A unified model for the closure dynamics of ancient Tethys constrained by geodesy, structural geology, argon geochronology and tectonic reconstruction. The project will elucidate complex planetary dynamics involved in the interaction of the oceanic plates with the continental crust. Such aspects underpin the ability of geoscientists to effectively simulate and model, impacting on issues ranging from forecasting earthquakes to how to conduct greenfields exploration for energy and mineral resource ....A unified model for the closure dynamics of ancient Tethys constrained by geodesy, structural geology, argon geochronology and tectonic reconstruction. The project will elucidate complex planetary dynamics involved in the interaction of the oceanic plates with the continental crust. Such aspects underpin the ability of geoscientists to effectively simulate and model, impacting on issues ranging from forecasting earthquakes to how to conduct greenfields exploration for energy and mineral resources.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE140100047
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,600,000.00
Summary
Australian Membership of the International Ocean Discovery Program. Australian membership of the International Ocean Discovery Program: This project is for an Australian membership of the International Ocean Discovery Program. The Program will recover drill cores, situate observatories, and conduct down-hole experiments in all the world's oceans from lowest to highest latitudes to address fundamental questions about Earth's history and processes within four high-priority scientific themes: clima ....Australian Membership of the International Ocean Discovery Program. Australian membership of the International Ocean Discovery Program: This project is for an Australian membership of the International Ocean Discovery Program. The Program will recover drill cores, situate observatories, and conduct down-hole experiments in all the world's oceans from lowest to highest latitudes to address fundamental questions about Earth's history and processes within four high-priority scientific themes: climate and ocean change - reading the past and informing the future; biosphere frontiers - deep life, biodiversity, and environmental forcing of ecosystems; earth connections - deep processes and their impact on earth's surface environment; earth in motion - processes and hazards on a human time scale.Read moreRead less
Flow characteristics of lower crustal rocks: developing a toolbox to improve geodynamic models. This project will investigate in detail how rocks flow in the lowest part of the Earth's crust. The results will be used to improve sophisticated computer simulations of large-scale geological processes, allowing a better understanding of earthquakes, the formation of volcanic areas and location of energy resources.
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
Multiscale and multiphase modelling of deformable porous media. The physics of our Nation's most pressing engineering problems involve simultaneous processes on multiple scales. Our research conducts massive computer simulations of processes involving fluid flow in rock on a broad range of scales. Simulations of this kind make future technologies such as CO2 sequestration more predictable and manageable.
Submarine volcanoes: degassing of silicic magma with implications for ascent and eruption processes. This research project will advance the basic understanding of how magma ascends and erupts in submarine settings. This study will identify the relative roles and timing of volcanic gas release from silicic magmas, using cutting-edge techniques newly available at the Australian Synchrotron.
Impact of hot gas on volcanic rocks and ore-forming processes. High temperature gases move from Earth's interior to the atmosphere at volcanoes, but little is known about how they react. Recent work shows that exceptionally rapid reactions occur between hot gases and the surfaces of solids. These reactions are instrumental in forming ore deposits. The proposed work aims to apply state-of-the-art chemical analysis of natural samples and investigate gas-solid reactions experimentally to determine ....Impact of hot gas on volcanic rocks and ore-forming processes. High temperature gases move from Earth's interior to the atmosphere at volcanoes, but little is known about how they react. Recent work shows that exceptionally rapid reactions occur between hot gases and the surfaces of solids. These reactions are instrumental in forming ore deposits. The proposed work aims to apply state-of-the-art chemical analysis of natural samples and investigate gas-solid reactions experimentally to determine how chemical elements, including metals, are distributed in these reactions. The study seeks to create robust geochenmical models for understanding geochemical and ore-forming processes. Improved understanding of ore deposition will enhance the long-term viability of Australia's metals sector.Read moreRead less
Critical metals from complex copper ores. The aims of this project address the critical mineral resource potential of complex copper ores. The research will generate new knowledge on the concentration, distribution, physical form and chemical speciation of critical minerals, including tellurium, cobalt and rare earth elements, in ores and processing streams using innovative approaches and utilising state-of-the-art analytical techniques. Expected outcomes include integrated models for critical e ....Critical metals from complex copper ores. The aims of this project address the critical mineral resource potential of complex copper ores. The research will generate new knowledge on the concentration, distribution, physical form and chemical speciation of critical minerals, including tellurium, cobalt and rare earth elements, in ores and processing streams using innovative approaches and utilising state-of-the-art analytical techniques. Expected outcomes include integrated models for critical element endowments in Australia's largest copper resource, Olympic Dam (S.A.). Future recovery of these elements would add significant value to existing operations, providing long-term economic and commercial benefits and would also contribute to Australia's transition to a low-carbon future.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120103067
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
How does the continental crust get so hot? This project is aimed at constraining the tectonic drivers of high geothermal gradient crustal regimes. The key outcomes of this project are better constraints on the tectonic drivers of high geothermal gradient metamorphism and the development of quantitative tools to assess the evolution of heat within areas of mountain building.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE120100218
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$254,078.00
Summary
A world-class rock magnetic facility to support Australian palaeomagnetic and environmental research. Magnetic properties of rocks and environmental particles provide information about a vast range of geological and environmental processes. We propose to develop a facility that will enable detection and interpretation of these magnetic signals to aid understanding of climate change, mineral exploration, and the geological development of Australia.