The Nullarbor in South Australia is a strange, geological marvel. In the 1970s, survey planes detected mysterious magnetic signals emanating from beneath the barren plains.

Stretching across the south-western corner of South Australia, this vast expanse where the Earth’s magnetic field is unexpectedly weak became known as the Coompana Anomaly. The Coompana Anomaly has intrigued geologists for decades, sparking speculation on the source of these unique signals.

One explanation for this phenomena may be that the rock was actually formed in the Northern Hemisphere and moved south on its tectonic travels.

Another explanation suggests the rock formed at a time when the Earth’s magnetic poles were reversed.

A third theory suggests its strange crater-like shape could be the result of an ancient meteorite impact. An interesting hypothesis considering this region is a favourite fossicking ground for meteorite hunters searching for more recent falls.

What these magnetic signals do suggest is the existence of a deep body of unusual magnetisation beneath the surface limestone and sand.

But why would these rocks emit different magnetic signals from the surroundings?

Remanent magnetism

Remember the iron filings and magnet experiment at school? Well, just like those traces of iron filings lining up along the magnetic field coming from the magnet, iron particles within rocks are similarly affected by the Earth’s magnetic field.

When new igneous rock forms and cools, iron particle within the rock lock in the magnetic field present when it was first formed. This magnetic record is called remanent magnetism.

The Coompana Anomaly, one the largest remanent magnetic anomalies in the world, is due to the remanent magnetism of the deep igneous basement rock, which was formed at a different time to the surrounding rock.

Magnetic ‘pimples’

Further investigating the phenomenon, the South Australian Geological Survey recently completed a more detailed airborne survey of the area using remote sensing from a magnetometer just 80 metres above ground level on lines only 200 metres apart.

Our scientists have been working closely with the South Australian Geological Survey to analyse these results and have revealed intriguing new details about magnetic signals just beneath the surface.

Small ‘pimples’ of anomalous magnetic signals were detected in shallow rock-structures dotted throughout the region surrounding the larger Coompana Anomaly.

Some researchers speculate these pimples may be the result of ancient paleo rivers or sinkholes which carved through the limestone surface and trapped magnetic grains washed or blown over the limestone surface.

Unlike the larger Coompana Anomaly which lies well over 200 metres below the surface, the magnetic sources for these anomalous pimples are just beneath the surface. There could be other heavy minerals associated with the magnetic grains causing these pimples, including commodities such as rare earth metals.

What we are learning from the magnetic data is only part of the story. We are continuing our partnership with the South Australian Geological Survey to understand the geological make-up and value of the region from convergent data sources, such a drill core analysis and other remote sensing technologies.

The Nullarbor area is a prospective site for copper, nickel and gold, yet the thick limestone cap hides surface features which could suggest what mineral riches may lie beneath.

This includes ongoing work with the Geological Survey of South Australia sampling vegetation for traces of minerals which may indicate the presence of prospective ore bodies below. We are also about to embark on a major soil sampling project to see if we can detect deep seated mineralisation through thick sedimentary cover.

This work was supported by the South Australian Government as part of the PACE Copper initiative for the state’s geological survey. This research also demonstrates our continuing contribution to the UNCOVER initiative, a collaboration of government, research institutes, universities and industry focused on finding and extracting the hidden wealth that lies beneath the top surface regolith.

Read more about exploration through cover.