Toolebuc Formation Research Articles

Haliskia peterseni, a new anhanguerian pterosaur from the late Early Cretaceous of Australia

Pterosaur remains have been reported from every continent; however, pterosaur skeletons remain rare. A new pterosaur is presented here, Haliskia peterseni gen. et sp. nov., constituting the most complete specimen from Australia from the upper Albian Toolebuc Formation of the Eromanga Basin (Queensland, Australia). A combination of features, including the presence of a premaxillary crest and curved teeth, and the morphology of the scapulocoracoid, support its referral to Anhangueria. Haliskia can be distinguished from all other anhanguerian pterosaurs based on two dental characters: the 4th and 5th tooth pairs are smaller than the 3rd and 6th, and the 2nd and 5th alveoli are smaller than 3–4 and 6–8. Moreover, the hyoid is 70% the total length of the mandible. The phylogenetic analyses presented here place Haliskia within Anhangueria. In one analysis, Haliskia and Ferrodraco are resolved as sister taxa, with Tropeognathus mesembrinus sister to that clade. The other resolves Haliskia, Mythunga and Ferrodraco in a polytomy within Tropeognathinae. The new Australian pterosaur attests to the success of Anhangueria during the latest Early Cretaceous and suggests that the Australian forms were more taxonomically diverse and palaeobiogeographically complex than previously recognized.

Plant-soil relations of selenium, molybdenum and vanadium in the Richmond District of Central Queensland, Australia

Abstract Background and aims The Richmond District of Queensland (Australia) hosts seleniferous soils and is the habitat of selenium (Se) hyperaccumulator plants. These soils are also naturally enriched in vanadium (V) and molybdenum (Mo). This study aimed to survey soils and plants of the Richmond area with a focus on the Se hyperaccumulator Neptunia amplexicaulis. Methods Field collection of plant specimens and soils from the seleniferous outcrops of the Richmond District (including the Julia Creek area) was undertaken and the samples were analyzed for Se, V, Mo and other elements. Results The results show that three modes of Se accumulation can be observed with most plant species having from ~10 μg Se g−1 up to 70 μg Se g−1 in shoots, some having between 75 and 250 μg Se g−1 in shoots while both N. amplexicaulis and Acacia tephrina contained 450–700 μg Se g−1 in their shoots. There was high Se accumulation in the phyllode tips of A. tephrina. Previously unrecorded populations of N. amplexicaulis were discovered near Julia Creek. Selenium concentrations in soil are lower than historically reported from similar localities (up to 23.2 mg Se kg−1). Molybdenum concentrations between 213 and 329 μg Mo g−1 occurred in the two Se hyperaccumulators N. amplexicaulis and A. tephrina, whilst Salsola australis had the highest accumulation of V (31–66 μg V g−1). Conclusions The results suggest that the Toolebuc Formation is the source of Se in the region, but temporal variability alters how much Se is bioavailable to plants. The presence of high Mo in plant tissues is linked to Se hyperaccumulation, and V accumulation appears to have little impact on plant ecology.

Origin and nature of pores in the Toolebuc Formation, a potential unconventional target in Australia

The Toolebuc Formation of Australia, a potential unconventional hydrocarbon resource, has limited studies on its pore structure and sorption characteristics. In this study, shale samples covering the lower mixed argillaceous mudstone (MAM) lithofacies, the middle interbedded calcareous mudstone and shelly thin beds (CM-STB) lithofacies, and the upper interbedded calcareous mudstone and shelly horizons (CM-SH) lithofacies of the Toolebuc Formation were collected. These samples were analysed for pore structure using a combination of scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, helium pycnometry, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and N2 physisorption techniques. Additionally, methane sorption isotherms were measured under in-situ conditions. The results reveal that most pores are mineral-related intraparticle (intraP) and interparticle pores, with slit, equant and elongated shapes. Organic matter (OM) pores are rare. Porosity, total pore volume and BET specific surface area (SSA) are 3.25–8.26%, 1.32–3.55 cm3/100 g, and 1.26–9.65 m2/g, respectively. Pore volume is dominated by mesopores and macropores while specific surface area is dominated by fine mesopores and micropores. The porosity of the organic matter is significantly low due to the rarity of OM pores in the stage of early oil-window thermal maturity; organic matter consequently occludes pore space and also negatively impacts the average porosity. Clay by contrast is positively correlated to the average porosity. Carbonate provides intraP pores in fecal pellets, but also fills in other pore spaces as occlusion. Methane isotherms exhibit linear shapes, suggesting that a portion of the gas is stored in solution. The lower MAM lithofacies, characterised by rich clay, high porosity and BET SSA, was measured to have an in-situ methane sorption capacity of 4.32 cm3/g; the middle CM-STB lithofacies has intermediate porosity, but exhibits excellent gas generation potential and high in-situ methane sorption capacity (4.12–5.5 cm3/g). Within the CM-STB lithofacies, porosity declines with depth. The upper CM-SH lithofacies is carbonate-rich, exhibiting the lowest porosity and in-situ methane sorption capacity (2.56 cm3/g), but may act as an intraformational seal. The combination and vertical stacking pattern of the three lithofacies provided a favourable setting for gas storage.

