The impact of reactive fluids on fault mechanics near the seismic-aseismic transition in the continental crust and subduction zones. This project explores how fluids influence the strength and behaviour of earthquake-producing faults. The results will contribute to understanding processes controlling nucleation and recurrence of earthquakes on large faults near tectonic plate boundaries.
Add mountains and shake: plate boundary fault and earthquake patterns. This project aims to determine the fundamental physical processes that link topography, seismic shaking and volcanism to the evolution of seismogenic fault networks in obliquely convergent (transpressional) plate boundary settings. We will combine detailed field and remote sensing-based structural analyses in transpressional mountain belts with advanced laboratory analogue and numerical experiments to evaluate: 1) how bursts ....Add mountains and shake: plate boundary fault and earthquake patterns. This project aims to determine the fundamental physical processes that link topography, seismic shaking and volcanism to the evolution of seismogenic fault networks in obliquely convergent (transpressional) plate boundary settings. We will combine detailed field and remote sensing-based structural analyses in transpressional mountain belts with advanced laboratory analogue and numerical experiments to evaluate: 1) how bursts of strong seismic shaking perturb fault zone evolution through time; 2) the contribution of topography and gravitation loading to fault interactions and earthquake generation; and 3) feedbacks between fault network development, the spatial distribution of volcanic centres, seismic shaking and ore deposits.Read moreRead less
Multiscale and multiphase modelling of deformable porous media. The physics of our Nation's most pressing engineering problems involve simultaneous processes on multiple scales. Our research conducts massive computer simulations of processes involving fluid flow in rock on a broad range of scales. Simulations of this kind make future technologies such as CO2 sequestration more predictable and manageable.
Timescales of mixing and volatile transfer leading to volcanic eruptions. The short-lived lead isotope, 210Pb, has the unique ability to place timescale constraints on volcanic processes, such as the input, mixing and degassing of magma. These processes are believed to be of fundamental importance in the triggering of volcanic eruptions. This project will measure 210Pb isotopic compositions and elemental diffusion profiles in crystals of volcanic rocks that represent the end members of mixed ma ....Timescales of mixing and volatile transfer leading to volcanic eruptions. The short-lived lead isotope, 210Pb, has the unique ability to place timescale constraints on volcanic processes, such as the input, mixing and degassing of magma. These processes are believed to be of fundamental importance in the triggering of volcanic eruptions. This project will measure 210Pb isotopic compositions and elemental diffusion profiles in crystals of volcanic rocks that represent the end members of mixed magmas to constrain the volume and timescale of volatile transfer from magmatic recharge and also the time between magma mixing events and eruptions. The project aims to test the paradigm that magma recharge triggers volcanic eruptions and aims to yield significant outcomes for understanding eruption triggers at hazardous volcanoes.Read moreRead less
Active tectonics of East Timor: geomorphic responses to an evolving slab rupture. Through analysis of the landscape evolution of East Timor, this project will establish new insights into basic dynamic processes responsible for formation of mountain systems. By quantifying slip rates on active faults and erosion rates across its landscape, it will provide new constraints on natural hazards for East Timor, and the broader region.
Developing and testing a new dating tool for Quaternary science. This project plans to use cutting-edge instrumentation to develop a novel method for dating geological materials formed in a critical time window for which no dating technique currently exists. The last million years of Earth’s history has seen dramatic changes in global climate and environment, with catastrophic volcanic eruptions and numerous other natural processes shaping landforms and ecosystems. A major challenge for studying ....Developing and testing a new dating tool for Quaternary science. This project plans to use cutting-edge instrumentation to develop a novel method for dating geological materials formed in a critical time window for which no dating technique currently exists. The last million years of Earth’s history has seen dramatic changes in global climate and environment, with catastrophic volcanic eruptions and numerous other natural processes shaping landforms and ecosystems. A major challenge for studying these phenomena and their impacts is the dating of geological archives in the time window between 50 000 and 1 000 000 years. This project aims to develop a method for dating young volcanic rocks that can close this critical gap. The result would be a new dating tool with broad implications for the Quaternary sciences globally, including paleoclimate and paleoenvironmental reconstructions, natural hazards assessment, hominin evolution and archaeology.Read moreRead less
Impact of hot gas on volcanic rocks and ore-forming processes. High temperature gases move from Earth's interior to the atmosphere at volcanoes, but little is known about how they react. Recent work shows that exceptionally rapid reactions occur between hot gases and the surfaces of solids. These reactions are instrumental in forming ore deposits. The proposed work aims to apply state-of-the-art chemical analysis of natural samples and investigate gas-solid reactions experimentally to determine ....Impact of hot gas on volcanic rocks and ore-forming processes. High temperature gases move from Earth's interior to the atmosphere at volcanoes, but little is known about how they react. Recent work shows that exceptionally rapid reactions occur between hot gases and the surfaces of solids. These reactions are instrumental in forming ore deposits. The proposed work aims to apply state-of-the-art chemical analysis of natural samples and investigate gas-solid reactions experimentally to determine how chemical elements, including metals, are distributed in these reactions. The study seeks to create robust geochenmical models for understanding geochemical and ore-forming processes. Improved understanding of ore deposition will enhance the long-term viability of Australia's metals sector.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE120100061
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$285,000.00
Summary
A new seismic facility for investigating tectonic collision zones, earthquake hazards and passive imaging techniques. A new seismic facility will enable collaboration with overseas partners to better understand plate margin tectonics and earthquake hazard in our region for mutual benefit. It will also be used in pilot studies of areas endowed with deep earth resources, and in assessing regions of heightened earthquake activity in Australia.