Geological Reconnaissance by Aeroplane in Australia^*

Abstract

IN 1932 the Royal Australian Air Force made flights over many of those areas in Australia which are deemed to be worthy of investigation from the point of view of the discovery of oil. Dr. W. G. Woolnough, who was present as observer and geologist, has now detailed the results obtained in a report which gives valuable information regarding the function and importance of ærial work in assisting and expediting geological survey. The object was to determine the disposition of strata and especially to locate dome structures, the investigation being made partly by visual observation and partly by the study of the photographs taken from the air. Much experience is required before the utmost can be achieved by these methods, and Dr. Woolnough states that he scarcely began to appreciate the significance of details seen from above until he had completed one hundred hours of flying.