A second specimen of the pterosaur Thapunngaka shawi from the Lower Cretaceous (upper Albian) Toolebuc Formation of North West Queensland, Australia

Herein, we describe a second specimen of Thapunngaka shawi, a large pterosaur from the Lower Cretaceous (upper Albian) Toolebuc Formation of North West Queensland, Australia. The new specimen (KKF600) consists of the anteriormost portion of an incomplete maxillary rostrum embedded in matrix and a caudal fragment preserving a left portion of the maxillary rostrum. KKF600 shares with the holotype (KKF494) near identical features pertaining to alveolar morphology and patterning, and complementary similarities between the palatal and dentary occlusal surfaces, respectively. Subsequently, we present a revised diagnosis of Thapunngaka shawi. A phylogenetic analysis recovers a clade formed by the genera Thapunngaka, Ferrodraco and Mythunga. The recognition of this pterosaur clade, Mythungini, points to a possible East Gondwanan radiation within Tropeognathinae.

Reservoir lithofacies study of the Toolebuc Formation, Eromanga Basin, Australia as a potential unconventional target

Open file data and new laboratory data were integrated with different lithofacies from gamma-ray (GR) response and core to interpret reservoir properties that would lead to a hydrocarbon potential targeting model for the Toolebuc Formation (Fm). The Toolebuc Fm is divided into an upward deepening cycle (UDC) followed by an upward shallowing cycle (USC), in which silica-rich argillaceous mudstone (Facies 1), mixed argillaceous mudstone (Facies 2) and interbedded calcareous mudstone and shelly thin beds/horizons (Facies 3) occur. Facies 1 is enriched in clay and silica component with relatively low Total Organic Carbon (TOC). Facies 2 has a mixed mineralogical composition with high TOC. Facies 3 is enriched in carbonates (coccoliths and shelly debris). The TOC value is high and shows large variation. The organic matter (OM) in the Toolebuc Fm corresponds to Type II kerogen and exhibits variability in maturity indicators but has arguably entered the early oil window. The dominant pore types of the Toolebuc Fm are intraparticle mineral pores and interparticle mineral pores while OM pores are rare. Samples collected from the basin centre show evidence of hydrocarbon generation.Vertically, the three lithofacies show a cyclic stacking pattern that corresponds to deepening and shallowing in a marine environment. Facies 1 is the transitional interval between the Toolebuc Fm and its adjacent units, the Wallumbilla Fm below and the Allaru Fm above. Facies 2 dominates the upward deepening cycle while Facies 3 dominates the upward shallowing cycle. The stacking of lithofacies corresponds to an upward increase and a following decrease in GR response, TOC, Brittleness Index (BI), and an upward decrease and a following increase in clay content.Facies 3 in the Toolebuc Fm shows the greatest unconventional potential due to the coincidence of the high TOC and BI. Facies 2 shows moderate potential with the high TOC and moderate BI, while Facies 1 is less favourable with the lower TOC and low BI. The target zone is located at the basin centre due to the higher thermal maturity relative to the marginal areas.

