The Newly Described Neoproterozoic Aralka Formation Petroleum System boosts Petroleum Prospectively in the Amadeus Basin

Abstract

New conclusions that the previously neglected Sturtian (Cryogenian ~ 660 ma) Aralka Formation petroleum system contains the highest retained organic carbon contents of the source rock in the Neoproterozoic sequence of the Amadeus Basin, and is oil-gas mature over an area of about 90,000 km sq, both provide a boost to the prospectivity of the basin. A potential sandstone reservoir target with regional implications unrelated to the Aralka Petroleum System has also been identified in the Neoproterozoic uppermost Bitter Springs Formation.