The structure and geochemistry of mineral interfaces in Earth's mantle. The interfaces between mineral grains are critical in determining rock properties and behaviour, yet we know little about them. This project uses emerging nano-technologies to establish the structure, chemistry and energy characteristics of interfaces in rocks from Earth’s mantle that control fundamental Earth processes such as plate tectonics and melting. The expected outcomes include a new understanding on one of the funda ....The structure and geochemistry of mineral interfaces in Earth's mantle. The interfaces between mineral grains are critical in determining rock properties and behaviour, yet we know little about them. This project uses emerging nano-technologies to establish the structure, chemistry and energy characteristics of interfaces in rocks from Earth’s mantle that control fundamental Earth processes such as plate tectonics and melting. The expected outcomes include a new understanding on one of the fundamental controls on rock properties and an enhanced ability to predict and model rock behaviour. The project provides research training in innovative research methodologies, will strengthen Australia’s leadership in nano-geoscience and will provide new methodologies for advanced rock characterisation.Read moreRead less
Rehydration of the lower crust, fluid sources and geophysical expression. This project aims to explore a long-standing mystery: the origin of deep crustal electrical conductors detected by magnetotelluric imaging of tectonically stable crust. These features occur in cratons of all ages, and commonly cross cut structures and lithologies. This project aims to investigate the hypothesis that such features are the record of ancient deep crustal fluid flow, which modified the rock electrical properti ....Rehydration of the lower crust, fluid sources and geophysical expression. This project aims to explore a long-standing mystery: the origin of deep crustal electrical conductors detected by magnetotelluric imaging of tectonically stable crust. These features occur in cratons of all ages, and commonly cross cut structures and lithologies. This project aims to investigate the hypothesis that such features are the record of ancient deep crustal fluid flow, which modified the rock electrical properties. Using an exceptionally exposed natural laboratory preserving large-scale rehydration of anhydrous lower crust, the project plans to determine the source of fluids and the compositional changes they induced. It then plans to experimentally determine changes in resistivity induced by fluid flow and use that data to model the magnetotelluric response at crustal scale.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE160100103
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$547,000.00
Summary
Australian Virtual Experimental Laboratory: a multimode geoscience facility. Australian virtual experimental laboratory: a multimode geoscience facility:
This project aims to establish seven types of high-pressure equipment to form a multi-node experimental laboratory at four locations across Australia. Experiments conducted at the high pressures and temperatures of the internal Earth form the basis of our knowledge about the physical and chemical processes that drive geological processes such ....Australian Virtual Experimental Laboratory: a multimode geoscience facility. Australian virtual experimental laboratory: a multimode geoscience facility:
This project aims to establish seven types of high-pressure equipment to form a multi-node experimental laboratory at four locations across Australia. Experiments conducted at the high pressures and temperatures of the internal Earth form the basis of our knowledge about the physical and chemical processes that drive geological processes such as plate tectonics, melting to form volcanoes, and the formation and movement of fluids that concentrate precious metals into valuable ore deposits. The new facility may enable major advances in fields such as mantle geodynamics and element transport in fluids, improving our understanding of internal Earth processes and ore deposit formation and location. It also includes portable systems, which can be used in synchrotron applications.Read moreRead less
Industrial Transformation Training Centres - Grant ID: IC230100035
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$5,000,000.00
Summary
ARC Training Centre in Critical Resources for the Future. The proposed ARC Training Centre in Critical Resources aims to train the next generation of geoscientists needed to enable resourcing of the transition to a high-tech, clean energy society. Training of PhD students and postdoctoral scientists will primarily focus on bridging the gap between mineral systems science, mineral exploration protocols and ore processing/metallurgical extraction. This will provide geoscientists with an essential ....ARC Training Centre in Critical Resources for the Future. The proposed ARC Training Centre in Critical Resources aims to train the next generation of geoscientists needed to enable resourcing of the transition to a high-tech, clean energy society. Training of PhD students and postdoctoral scientists will primarily focus on bridging the gap between mineral systems science, mineral exploration protocols and ore processing/metallurgical extraction. This will provide geoscientists with an essential understanding of the whole value chain of the critical resources of the future.
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Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE150100006
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,060,000.00
Summary
Ultra-high resolution focussed ion beam facility for Western Australia. Ultra-high resolution focussed ion beam facility: An ultra-high resolution dual beam facility (incorporating ion and electron beams) will provide 3D imaging, site-specific analysis and nano-machining to a wide range of internationally recognised Australian researchers across a broad spectrum of disciplines in the geosciences, engineering, biological and physical sciences. Providing critically needed access to this world-clas ....Ultra-high resolution focussed ion beam facility for Western Australia. Ultra-high resolution focussed ion beam facility: An ultra-high resolution dual beam facility (incorporating ion and electron beams) will provide 3D imaging, site-specific analysis and nano-machining to a wide range of internationally recognised Australian researchers across a broad spectrum of disciplines in the geosciences, engineering, biological and physical sciences. Providing critically needed access to this world-class infrastructure is expected to advance international competitiveness, leading to high-impact outcomes in smart materials, nanotechnology, bioscience, and geoscience, including support for the Australian resources sector.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE100100236
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$180,000.00
Summary
Facilities for spectroscopy and diffraction at high pressures. The provision of infrastructure for the study of novel materials under high pressures will enhance Australia's capability in creating new materials and in creating new devices that meet needs in communication, environment and medicine applications. The new facility will enable researchers to understand the response of structures to extreme pressures and will exploit the unique capabilities of the synchrotron light.