New anhanguerian pterosaur remains from the Lower Cretaceous of Queensland, Australia

The Australian pterosaur assemblage currently consists of specimens recovered only from Cretaceous strata, with most of these referred to the clade Anhangueria. The majority of Australia’s pterosaur remains have been discovered in the Eromanga Basin of Queensland, specifically the upper Albian Toolebuc Formation, upper Albian Mackunda Formation, and Cenomanian–lowermost Turonian Winton Formation. In this paper, we describe two new partial pterosaur femora from the Toolebuc and Winton formations. Despite being incomplete, these specimens can be assigned to Anhangueria. Pairwise comparisons demonstrate differences in the deflection of the femoral head. Moreover, a subtle ridge on the posterior surface of the Toolebuc Formation femur is not visible on the specimen from the Winton Formation. The greater trochanter of the Winton Formation femur also preserves a potential bite mark that is tentatively attributed to a crocodylomorph. These new pterosaur fossils supplement the currently limited understanding of pterosaur diversity from Australia, and attest to the cosmopolitan distribution of anhanguerians during the Early to mid-Cretaceous. Adele H. Pentland# [pentlandadele@gmail.com], Stephen F. Poropat# [stephenfporopat@gmail.com], Matt A. White† [fossilised@hotmail.com], and Samantha L. Rigby# [samantha.rigby@hotmail.com], Australian Age of Dinosaurs Natural History Museum, The Jump-Up, Winton, Queensland 4735, Australia; Patricia Vickers-Rich* [prich@swin.edu.au], Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, John St, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122, Australia; Thomas H. Rich [trich@museum.vic.gov.au], Museums Victoria, PO Box 666, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia; David A. Elliott [david.elliott@aaod.com.au], Australian Age of Dinosaurs Natural History Museum, The Jump-Up, Winton, Queensland 4735, Australia. # Also affiliated with: School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology, John St, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122, Australia. *School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia. †Palaeoscience Research Centre, University of New England, Armidale 2351, New South Wales, Australia.

New Ankylosaurian Cranial Remains From the Lower Cretaceous (Upper Albian) Toolebuc Formation of Queensland, Australia

Australian dinosaur research has undergone a renaissance in the last 10 years, with growing knowledge of mid-Cretaceous assemblages revealing an endemic high-paleolatitude Gondwanan fauna. One of its most conspicuous members is ankylosaurs, which are rare but nonetheless occur in most Australian dinosaur-bearing formations spanning the uppermost Barremian to lower Cenomanian. Here we describe a partial ankylosaur skull from the marine Toolebuc Formation exposed near Boulia in western Queensland, Australia. This skull represents the oldest ankylosaurian material from Queensland, predating the holotype of Kunbarrasaurus ieversi, which was found in the overlying Allaru Mudstone. The ankylosaur skull is encased in a limestone concretion with the maxillary tooth rows preserved only as impressions. Synchrotron radiation X-ray tomography was used to non-destructively image and reconstruct the specimen in 3D and facilitate virtual preparation of the separate cranial bones. The reconstruction of the skull revealed the vomer, palatines, sections of the ectopterygoids and maxillae, and multiple teeth. The palate has posteriorly positioned choanae that differs from the more anterior placement seen in most other ankylosaurians, but which is shared with K. ieversi, Akainacephalus johnsoni, Cedarpelta bilbeyhallorum, Gobisaurus domoculus, and Panoplosaurus mirus. Phylogenetic analyses place the new cranial material within the recently named basal ankylosaurian clade Parankylosauria together with K. ieversi. This result, together with the anatomical similarities to the holotype of K. ieversi, permits its referral to cf. Kunbarrasaurus sp. This specimen elucidates the palatal anatomy of Australian ankylosaurs and highlights one of the most ubiquitous components of Australian mid-Cretaceous dinosaur faunas.

