Accurate calibration and interpretation of airborne electromagnetic data. There is increasing interest in using airborne electromagnetic (AEM) data to explore structural features hidden beneath the earth's surface. At present, 2D images of these features can be built up using approximate 1D models that predict electrical conductivity. This research will develop 2D models that allow accurate imaging of 3D structures. Applications include mineral and diamond exploration, the mapping of leakage fro ....Accurate calibration and interpretation of airborne electromagnetic data. There is increasing interest in using airborne electromagnetic (AEM) data to explore structural features hidden beneath the earth's surface. At present, 2D images of these features can be built up using approximate 1D models that predict electrical conductivity. This research will develop 2D models that allow accurate imaging of 3D structures. Applications include mineral and diamond exploration, the mapping of leakage from tailings dams, and more precise mapping of dryland salinity. The project also aims to develop a method to calibrate AEM systems, leading to more accurate environmental mapping and significant long-term economic benefits.Read moreRead less
Airborne electromagnetic estimation of groundwater quality and distribution in the top 100m of the earth. This research will develop processing methodology to predict groundwater concentration and quality in the top 100m of the earth, using continuously sampled airborne electromagnetic data. The method to be developed will process received responses to separate and identify propagation delays, distinct from the usual diffusive delays caused by shallow conductive materials. The extracted propagat ....Airborne electromagnetic estimation of groundwater quality and distribution in the top 100m of the earth. This research will develop processing methodology to predict groundwater concentration and quality in the top 100m of the earth, using continuously sampled airborne electromagnetic data. The method to be developed will process received responses to separate and identify propagation delays, distinct from the usual diffusive delays caused by shallow conductive materials. The extracted propagation delays then predict ground moisture content. With proposed changes to transmitter hardware, we can also achieve improved shallow resolution of conductive structures, such as shallow saline groundwater layers. However, the new method will pioneer the remote detection of fresh waters.Read moreRead less
Accurately locating the depth and distribution of saline waters with improved shallow conductivity sounding using broadcast radio transmissions. Conductivity meters such as the EM31 are in routine use for mapping shallow salinity, but provide no depth information. This research will provide methodology using broadcast radio transmissions to additionally provide the depth information needed to interpret shallow layering and inhomogeneity. Instruments will initially be tested on the ground, but a ....Accurately locating the depth and distribution of saline waters with improved shallow conductivity sounding using broadcast radio transmissions. Conductivity meters such as the EM31 are in routine use for mapping shallow salinity, but provide no depth information. This research will provide methodology using broadcast radio transmissions to additionally provide the depth information needed to interpret shallow layering and inhomogeneity. Instruments will initially be tested on the ground, but are ultimately intended to be applied from the air, where existing systems have no resolution in the top 5 m. The method will provide crucial root-zone data for precision agriculture in salt-affected areas, and address accurate salt mapping issues in the major efforts to combat Australia's salinity problems.Read moreRead less
ARC Centre of Excellence - in Ore Deposits. Australia's minerals industry faces a two-fold challenge - to find new ore deposits and to mine them with maximum efficiency and minimal environmental impact. Those challenges demand a new generation of focused ore deposit research, tailored specifically for the Australian context. The Centre of Excellence in Ore Deposits will provide the foundation of fundamental research required by a successful, efficient and sustainable Australian minerals industry ....ARC Centre of Excellence - in Ore Deposits. Australia's minerals industry faces a two-fold challenge - to find new ore deposits and to mine them with maximum efficiency and minimal environmental impact. Those challenges demand a new generation of focused ore deposit research, tailored specifically for the Australian context. The Centre of Excellence in Ore Deposits will provide the foundation of fundamental research required by a successful, efficient and sustainable Australian minerals industry. The Centre will also play a leading role in the undergraduate and postgraduate training of future geoscientists. The concentration of internationally recognised researchers in the Centre will ensure it maintains its premier position in the international ore deposit research arena.Read moreRead less
SCANEM : A Scanning and Inspection Method for Urban Pipeline Systems. Water and sewage utilities are crucial factors limiting economic growth and urban amenity. However many of these facilities are subject to corrosion, fracture and collapse and new strategies are now required to provide a sound basis for systematic remediation and replacement. Suitable strategies involving a structural audit and statistical analysis have been proposed by CSIRO and Tyco Water. However new geophysical inspection ....SCANEM : A Scanning and Inspection Method for Urban Pipeline Systems. Water and sewage utilities are crucial factors limiting economic growth and urban amenity. However many of these facilities are subject to corrosion, fracture and collapse and new strategies are now required to provide a sound basis for systematic remediation and replacement. Suitable strategies involving a structural audit and statistical analysis have been proposed by CSIRO and Tyco Water. However new geophysical inspection methods are now required to provide the key physical parameters relating to pipeline condition. Hopefully the EM inspection tool resulting from this project will provide the industrial partners with a unique capacity to satisfy a major global market.Read moreRead less