Breadcrumb

2.1-2.2 Data analysis for the Gloucester subregion

Executive summary

View of the Gloucester valley NSW with the Barrington River and associated riparian vegetation in the foreground and the township Gloucester in the distance looking south from the Kia Ora Lookout, 2013 Credit: Heinz Buettikofer, CSIRO

The observations analysis, statistical analysis and interpolation product for the Gloucester subregion in the Northern Sydney Basin bioregion in New South Wales describes the information necessary to better understand and model the areas where coal resource development is possible. This provides a quantitative understanding of the Gloucester subregion by analysing the observed data and, where required, estimating additional data for locations where data are sparse.

The product presents the following datasets and analyses:

  • geography: all geographic data specific to the Gloucester subregion were obtained from state or national datasets.
  • geology: the geological model of the Gloucester Basin is an interpretation of underground geometries and lithologies. The interpretation is based on wells, outcrop and geophysical data. Geophysical data (mostly seismic reflection data) were used to extrapolate the data calibrated at the wells and to define a basin-scale fault population. The subregion's geological datasets have poor spatial coverage.
  • hydrogeology and groundwater quality: the geological Gloucester Basin, which underlies the Gloucester subregion, is a closed hydrogeological system. It contains two main aquifers: an alluvial aquifer and an aquifer hosted by a weathered bedrock profile occurring within 150 metres below ground level.
  • surface water hydrology and water quality: the subregion contains six streamflow gauges processing daily streamflow data. The amount of missing data for each gauge was less than 4%.
  • surface water – groundwater interactions: there are no direct measurements of surface water – groundwater interactions in the subregion. Estimates are made using observed stream and aquifer water levels and quality.

This product includes an assessment of data errors and uncertainties; the spatial and temporal resolution of observations over space and time; and algorithms used in the development of derived datasets. Data gaps are identified.

In addition, this product summarises water management for coal resource developments, required for numerical modelling of surface water and groundwater.

Relationship to other products

This product on observations analysis, statistical analysis and interpolation is part of a series of model-data analysis products (Component 2), which describe the hydrological relationships between coal resource development and potentially impacted water resources and water-dependent assets in the subregion. This product informs impact and risk analysis (Component 3 and 4) products on the risks to and potential impacts on water resources and water-dependent assets, such as bores and habitats.

Last updated:
14 June 2018
Thumbnail of the Gloucester subregion
PRODUCT FINALISATION DATE
2018