Reservoir Lithofacies Study of the Toolebuc Formation, Eromanga Basin, Australia as an Unconventional Target

Reservoir Lithofacies Study of the Toolebuc Formation, Eromanga Basin, Australia as an Unconventional Target

The osteology of Ferrodraco lentoni, an anhanguerid pterosaur from the mid-Cretaceous of Australia

ABSTRACT Ferrodraco lentoni, an anhanguerid from the Upper Cretaceous Winton Formation of northeast Australia, is the most complete Australian pterosaur described to date, represented by a partial cranium, incomplete cervical series and wing elements. Herein we present a comprehensive osteological description of Ferrodraco, as well as an emended diagnosis for this taxon. In addition, we compare Ferrodraco with other isolated pterosaur remains from Australian Cretaceous deposits. Subtle, yet salient, differences indicate that at least three of these specimens, all derived from the upper Albian Toolebuc Formation, are distinct from Ferrodraco. However, we are uncertain whether these specimens are attributable to Mythunga camara, Aussiedraco molnari, Thapunngaka shawi, or an as yet un-named taxon. Detailed description of the postcranial material of Ferrodraco also provides an opportunity to reassess its phylogenetic position. In one analysis, Ferrodraco and Mythunga are resolved as sister taxa within Tropeognathinae, whereas in another, Ferrodraco, Mythunga, and Tropeognathus form a polytomy within Coloborhynchinae. Either way, these slight differences notwithstanding, a close relationship between Ferrodraco and Mythunga is evident, supporting the interpretation that they form a clade. By contrast, Aussiedraco molnari is resolved as a member of Targaryendraconia, a clade with a cosmopolitan distribution. The presence of several anhanguerian taxa or lineages in the late Early and early Late Cretaceous of northeast Australia is suggestive of even greater diversity in the Australian pterosaur fauna.

A new species of crested pterosaur (Pterodactyloidea, Anhangueridae) from the Lower Cretaceous (upper Albian) of Richmond, North West Queensland, Australia

ABSTRACT Pterosaur fossils from Australia are exceptionally rare. Since the discovery of the continent’s first pterosaur some 40 years ago, fewer than 20 specimens have been described. The Lower Cretaceous (upper Albian) Toolebuc Formation of North West Queensland is the most productive horizon for Australian pterosaurs. Herein, we describe a new species of pterosaur, Thapunngaka shawi gen. et sp. nov., from the Toolebuc Formation, near Richmond, North West Queensland. The specimen (KKF494) comprises the rostral portion of a crested mandible and represents the largest pterosaur yet described from Australia. The new species presents features that indicate an affinity with Anhangueridae, which is consistent with their reported cosmopolitan distribution during this period. Thapunngaka shawi can be distinguished from other anhanguerids through the possession of a mandible with a smooth dorsal surface medially and uniquely sized alveoli that are positioned laterally along the jaw. Phylogenetic analysis reveals a close relationship among all Australian anhanguerids and points to an endemic Australian radiation within Anhangueridae. Thapunngaka shawi has the largest mandibular crest of any anhanguerian worldwide, and provides further evidence for the existence of an increasingly diverse range of large crested pterosaurs in the Australian part of eastern Gondwana during the Cretaceous.

Ferrodraco lentoni gen. et sp. nov., a new ornithocheirid pterosaur from the Winton Formation (Cenomanian\u2013lower Turonian) of Queensland, Australia

The Australian pterosaur record is poor by world standards, comprising fewer than 20 fragmentary specimens. Herein, we describe the new genus and species Ferrodraco lentoni gen. et sp. nov., based on the most complete pterosaur specimen ever found in Australia, and the first reported from the Winton Formation (Cenomanian–lower Turonian). The presence of premaxillary and mandibular crests, and spike-shaped teeth with subcircular bases, enable Ferrodraco to be referred to Anhangueria. Ferrodraco can be distinguished from all other anhanguerian pterosaurs based on two dental characters: the first premaxillary and mandibular tooth pairs are small; and the fourth–seventh tooth pairs are smaller than the third and eighth ones. Ferrodraco was included in a phylogenetic analysis of Pterosauria and resolved as the sister taxon to Mythunga camara (upper Albian Toolebuc Formation, Australia), with that clade occupying the most derived position within Ornithocheiridae. Ornithocheirus simus (Albian Cambridge Greensand, England), Coloborhynchus clavirostris (Valanginian Hastings Sands, England), and Tropeognathus mesembrinus (upper Aptian–lower Albian Romualdo Formation, Brazil) were resolved as successive sister taxa, which suggests that ornithocheirids were cosmopolitan during the Albian–Cenomanian. Furthermore, the stratigraphic age of Ferrodraco lentoni (Cenomanian–lower Turonian) implies that anhanguerians might have survived later in Australia than elsewhere.

