Eruption dynamics and tsunami potential from submarine volcanoes. This project is based on recently acquired seafloor samples and geophysical data from extraordinary deposits at a modern submarine volcano. This project aims to determine the conditions that lead to explosive eruption underwater, the dynamics of associated sediment flows, and if these events can trigger tsunami. Expected outcomes include an unprecedented reconstruction of the architecture of submarine caldera volcanoes, new innova ....Eruption dynamics and tsunami potential from submarine volcanoes. This project is based on recently acquired seafloor samples and geophysical data from extraordinary deposits at a modern submarine volcano. This project aims to determine the conditions that lead to explosive eruption underwater, the dynamics of associated sediment flows, and if these events can trigger tsunami. Expected outcomes include an unprecedented reconstruction of the architecture of submarine caldera volcanoes, new innovative models applicable globally for a richer understanding of volcanic tsunami and eruptions that shape the seafloor. This project will provide significant benefits through mitigation of global marine natural hazards, and by improving knowledge on the volcanic hosts of ore deposits.Read moreRead less
Non-Covalent Interactions Probed by Velocity Map Imaging. Our research program concerns non-covalent interactions, which are of fundamental importance in a range of areas including condensed phase chemistry, the folding of large molecules, biomolecule shape, host-guest chemistry and molecular self-assembly. We probe non-covalent interactions through studies of van der Waals molecules, which involve two or more molecules or atoms held together by non-covalent forces. Our group has developed new ....Non-Covalent Interactions Probed by Velocity Map Imaging. Our research program concerns non-covalent interactions, which are of fundamental importance in a range of areas including condensed phase chemistry, the folding of large molecules, biomolecule shape, host-guest chemistry and molecular self-assembly. We probe non-covalent interactions through studies of van der Waals molecules, which involve two or more molecules or atoms held together by non-covalent forces. Our group has developed new experimental methodologies for determining the strength of intermolecular interactions and these will be used to study the effect of 3-body interactions. Because of their role in chemical reaction, we will also undertake detailed studies of complexes involving radical species.Read moreRead less
WAVES IN THE MIDDLE ATMOSPHERE. Atmospheric waves have a profound influence in the atmosphere. A unique network of radars in the southern hemisphere will be used to study wave processes in the upper atmosphere. The project will investigate causes of wave variability, wave sources and wave-wave interactions and will involve satellite measurements and international collaboration. Results will guide the development and testing of schemes that incorporate the effects of small-scale waves in numerica ....WAVES IN THE MIDDLE ATMOSPHERE. Atmospheric waves have a profound influence in the atmosphere. A unique network of radars in the southern hemisphere will be used to study wave processes in the upper atmosphere. The project will investigate causes of wave variability, wave sources and wave-wave interactions and will involve satellite measurements and international collaboration. Results will guide the development and testing of schemes that incorporate the effects of small-scale waves in numerical weather and climate models. Outcomes from the project will have application in modelling climate change.Read moreRead less
European impact on Eastern Australian coastal lakes: understanding pre-impact conditions and post-settlement modification. Coastal lakes are vulnerable to European impact, yet little is known about how they have been altered in the last 200 years. For example: Are blue-green algal blooms a natural occurrence in coastal lakes? How long have freshwater lakes been isolated from the ocean? Preliminary results indicate that, at key sites, blue-green algae were more abundant before European settlement ....European impact on Eastern Australian coastal lakes: understanding pre-impact conditions and post-settlement modification. Coastal lakes are vulnerable to European impact, yet little is known about how they have been altered in the last 200 years. For example: Are blue-green algal blooms a natural occurrence in coastal lakes? How long have freshwater lakes been isolated from the ocean? Preliminary results indicate that, at key sites, blue-green algae were more abundant before European settlement and that coastal lakes thought to be permanently fresh have been exposed to the ocean within the past 200 years. By documenting change at representative sites, the project will identify which lake types are most vulnerable to impact. Results from the project will ensure that costly restoration efforts are not misplaced.Read moreRead less
Novel Mass Spectrometric Approaches to the Study of Protein-Protein Interactions. Protein-protein interactions mediate all fundamental cellular processes, yet the structural complexity of protein assemblies mean they are often difficult to characterise using traditional analytical methods. This project will develop and demonstrate novel mass spectrometric approaches towards a molecular level description of the structure and interactions of biological protein complexes, which in turn may underpi ....Novel Mass Spectrometric Approaches to the Study of Protein-Protein Interactions. Protein-protein interactions mediate all fundamental cellular processes, yet the structural complexity of protein assemblies mean they are often difficult to characterise using traditional analytical methods. This project will develop and demonstrate novel mass spectrometric approaches towards a molecular level description of the structure and interactions of biological protein complexes, which in turn may underpin the rational design of drugs for the treatment of a range of human health conditions. This project will also provide training of young researchers to the highest international standards in mass spectrometry and protein science, for benefit to Australian industry and research.Read moreRead less
