The seismic signature of crustal fluids. Fluids are expected to profoundly modify the seismic properties of the cracked rocks of Earth's upper crust (to depths of about 15 km) but there are so far few relevant laboratory measurements. Through the development and application of novel experimental techniques we plan to build a better laboratory-based understanding of the seismic properties of fluid-saturated crustal rocks. The outcome will be an improved capacity to monitor the presence of fluid ....The seismic signature of crustal fluids. Fluids are expected to profoundly modify the seismic properties of the cracked rocks of Earth's upper crust (to depths of about 15 km) but there are so far few relevant laboratory measurements. Through the development and application of novel experimental techniques we plan to build a better laboratory-based understanding of the seismic properties of fluid-saturated crustal rocks. The outcome will be an improved capacity to monitor the presence of fluids in diverse situations ranging from geothermal power generation and waste disposal to earthquake fault zones. Read moreRead less
Mineral Physics of the Earth's Core. Most information on the nature of Earth's core properties has come from teleseismic studies, which detect weak earthquake-wave signals that have traversed the Earth's deepest interior. These studies have revealed several unusual and enigmatic phenomena in the core, but interpretation of these observations must rely on mineral-physics data on the materials of the core (e.g. iron-based alloys). This project will create a unique world-class ultra-high pressure l ....Mineral Physics of the Earth's Core. Most information on the nature of Earth's core properties has come from teleseismic studies, which detect weak earthquake-wave signals that have traversed the Earth's deepest interior. These studies have revealed several unusual and enigmatic phenomena in the core, but interpretation of these observations must rely on mineral-physics data on the materials of the core (e.g. iron-based alloys). This project will create a unique world-class ultra-high pressure laboratory to obtain such data. By defining the composition and mineralogy of Earth's core, it will place Australia in the forefront of this exciting research field, and will also represent a major national resource for the study of novel materials at extreme conditions.Read moreRead less
Submarine springs in the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon: the geological origin, physical properties and ecological significance of Wonky Holes. This project investigates submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) to the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) lagoon. As groundwaters often contain high loads of nutrients and other pollutants, point source SGDs called Wonky Holes, reputedly common yet scientifically unexplored in the GBR or elsewhere, may represent a significant pathway for the land-sea flux of these mat ....Submarine springs in the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon: the geological origin, physical properties and ecological significance of Wonky Holes. This project investigates submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) to the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) lagoon. As groundwaters often contain high loads of nutrients and other pollutants, point source SGDs called Wonky Holes, reputedly common yet scientifically unexplored in the GBR or elsewhere, may represent a significant pathway for the land-sea flux of these materials. This project will define the incidence and origin of Wonky Holes and determine the magnitude and physical and chemical properties of their discharge. These studies will advance our understanding of land-sea interactions, assist management of the GBR and improve regional hydrogeological models.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0668226
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$186,000.00
Summary
A new X-ray spectrometer facility for VIEPS: major and trace element characterisation of geological materials. Australia has a well-earned reputation as a leading innovator in analytical geochemistry and the acquisition of this instrumentation will reinforce that standing. The equipment will support a broad range of research activities and enhance our capability for research training at Honours and post-graduate student level. In addition this project addresses directly our current National Rese ....A new X-ray spectrometer facility for VIEPS: major and trace element characterisation of geological materials. Australia has a well-earned reputation as a leading innovator in analytical geochemistry and the acquisition of this instrumentation will reinforce that standing. The equipment will support a broad range of research activities and enhance our capability for research training at Honours and post-graduate student level. In addition this project addresses directly our current National Research Priority 'an environmentally sustainable Australia', and priority goals 'Developing deep earth resources' and 'Responding to climate change and variability'Read moreRead less
Development of improved technologies for high throughput screening of potential disease susceptibility genes. This research is aimed at developing more efficient strategies to identify genes involved in common, human disorders. We aim to develop cost-effective, high throughput approaches for DNA extraction and preparation, accurately determining DNA concentration and quality and for undertaking extensive polymorphism genotyping and analysis. The suitability of equipment, analysis packages and so ....Development of improved technologies for high throughput screening of potential disease susceptibility genes. This research is aimed at developing more efficient strategies to identify genes involved in common, human disorders. We aim to develop cost-effective, high throughput approaches for DNA extraction and preparation, accurately determining DNA concentration and quality and for undertaking extensive polymorphism genotyping and analysis. The suitability of equipment, analysis packages and software, will be assessed and better technologies and packages developed. The study involves collaboration between a research centre with considerable expertise in molecular genetics and Corbett Research, a leader in the field of molecular equipment production. The development of better gene screening technologies has both molecular and commercial significance.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0882893