Revision of Dugaldia emmilta (Teleostei, Ichthyodectiformes) from the Toolebuc Formation, Albian of Australia, with comments on the jaw mechanics

ABSTRACTDugaldia emmilta is a teleostean fish found in the late Albian Toolebuc Formation in Queensland, Australia. In the original description, D. emmilta was attributed to the Neoteleostei because of the presence of a tripartite occipital condyle, and the species was postulated to have a basal position among neoteleosteans because of the presence of several plesiomorphic characters. A reexamination of the holotype, together with the description of two new specimens, indicates that D. emmilta is an ichthyodectiform fish. A phylogenetic analysis resolves this species as the sister to Ogunichthys + Ichthyodectoidei. This species shows unusual features for an ichthyodectiform, in particular the shape of the mandible and the arrangement of the teeth on the lower jaw. Jaw mechanics in ichthyodectiforms are peculiar because they allow a significant lateral enlargement. In Dugaldia, a similar disposition is present but is exaggerated by specific features of the maxilla and the mandible. Comparisons with the sarcastic fringehead (Neoclinus blanchardi), a living blenny that shows a ‘gaping display,’ reveal that Dugaldia was likely able to exhibit extreme lateral mouth enlargement.

Reappraisal of Mythunga camara Molnar & Thulborn, 2007 (Pterosauria, Pterodactyloidea, Anhangueria) from the upper Albian Toolebuc Formation of Queensland, Australia

Mythunga camara, the most complete pterosaur described from Australia, derives from the Lower Cretaceous (Albian) Toolebuc Formation of central Queensland, Australia. Although it was originally described as an archaeopterodactyloid, more recently Mythunga has been designated as an indeterminate anhanguerid or ornithocheiroid. The holotype specimen is a partial skull, comprising a fragment of the premaxilla, incomplete maxillae and dentaries, and an isolated cranial element preserved in matrix within the nasoantorbital fenestra. Reassessment of the holotype specimen has revealed several new features, which enable a re-evaluation of the phylogenetic position of this taxon. Primary among these observations is that the anteriormost preserved teeth are, in fact, the root of a maxillary tooth and its replacement, rather than a pair of contralateral teeth; thus, they do not represent the anteriormost tooth pair as previously proposed. Redescription of the holotype specimen has also resulted in the identification of several previously unrecognised features, including several nutrient foramina on the maxilla and mandible and shallow channels on the maxilla. Furthermore, the bone lodged within the nasoantorbital fenestra is identified herein as the right splenial. Following the redescription and reinterpretation of the holotype specimen, the phylogenetic position of Mythunga camara was assessed. Although this analysis placed Mythunga within the Anhangueria, most of this clade was reduced to a polytomy; only the clades representing Anhanguera and Boreopterinae + Guidraco were resolved. The classification of Mythunga within Anhangueria indicates that this clade was widespread, and perhaps achieved a global distribution by the late Early Cretaceous.

The mandible of Kronosaurus queenslandicus Longman, 1924 (Pliosauridae, Brachaucheniinae), from the Lower Cretaceous of northwest Queensland, Australia

ABSTRACTThe complete mandible of the brachauchenine thalassophonean pliosaurid Kronosaurus queenslandicus Longman, 1924, is described for the first time from specimen KK F0630, discovered from the late Albian Allaru Mudstone, Rolling Downs Group, near Julia Creek, northwest Queensland. Previously undescribed anatomy results in several new features used to diagnose the taxon, including a mandibular symphysis exhibiting lateral embayments to accommodate overhanging premaxillary fangs and severe postsymphysis dentary constriction carrying embayments to accommodate large overhanging maxillary fangs. The presence of these embayments in specific areas on the lateral surface of the dentary and medial surface of the coronoid is a reflection of strongly developed anisodont dentition. The extension of a ventral dentary lamina posterior to a dorsal dentary lamina on the posterior margin of the dentary may represent a new character differentiating K. queenslandicus from K. boyacensis. Several differences are present between the mandible of KK F0630 and a previous composite reconstruction of the mandible of K. queenslandicus. The presence of six and a half pairs of functional alveoli within the mandibular symphysis in KK F0630 refutes prior research suggesting that K. queenslandicus bore three to four pairs of functional alveoli within the mandibular symphysis. A pathology exhibiting elongate grooves on the ventral surface of the right dentary is interpreted as a healed injury inflicted from the bite of a cretoxyrhinid lamniform shark. The discovery of KK F0630 further supports the notion that the late Albian Toolebuc Formation and Allaru Mudstone share similar fossil faunas.

