Geological fracture mapping in coalfields and the stress fields of the Sydney Basin

In the fracture pattern of the Sydney Basin, various fracture and stress domains that are spatially related can be recognised. At least for the western region of the Basin, periodic, relatively narrow domains (termed fault and joint swarms) that have a submeridional trend are believed to be similar to the Lapstone Monocline‐Kurrajong Fault structures, and may extend into the Lower Palaeozoic basement. An overall, horizontal N‐S and NE‐SW oriented principal compressive stress (σ1) measured in collieries and inferred from earthquake events at depths of 10–20 km is a regional phenomenon (possibly Basin‐wide), which can be expected to be locally modified close to geological structures, especially in and close to fault and joint swarms, near major normal faults, and near minor thrust and strike‐slip faults. The interaction of colliery roadway drivage, local structures (faults and/or cleat) and the stress field permits inferences to be made about virgin stresses in coal seams. Some earthquakes coincide with fault and joint swarms, and others tend to have occurred close to or at swarm endpoints. It is concluded that the overall fracture pattern resulted from the cumulative development of fault and joint systems from mid‐Permian to Recent time. The comprehensive analysis of this pattern and its relationship to stress fields and seismic activity will require much more information.