From Synchrotron Characterisation of Single Fluid Inclusions to Archaean Geodynamics: An Integrated Study of Fluid-Rock Interaction in the Primitive Crust. In the primitive Earth, a wide range of phenomena including the initiation of biological activity and the formation of ore deposits were related to the mobilisation of mineralised fluids through the crust. In the Archaean craton of the Pilbara (WA), we have identified, within its tectonic framework, a crustal-scale plumbing system that channe ....From Synchrotron Characterisation of Single Fluid Inclusions to Archaean Geodynamics: An Integrated Study of Fluid-Rock Interaction in the Primitive Crust. In the primitive Earth, a wide range of phenomena including the initiation of biological activity and the formation of ore deposits were related to the mobilisation of mineralised fluids through the crust. In the Archaean craton of the Pilbara (WA), we have identified, within its tectonic framework, a crustal-scale plumbing system that channelled large volumes of mineralised hydrothermal solutions. Our objective is to understand the development of this plumbing system in relation to Archaean crustal geodynamics using a combination of structural geology, metamorphic petrology, geochronology, geochemistry, and the analysis of single-fluid inclusion using synchrotron and other X-ray sources.Read moreRead less
Diamond genesis: cracking the code for deep-Earth processes. The project will provide new insights into the processes by which diamond crystallises in the Earth's mantle, and will deliver information directly relevant to interpreting the diamond prospectivity of the Australian continent. The development of a new diamond mine in Australia, or by Australian companies abroad, would be a major addition to the economy and Australian-based industry. Another outcome of this research will be further de ....Diamond genesis: cracking the code for deep-Earth processes. The project will provide new insights into the processes by which diamond crystallises in the Earth's mantle, and will deliver information directly relevant to interpreting the diamond prospectivity of the Australian continent. The development of a new diamond mine in Australia, or by Australian companies abroad, would be a major addition to the economy and Australian-based industry. Another outcome of this research will be further development of methodologies for identification of sources of individual diamonds, relevant to the international Kimberley Process for reducing theft and illegal diamond trade. The project will be a highly visible Australian contribution to this global social and economic problem.Read moreRead less
A new approach to the U-series dating of fossil molluscs - a major advance for the earth and archaeological sciences. The development of a reliable method for accurately determining the age of fossil shells represents a breakthrough in the ability to date marine shoreline, lake, and other shell-bearing deposits (e.g. middens). This will present new opportunities for research of significant national benefit, particularly into the effects of climate change, including linked sea-level change and me ....A new approach to the U-series dating of fossil molluscs - a major advance for the earth and archaeological sciences. The development of a reliable method for accurately determining the age of fossil shells represents a breakthrough in the ability to date marine shoreline, lake, and other shell-bearing deposits (e.g. middens). This will present new opportunities for research of significant national benefit, particularly into the effects of climate change, including linked sea-level change and melting of ice sheets, the impact of sea-level change on coastal zones, and shifts in the amount and variability of rainfall in different regions. The method may also be used to estimate the frequency and size of large storm and tsunami events, earthquake risk, and the timing of prehistoric human migration and associated environmental impacts. Read moreRead less
Proterozoic crustal evolution of the Northern Australian Craton revealed from hafnium-oxygen isotope systematics of granite-hosted and detrital zircons. This project will provide an detailed view of continental crust formation during a key period of Earth's history. Through an innovative approach and the use of sophisticated micro-analytical techniques, it will enhance the profile and global competitiveness of Australian research. The project is an integral part of a national collaboration on Pr ....Proterozoic crustal evolution of the Northern Australian Craton revealed from hafnium-oxygen isotope systematics of granite-hosted and detrital zircons. This project will provide an detailed view of continental crust formation during a key period of Earth's history. Through an innovative approach and the use of sophisticated micro-analytical techniques, it will enhance the profile and global competitiveness of Australian research. The project is an integral part of a national collaboration on Proterozoic terranes involving universities, Geoscience Australia and state geological surveys, and datasets generated by this study can potentially lead to refined mineral exploration strategies. The project is linked to the development of a major new analytical facility at James Cook University that will support local and international research and research training.Read moreRead less
Crustal-Scale Fluid Flow in Deep Intracontinental Settings: Conditions, Sources and Deformational Responses. Fluids are important agents of heat and mass transport in the Earth's crust. They play a key role in the mobilisation of metals and as such play a crucial role in the generation of ore deposits. The outcomes of this project will result in a greater understanding of the mechanisms and sources of fluid generation and mobilisation in deep-crustal settings. These outcomes can be related direc ....Crustal-Scale Fluid Flow in Deep Intracontinental Settings: Conditions, Sources and Deformational Responses. Fluids are important agents of heat and mass transport in the Earth's crust. They play a key role in the mobilisation of metals and as such play a crucial role in the generation of ore deposits. The outcomes of this project will result in a greater understanding of the mechanisms and sources of fluid generation and mobilisation in deep-crustal settings. These outcomes can be related directly to the understanding of the controls on the transport and deposition of metals and hence the formation of mineral resources which are vital to maintaining a strong Australian economy.Read moreRead less
Evolution of the Proterozoic lithosphere and its bearing of sediment hosted base metal mineralisation. This project aims to determine the aspects of lithospheric evolution that led to a concentration of giant base metal mineral deposits in the Early to Middle Proterozoic (ca 1.9-1.5 billion years ago). We propose to test three related hypotheses that, if validated, will fundamentally change our view of Proterozoic metallogenesis and the way the mineral industry approaches exploration for these ....Evolution of the Proterozoic lithosphere and its bearing of sediment hosted base metal mineralisation. This project aims to determine the aspects of lithospheric evolution that led to a concentration of giant base metal mineral deposits in the Early to Middle Proterozoic (ca 1.9-1.5 billion years ago). We propose to test three related hypotheses that, if validated, will fundamentally change our view of Proterozoic metallogenesis and the way the mineral industry approaches exploration for these deposits.Read moreRead less
Resolution of the Pb-diffusion in monazite paradox using a high-temperature contact aureole environment. This research will enhance our understanding of the thermal evolution of ancient mountain belts through time. Australian geoscientists are recognized internationally for their contributions to this field and the result from this study will further enhance our understanding of the evolution of Australia's crust. Because numerous ore deposits throughout Australia are hosted in ancient rocks, ....Resolution of the Pb-diffusion in monazite paradox using a high-temperature contact aureole environment. This research will enhance our understanding of the thermal evolution of ancient mountain belts through time. Australian geoscientists are recognized internationally for their contributions to this field and the result from this study will further enhance our understanding of the evolution of Australia's crust. Because numerous ore deposits throughout Australia are hosted in ancient rocks, documenting the timing of mineralization with respect to the thermal evolution of the host rocks may help to predict the location of mineral deposits in these settings; and each new mineral discovery contributes to the future prosperity of Australia and its communities. Read moreRead less