Geochemical characteristics and possible origin of shale gas in the Toolebuc Formation in the northeastern part of the Eromanga Basin, Australia

The geochemical features of shale rocks and shale gas samples, which were collected from six wells in the northeastern part of the Eromanga Basin, were analyzed in detail. The results show that these shale rocks are enriched in thermally immature Type II organic matter and shale gases are dominated by CH4 (65%–83%) with minor C2H6 and C3H8. Their δ13CCH4 (−53.9‰ to −51.1‰) and δDC1 (−236‰ to −205‰) values indicate that the shale gas samples represent a mixture of thermogenic and biogenic gases. This inference is also supported by the fact that the actual measured δ13CCH4 values are significantly lighter than the theoretical δ13CCH4 values (−47.31‰ to −45.57‰). Biogenic methane is the primary biogenic gas, which is generated by CO2 reduction. Secondary biogenic gas has been ruled out due to the presence of non-biodegraded saturated hydrocarbons in the core extracts from shale rocks and the fact that their δ13CCO2 values are lighter than 2‰. According to our estimation, the proportions of primary biogenic and early thermogenic methane range from 22.2% to 31.4% and 68.6% to 77.8%, respectively. Therefore, the shale gas studied here is dominated by early thermogenic gas with the mixing of a small portion of biogenic gas. The relatively stable tectonic setting and good sealing capacity of the shale system likely play key roles in controlling the preservation of shale gas in the Toolebuc Formation in the study area.

Reappraisal of Austrosaurus mckillopi Longman, 1933 from the Allaru Mudstone of Queensland, Australia’s first named Cretaceous sauropod dinosaur

