Geochemical data from oils, condensates and gases have been used to characterise the hydrocarbon families in the Bonaparte Basin and to correlate them with likely source rocks. These studies have identified two Palaeozoic and seven Mesozoic oil families in the Bonaparte and Browse basins.

Based on these oil families and the distribution of hydrocarbon shows, source rock data and geohistory modelling, seven Petroleum Systems have been formally defined and mapped within the Bonaparte Basin.

Jurassic Systems

• Vulcan-Plover (!) Petroleum System, Vulcan Sub-basin
• Elang-Elang (!) Petroleum System, Sahul Syncline and Flamingo High
• Plover-Plover (.) Petroleum System, Malita Graben and Sahul Platform

Permian System

• Hyland Bay-Hyland Bay (?) Petroleum System, Kelp High
• Permian-Hyland Bay (?) Petroleum System, Londonderry High
• Hyland Bay/Keyling-Hyland Bay (.) Petroleum System, Central Petrel Sub-basin

Permo-Carboniferous

• Milligans-Kuriyippi/Milligans (!) Petroleum System

Download full details of the Bonaparte Basin petroleum systems in poster-like displays.