.75 m (5990‘), Gardodinium lowii at SWC 1805.94 m (5925‘) and Aprobolocysta 

alata at 1743.5 m (5720’). The rest of the assemblage includes: Batioladinium 

micropodum, Cribroperidinium spp., Oligosphaeridium complex, Tanyosphaeridium 

isocalamum, T. variecalamus and Wallodinium krutzschii. 

Kawaradinium scrutellinum Zone: SWC 1844 m (5990’) – SWC 1939.75 m (6364‘) 

The age assigned to this sample is based on the occurrences of K. scrutellinum as well as 

Batioladinium micropodum, C. magna, Cribroperidinium spp., H. compactum, M. 

11

ulloidea, Muderongia crucis, O. complex, Senoniasphaera tabulata and Scriniodinium 

attadalense. 

Gagiella mutabilis Zone: SWC 1961.08 m (6434’) – SWC 2137.87 m (7014’) 

G. mutabilis is rare but persistent through the interval. At SWC 1961.08 m (6434’), the 

sample where G. mutabilis has its last stratigraphic occurrence, the assemblage includes 

marine species such as Cribroperidinium spp., ?Endoscrinium sp., Hystrichodinium 

compactum, Oligosphaeridium pulcherrimum and S. attadalense. This is interpreted as 

the expression of the marine influence marking the terminal part of the Gagiella 

mutabilis Zone, an event that has also been observed in Bouvard-1, Charlotte-1 and Gage 

Roads-1. Some specimens of Pentafidia sp. indicate reworking from the Parmelia 

Formation. 


This age is based on the first downhole occurrence of the eponymous species. 


The only difference between this study and the report of Western Palynoservices (1991) 

is that the top G. mutabilis Zone is placed at SWC 1961.08 m (6434’) rather than at SWC 

1966.9 m (6453’), based on the first down hole appearance of the eponymous species. 

D. Remarks 

Most of the problems encountered in the biostratigraphic correlation of Bouvard-1 and 

Warnbro-1 can be attributed to the very low palynomorph recovery from the 

palynological slides of Bouvard-1. Very sparse occurrences of key palynomorphs were 

probably overlooked overlooked in previous consulting reports (Williams & Filatoff, 

1975; Western Palynoservices, 1991) and, as a result, datings were not accurate. 

Revised ages are based on the biozonation of Morgan (1980) and Helby, Morgan & 

Partridge (1987, 2004). It is noteworthy that the exact sequence of events described by 

Morgan (1980) in the Late Aptian- Early Albian Eromanga Basin was observed in this reanalysis 

of Bouvard-1 (Canningia colliveri/Diconodinium davidii Canningia sp. A 

Morgan 1980 Canninginopsis intermedia). This adds strong evidence to the updated 

age determination, based on other marker species summarised below. 

Based on a meticulous re-examination of the slides, Formation tops in Bouvard-1 are now 

interpreted to be: 

- Top Osborne Formation: SWC 377 m (previously 590 m in Western 

Palynoservices, 1991) 

- Top Leederville Formation: SWC 471 m ( 812 m in Williams & Filatoff, 1975; 

not identified by Western Palynoservices, 1991) 

12

Campanian to Aptian biostratigraphy of Bouvard-1 and Warnbro-1 is summarised in 

tables III and IV. 

The SWC 345 m overlying the SWC 377m (Early Albian - Cenomanian) yielded a 

Campanian assemblage with important reworking from both Albo-Cenomanian and 

Turonian-Santonian intervals. This observation suggests the existence of a significant 

unconformity between 345 and 377 m in Bouvard-1, which can be correlated with the 

unconformity occurring between 778 and 794 m in Warnbro-1. 

CONCLUSIONS 

1 - The sands of the Gage Formation sandstone were originally deposited in a shallow 

marginal/nearshore (?lagoonal) environment prior to their transport and re-deposition in a 

deep turbiditic setting. 

2 - When present the uppermost G. mutabilis Zone is marked by a gentle marine 

incursion as a prelude to the marine K. scrutellinum Zone. 

3 - The distribution of G. mutabilis is not restricted to the Gage Sandstone. This species 

also occurs in the shales overlying and underlying the Gage Sandstone. 

4 - The distribution of G. mutabilis is clearly facies controlled and probably not 

completely synchronous through the entire basin. 

5 - The best timeline event appears to be the base of the marine K. scrutellinum Zone. 

6 - The occurrence of a single specimen of Sahulidinium ottii at 1478,28m (SWC/4850’; 

slide 2, EF B26/4) in Charlotte-1 suggests reworking from the Triassic (Anisian to 

Ladinian) at this level. 

CONSULTED REFERENCES 

Backhouse, J. (1987).- Microplankton zonation of the Lower Cretaceous Warnbro Group, 

Perth Basin, Western Australia. Association of Australasian Palaeontologists, Memoir 4, 

p. 205-225. 

Backhouse, J. (1988).- Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous palynology of the Perth Basin, 

western Australia. Western Australia Geological Survey, Bulletin 135, 233 p. 

Balme, B.E. (1969).- Samples from Gage Roads no. 1 Well. Palynological Report no. 312 

(unpublished). 

Crostella, A. and Backhouse, J. (2000).- Geology and Petroleum exploration of the 

central and southern Perth Basin, Western Australia. Western australia Gelogical Survey, 

Report 57, 85 p. 

13

Helby, R. (1984).- Palynological analysis of Mullaloo-1, Vlaming Basin. Esso Australia 

Ltd, Palaeontological Report 1984/23 (unpublished). 

Helby, R. (1984).- Palynological analysis of Minder Reef-1, Vlaming Basin. Esso 

Australia Ltd, Palaeontological Report 1984/26 (unpublished). 

Helby, R., Morgan, R. and Partridge, A.D. (1987).- A palynological zonation of the 

Australian Mesozoic. Association of Australasian Palaeontologists, Memoir 4, p. 1-94. 

Helby, R., Morgan, R. and Partridge, A.D. (2004).- Updated Jurassic – Early Cretaceous 

dinocyst zonation NWS Australia. Geoscience Australia publication ISBN 1 920871 01 

2. 

Ingram, B.S. (1981).- Palynological report on WAPET’s Parmelia no. 1 well. Western 

Palynoservices (unpublished). 

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Morgan, R. (1980).- Palynostratigraphy of the Australian Early and Middle Cretaceous. 

New South Wales Geological Survey Paleontological Memoir, 18, 153 p. 

Ott, H.L. (1969).- A preliminary Palynological Report, Gage Roads no. 1. Report for 

West Australian Petroleum pty Ltd. 

Williams, A.J. (1978).- Palynological report, Peel no. 1. Report for West Australian 

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Williams, A.J. (?1978).- Palynological report, Charlotte no. 1. Report for West Australian 


Williams, A.J. (?1978).- Palynological report, Warnbro no. 1. Report for West Australian 


Williams, A.J. (?1978).- Palynological report, WAPET Gage roads no. 2. Report for 

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Williams, A.J. and Filatoff, J. (1975).- Palynological report, Bouvard no. 1. Report for 

West Australian Petroleum pty. Ltd. (unpublished). 

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Biostratigraphic re-appraisal of nine wells from the ... - CO2CRC

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