Poropat, S.F., Nair, J.P., Syme, C.E., Mannion, P.D., Upchurch, P., Hocknull, S.A., Cook, A.G., Tischler, T.R. & Holland, T. XX.XXXX. 2017. Reappraisal of Austrosaurus mckillopi Longman, 1933 from the Allaru Mudstone of Queensland, Australia’s first named Cretaceous sauropod dinosaur. Alcheringa 41, 543–580. ISSN 0311-5518Austrosaurus mckillopi was the first Cretaceous sauropod reported from Australia, and the first Cretaceous dinosaur reported from Queensland (northeast Australia). This sauropod taxon was established on the basis of several fragmentary presacral vertebrae (QM F2316) derived from the uppermost Lower Cretaceous (upper Albian) Allaru Mudstone, at a locality situated 77 km west-northwest of Richmond, Queensland. Prior to its rediscovery in 2014, the type site was considered lost after failed attempts to relocate it in the 1970s. Excavations at the site in 2014 and 2015 led to the recovery of several partial dorsal ribs and fragments of presacral vertebrae, all of which clearly pertained to a single sauropod dinosaur. The discovery of new material of the type individual of Austrosaurus mckillopi, in tandem with a reassessment of the material collected in the 1930s, has facilitated the rearticulation of the specimen. The resultant vertebral series comprises six presacral vertebrae—the posteriormost cervical and five anteriormost dorsals—in association with five left dorsal ribs and one right one. The fragmentary nature of the type specimen has historically hindered assessments of the phylogenetic affinities of Austrosaurus, as has the fact that these evaluations were often based on a subset of the type material. The reappraisal of the type series of Austrosaurus presented herein, on the basis of both external morphology and internal morphology visualized through CT data, validates it as a diagnostic titanosauriform taxon, tentatively placed in Somphospondyli, and characterized by the possession of an accessory lateral pneumatic foramen on dorsal vertebra I (a feature that appears to be autapomorphic) and by the presence of a robust ventral mid-line ridge on the centra of dorsal vertebrae I and II. The interpretation of the anteriormost preserved vertebra in Austrosaurus as a posterior cervical has also prompted the re-evaluation of an isolated, partial, posterior cervical vertebra (QM F6142, the ‘Hughenden sauropod’) from the upper Albian Toolebuc Formation (which underlies the Allaru Mudstone). Although this vertebra preserves an apparent unique character of its own (a spinopostzygapophyseal lamina fossa), it is not able to be referred unequivocally to Austrosaurus and is retained as Titanosauriformes indet. Austrosaurus mckillopi is one of the oldest known sauropods from the Australian Cretaceous based on skeletal remains and potentially provides phylogenetic and/or palaeobiogeographic context for later taxa such as Wintonotitan wattsi, Diamantinasaurus matildae and Savannasaurus elliottorum.Stephen F. Poropat* [sporopat@swin.edu.au; stephenfporopat@gmail.com] Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Swinburne University of Technology, John St, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122, Australia; Jay P. Nair [j.nair@uq.edu.au; jayraptor@gmail.com] School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia; Caitlin E. Syme [caitlin.syme@uqconnect.edu.au] School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia; Philip D. Mannion [philipdmannion@gmail.com] Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK; Paul Upchurch [p.upchurch@ucl.ac.uk] Department of Earth Sciences, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK; Scott A. Hocknull [scott.hocknull@qm.qld.gov.au] Geosciences, Queensland Museum, 122 Gerler Rd, Hendra, Queensland 4011, Australia; Alex G. Cook [alex.cook@y7mail.com] School of Earth Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia; Travis R. Tischler [travisr.tischler@outlook.com] Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History, Lot 1 Dinosaur Drive, PO Box 408, Winton, Queensland 4735, Australia; Timothy Holland [drtimothyholland@gmail.com] Kronosaurus Korner, 91 Goldring St, Richmond, Queensland 4822, Australia. *Also affiliated with: Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History, Lot 1 Dinosaur Drive, PO Box 408, Winton, Queensland 4735, Australia.

Isolated teeth of Anhangueria (Pterosauria: Pterodactyloidea) from the Lower Cretaceous of Lightning Ridge, New South Wales, Australia.

The fossil record of Australian pterosaurs is sparse, consisting of only a small number of isolated and fragmentary remains from the Cretaceous of Queensland, Western Australia and Victoria. Here, we describe two isolated pterosaur teeth from the Lower Cretaceous (middle Albian) Griman Creek Formation at Lightning Ridge (New South Wales) and identify them as indeterminate members of the pterodactyloid clade Anhangueria. This represents the first formal description of pterosaur material from New South Wales. The presence of one or more anhanguerian pterosaurs at Lightning Ridge correlates with the presence of ‘ornithocheirid’ and Anhanguera-like pterosaurs from the contemporaneous Toolebuc Formation of central Queensland and the global distribution attained by ornithocheiroids during the Early Cretaceous. The morphology of the teeth and their presence in the estuarine- and lacustrine-influenced Griman Creek Formation is likely indicative of similar life habits of the tooth bearer to other members of Anhangueria.

Simultaneous quantitative analysis of Ni, VO, Cu, Zn and Mn geoporphyrins by liquid chromatography-high resolution multistage mass spectrometry: Method development and validation

A method is described for the identification and quantification of Cu, Ni, VO, Zn and Mn metalloporphyrins in geological samples using a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system coupled to a high resolution Thermo Orbitrap XL mass spectrometer (MS). The linear correlation of the detector response to the compound concentrations in Cu, Ni, VO, Zn and Mn porphyrin standards (R2 values between 0.9975 and 0.9994), verified the suitability of the methodology for the quantification of these compounds. Furthermore, the method was validated by the analysis of complex porphyrin distributions in geological sample isolates from the Australian Toolebuc Formation and Bight Basin. By using the high resolution of the Orbitrap MS detector it was not only possible to reproduce the porphyrin distributions reported from previous analyses of the same isolates, but also to identify and resolve a range of additional compounds such as an iso-butyl C34 VO porphyrin indicative of palaeoenvironmental photic zone euxinia and several Cu and Zn porphyrins. The methodology described here provides a new high resolution tool for routine analysis of complex metalloporphyrin distributions in geological sample extracts, enabling the simultaneous quantitative analysis of Cu, Ni, VO, Zn and Mn porphyrins without the need of prior de-metalation or further fractionation of the porphyrin extract. The high resolution of the Orbitrap MS combined with the ability to perform multistage mass spectrometry leads to a significant improvement in compound detection and identification, which shows a high potential in the analysis of low abundance porphyrins, such as high-molecular-weight porphyrins with extended alkyl side-chains.

