The Cambrian Population Explosion of Arthropods in Australia: Ediacaran origins, evolution and biodiversity. This project addresses key questions on the origin and diversification of life, by investigating the evolution of the most important fossil group (arthropods) across arguably the most important event after the origin of life (the Cambrian explosion of macroscopic life). It will also excavate, promote and conserve two key geological resources of national importance, in the Flinders Ranges ....The Cambrian Population Explosion of Arthropods in Australia: Ediacaran origins, evolution and biodiversity. This project addresses key questions on the origin and diversification of life, by investigating the evolution of the most important fossil group (arthropods) across arguably the most important event after the origin of life (the Cambrian explosion of macroscopic life). It will also excavate, promote and conserve two key geological resources of national importance, in the Flinders Ranges and Kangaroo Island. Also, it will lead to increased knowledge of the palaeoecology and geology of the economically-important Adelaide geosyncline, and benefit rural SA communities through ecotourism, a rural schools education program, and public outreach.Read moreRead less
Distribution and origin of 4 billion-year-old zircons from Western Australia: Implications for the early history of the earth and moom. We aim to determine the distribution and origin of >4 billion year old (Ga) zircons in rocks from north-western Western Australia, using geological mapping, mineralogical and chemical techniques and SHRIMP zircon geochronology. The >4Ga zircons are the oldest known crustal material, and the only material which can give direct information on the earliest evoluti ....Distribution and origin of 4 billion-year-old zircons from Western Australia: Implications for the early history of the earth and moom. We aim to determine the distribution and origin of >4 billion year old (Ga) zircons in rocks from north-western Western Australia, using geological mapping, mineralogical and chemical techniques and SHRIMP zircon geochronology. The >4Ga zircons are the oldest known crustal material, and the only material which can give direct information on the earliest evolution of the Earth. In this research, we will collaborate with international research groups also intending to investigate the early history of the Earth using the >4Ga zircons. Outcomes will be new ideas on the origin of the zircons, the differentiation of the Earth, the formation of the Moon and the Earth's oceans, and the development of ancient life forms.Read moreRead less