The Australian Geologist - Geological Society of Australia

PROJECT SUMMARY GRANT
An experimental exploration of silicate
melt therrmodynamics.
Prof HS O'Neill
Administering Institution
The Australian National University
The chemical properties of magmas are the key to understanding igneous activity
in the Earth, and hence the tectonic significance of magmatism, and the
mineral resources resulting from past magmatism. The chemistry of magmas is
also a determining factor in assessing the hazards associated with volcanic
eruptions, including natural inputs into the atmosphere against which anthropogenic
inputs causing climate change must be assessed. This research program
will measure experimentally the way different magma compositions affect the
solubilites of important volatile and trace element components in magmas,
providing the much needed fundamental data to model magmatic activity.
2007 : $ 43,000
2008 : $ 43,000
2009 : $ 36,000
Relationship between subduction zone
geometry, trench kinematics and great
subduction earthquakes.
Dr WP Schellart (QEII Dr WP Schellart)
Administering Institution
The Australian National University
The devastating Boxing Day 2004 earthquake near Sumatra and the four other
largest earthquakes in recorded history all occurred along subduction zones.
This research will compare the geodynamic setting of these subduction zones
with those surrounding the Australian continent and assess whether the
Australian subduction zones are capable of producing great earthquakes and
tsunamis that might pose a risk for the east and northwest coast of Australia.
Also, Eastern Australia is a composite of fossil arcs rich in ore deposits and the
Tasman Sea region is composed of basins that host hydrocarbons, all of which
formed by subduction processes. The proposed research will thus improve the
basis for mineral and hydrocarbon exploration.
2007 : $179,893
2008 : $139,893
2009 : $124,893
2010 : $114,893
2011 : $114,893
Old brains, new data early evolution
of structural complexity in the
vertebrate head.
Dr GC Young; Prof JA Long; Prof Dr M Zhu
Administering Institution
The Australian National University
Of the all the complex structures biology has provided, the evolution of the
vertebrate brain and its sensory organs is perhaps the most enigmatic. The
fossil record occasionally provides a chance to trace this evolution, but only
with the use of novel Xray scanning techniques can these secrets be detailed
in three dimensions. Exploiting the exceptional fossil record from Australia and
China, this team will for the first time collect a vast comparative data base
which will yield clues on the early evolution of the ear, eye and brain.
2007 : $175,000
2008 : $180,000
2009 : $173,000
Linkage Grants
Trace element analysis of diamond:
new applications to diamond
fingerprinting andgenesis.
Prof SY O'Reilly; Prof WL Griffin; Dr NJ Pearson
Rio Tinto OTX (Operational and Technical Excellence)
Collaborating/Partner Organisation(s)
Macquarie University
The project will provide new insights into the processes by which diamond
crystallises in the Earth's mantle. A better understanding of these processes
can lead to improved models and techniques for diamond exploration,
enhancing the prospect of finding new deposits in Australia and abroad. The
project will test the potential of trace-element microanalysis to fingerprint
diamonds by source. If successful, this technology will provide economic
benefits by reducing theft and illegal mining, which represent significant
losses to legitimate companies. Application of this Australian development
could reduce the circulation of “conflict diamonds”, which would have real
social benefits worldwide, especially in some developing countries.
2007 : $ 77,823
2008 : $ 73,426
A new approach to the collection of a
large suite of dinasour specimens.
Prof P Vickers-Rich; Dr TH Rich
Big Island Pictures
Collaborating/Partner Organisation(s)
Monash University
Monash University and the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, propose to cut a
tunnel in permafrost on the North Slope of Alaska during the early Spring.
This is expected to lead to the acquisition of a new assembly of dinasour
fossils. An important aspect of the project is its sponsorship by Big Island
Pictures, Brisbane, who will produce a documentary about this unique
experiment in palaeontological engineering. This novel approach to recovering
dinosaurs will lead to a new and perhaps more complete assemblage of
specimens, whilst attracting a vast audience and conveying to the public how
innovative science is done. The public interest is attested to by the consortium
of sponsors that has been assembled by Big Island Pictures including major
television stations in Australia, USA, England, France, and Germany and the
Film Finance Corporation of Australia.
2007 : $ 47,713
TAG December 2006 | 35