1D depth burial history and thermal maturity modelling of the Toolebuc Formation, Queensland

The Toolebuc Formation in the Eromanga and Carpentaria basins in western Queensland shares many characteristics with successful tight oil plays in the US. A study by the Geological Survey of Queensland has examined key parameters for this formation, including depth, thickness, lithology, mineralogy, maturity (both vitrinite reflectance and Tmax), total organic carbon and mud gas compositions and identified a possible play fairway in the central Eromanga Basin. Mudgas wetness ratios indicate that in areas modelled to be more mature, oil may be present in the Toolebuc Formation. These areas are typically in the central Eromanga Basin where the Toolebuc Formation is deepest, though oil responses have been calculated for wells that are shallower. This is contradicted by the apparent maturity of the formation based on vitrinite reflectance and Tmax measurements. Initial burial history modelling of the six petroleum wells indicates that DIO Hammond–1, SSL Clinton–1, DIO Tanbar North–1 and DIO Marengo–1 are in main oil window (0.7–1.0 %Ro) while DIO Denley–1 and DIO Ingella–1 are in the early oil window (0.55–0.7 %Ro). A single erosional event of 550 m of the Winton Formation has been assumed for this modelling. These wells are the deepest intersections of the Toolebuc Formation where it has been modelled to have higher maturity, and mudgas wetness ratios indicate oil may be present. Further refinement of these models and examination of additional wells is needed to better understand the potential for the Toolebuc Formation to have generated petroleum.

Source rock characterisation of under-explored regions of Queensland

Historically, petroleum exploration in Queensland has focused on the Bowen-Surat and Cooper-Eromanga basins, with only cursory examination of other basins across the state. As part of the Queensland Industry Priorities Initiative, two projects (Round 1 and 2) were submitted to the Geological Survey of Queensland (GSQ) to examine the geochemical characteristics of potential petroleum source rocks throughout Queensland. The analysis conducted provides a better understanding of generative potential for petroleum, and predicts the timing, volume, composition, and physical state of hydrocarbons retained in and expelled from source rocks. It is an integral component to petroleum systems analysis used to identify the potential for undiscovered accumulations of petroleum from conventional and unconventional reservoirs. Of particular interest were the Georgina, Drummond, Eromanga, and Maryborough basins. Of these, the Georgina and Maryborough basins have known hydrocarbon shows identified through exploration drilling, though no commercial discoveries have yet been made. The Drummond Basin was targeted to identify a potential source for oil and gas shows encountered in drilling within the Galilee Basin. The Toolebuc Formation in the Eromanga Basin has been noted as having the potential for a shale oil play and this study is supporting further assessment to identify optimal areas for future exploration through predictive modelling. This report details the results from Round 1 of the study for samples taken from the Georgina Limestone and Scartwater, Ducabrook, Mount Hall, Toolebuc, and Maryborough formations, where limited analysis of source rock characteristics has historically been undertaken. Ninety-seven samples were chosen from nine wells and sent to Geos4 in Potsdam, Germany, for source rock analysis. All samples were screened for suitability of further analysis using Rock-Eval and TOC by LECO, with immature and organic-rich samples being preferentially selected for further testing. Screened samples were analysed using pyrolysis gas chromatography (n=27), thermovaporisation (n=23), bulk kinetics (n=5), compositional kinetics (n=4), late gas analysis (n=14), and biomarker and bulk isotope analysis (n=15). These results have been integrated with existing analyses to better understand the prospectivity of the under-explored basins of Queensland.