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$260,000.00
Summary
A cryopreparation facility for Western Australia. Western Australia is home to a number of world-leading biological and biomedical research groups and some of the best microscopy facilities in the country. Establishing a world-class cryopreparation facility in WA will enable local researchers to remain at the forefront of their research fields and will serve to attract additional high profile international scientists and students to WA. Significant research advancements in areas such as genetic ....A cryopreparation facility for Western Australia. Western Australia is home to a number of world-leading biological and biomedical research groups and some of the best microscopy facilities in the country. Establishing a world-class cryopreparation facility in WA will enable local researchers to remain at the forefront of their research fields and will serve to attract additional high profile international scientists and students to WA. Significant research advancements in areas such as genetic muscular diseases, nerve regeneration, parasitic infection in humans, crop optimisation and tolerance to environmental conditions, and animal growth and reproduction, will result from the establishment of such a facility. Read moreRead less
Terahertz Metamaterials for Molecular Sensing. Metamaterials are fascinating new man-made structures that can manipulate beams of light in surprising ways; eg. metamaterials are being studied as 'cloaking devices' to render objects invisible. Our proposal aims for fundamental studies and improvement of metamaterials operating in the terahertz (T-ray) frequency regime. The outcome will be the exploitation of new metamaterial devices for high performance molecular sensors and electromagnetic filte ....Terahertz Metamaterials for Molecular Sensing. Metamaterials are fascinating new man-made structures that can manipulate beams of light in surprising ways; eg. metamaterials are being studied as 'cloaking devices' to render objects invisible. Our proposal aims for fundamental studies and improvement of metamaterials operating in the terahertz (T-ray) frequency regime. The outcome will be the exploitation of new metamaterial devices for high performance molecular sensors and electromagnetic filters operating at terahertz frequencies. Socioeconomic benefits to Australia include: (i) increased knowledge-base in metamaterials operating in the terahertz range; (ii) the underpinning of applications in biophotonics and communications; and (iii) commercialisation of novel terahertz devices.Read moreRead less
High-temperature Elastic Wave Speeds of Mantle Minerals and their Seismological Implications. Laboratory measurements of elastic wave speeds are critical for the interpretation of seismological models for the Earth's deep interior. During the past several years, research groups at ANU and Stony Brook University have separately been proving novel experimental techniques for measurement of the temperature dependence of elastic wave speeds. Now a timely collaboration is proposed in which we would ....High-temperature Elastic Wave Speeds of Mantle Minerals and their Seismological Implications. Laboratory measurements of elastic wave speeds are critical for the interpretation of seismological models for the Earth's deep interior. During the past several years, research groups at ANU and Stony Brook University have separately been proving novel experimental techniques for measurement of the temperature dependence of elastic wave speeds. Now a timely collaboration is proposed in which we would exploit access to similar temperature ranges under two very different pressure regimes to examine the mixed pressure-temperature dependence of wave speeds that is so critical for the inference of chemical composition, mineralogical make-up, and temperature variations within the Earth's mantle.Read moreRead less
Development of a light detection system for enhanced scanning electron microscopy imaging of fully hydrated biological specimens at room temperature. This project aims to develop instrumentation and techniques to image fully hydrated cellS for prolonged periods at room temperature in an environmental scanning electron microscope. Multiple fluorescent nano-particle labels will be used to image complex cellular structure and dynamics at ultra high spatial resolution. This innovative bio-imaging te ....Development of a light detection system for enhanced scanning electron microscopy imaging of fully hydrated biological specimens at room temperature. This project aims to develop instrumentation and techniques to image fully hydrated cellS for prolonged periods at room temperature in an environmental scanning electron microscope. Multiple fluorescent nano-particle labels will be used to image complex cellular structure and dynamics at ultra high spatial resolution. This innovative bio-imaging technique will be facilitated by the construction of a high speed light collection system that can efficiently operate at the pressures required to stablise water within the cell. Applications for this new bio-imaging technique will also be explored.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0239467
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$200,000.00
Summary
A portable laser scanning facility for geomatic data capture. Ground-based laser scaning is an emerging technology that promises to revolutionize spatial data capture for the geomatics industry due to its high data volume, accuracy and acquisition rate. This proposal brings together leading academics from Australasia to establish a laser scanning facility that will enhance existing projects and explore new avenues in geomatic research. The facility will impact on the research programs of partici ....A portable laser scanning facility for geomatic data capture. Ground-based laser scaning is an emerging technology that promises to revolutionize spatial data capture for the geomatics industry due to its high data volume, accuracy and acquisition rate. This proposal brings together leading academics from Australasia to establish a laser scanning facility that will enhance existing projects and explore new avenues in geomatic research. The facility will impact on the research programs of participating institutions in the fields of high-resolution thematic mapping and visualization, environmental geomatics, geomatic monitoring and geomatic engineering. Furthermore, the facility will allow Australasian universities to develop a knowledge base in this new and exciting technology.Read moreRead less