Nanotribology and Nanorheometry: A Fundamental Study of the Dynamic Interactions of Particles and Surfaces at the Molecular Level. Friction and deformation occur from the mutual motion and interaction of microscopic particles and surfaces. This research aims to develop new theories and measurement techniques for these non-equilibrium phenomena by combining mathematical analysis and numerical computations with dynamic force measurement, surface modification, and surface characterisation on nanom ....Nanotribology and Nanorheometry: A Fundamental Study of the Dynamic Interactions of Particles and Surfaces at the Molecular Level. Friction and deformation occur from the mutual motion and interaction of microscopic particles and surfaces. This research aims to develop new theories and measurement techniques for these non-equilibrium phenomena by combining mathematical analysis and numerical computations with dynamic force measurement, surface modification, and surface characterisation on nanometre and molecular length scales. These insights and data will be critically important in designing low-friction surfaces that save energy and wear, in developing nanoscopic probes for the mechanical and structural properties of soft polymeric and bio-materials, and in making high performance coatings that control adhesion and particle aggregation in technologically advanced applications.Read moreRead less
Energetics and dynamics of solvated biologically relevant molecules using liquid microjet and ion imaging technologies. The shape of many biomolecules in solution plays a critical role in determining their biological activity and function. It is known that the bonds that form between the biomolecules and the water solvent control this shape. However, very little is known about the strength and structure of these bonds at different sites around the biomolecule. Many experiments have informed u ....Energetics and dynamics of solvated biologically relevant molecules using liquid microjet and ion imaging technologies. The shape of many biomolecules in solution plays a critical role in determining their biological activity and function. It is known that the bonds that form between the biomolecules and the water solvent control this shape. However, very little is known about the strength and structure of these bonds at different sites around the biomolecule. Many experiments have informed us about the strength of the bonds, others have told us where the bonds occur. This project will provide both pieces of information for the first time, allowing us to better understand, and therefore control, biological function. This work will assist in the development of new biotechnology processes, especially in the emerging area of proteomics.Read moreRead less
Laser Spectroscopic Studies of Non-Covalent Solute-Solvent Interactions Involving Non-Volatile Biomolecules in the Gas Phase. Solute-solvent interactions play a critical role in determining whether or not many biomolecules display biological activity in solution. Making use of our novel liquid microjet injection technology, we will generate micro-solvated gas phase biomolecules by rapid laser desorption from the surface of a liquid jet (here, micro-solvation describes up to ~10 solvent molecule ....Laser Spectroscopic Studies of Non-Covalent Solute-Solvent Interactions Involving Non-Volatile Biomolecules in the Gas Phase. Solute-solvent interactions play a critical role in determining whether or not many biomolecules display biological activity in solution. Making use of our novel liquid microjet injection technology, we will generate micro-solvated gas phase biomolecules by rapid laser desorption from the surface of a liquid jet (here, micro-solvation describes up to ~10 solvent molecules attached to a solute). Following desorption, laser spectroscopy will be used to directly characterise the non-volatile biomolecular solute-solvent topography. This project will create a new application of laser science to study biophysical and biochemical processes that remain difficult, if not impossible, to explore using traditional techniques.Read moreRead less
Environmental impacts of climate change in the Nile basin over the past 30,000 years. There is growing international and national concern over the possible environmental, economic and social impacts of global and regional climate change. This project brings together a multi-disciplinary team of internationally recognised research leaders and the resources they command to investigate the environmental impacts of climatic changes in the Nile basin over geologically recent times. The outcome will b ....Environmental impacts of climate change in the Nile basin over the past 30,000 years. There is growing international and national concern over the possible environmental, economic and social impacts of global and regional climate change. This project brings together a multi-disciplinary team of internationally recognised research leaders and the resources they command to investigate the environmental impacts of climatic changes in the Nile basin over geologically recent times. The outcome will be a more comprehensive understanding of how a major river system responds to global and regional climate change, and will provide an enhanced conceptual basis for anticipating how drainage systems such as the Murray-Darling could respond to future change.Read moreRead less
A new angle on the coalescence of drops. Many processes depend on what happens when drops and/or bubbles collide with each other, or with the surfaces of other materials. Examples include inkjet printing, agricultural spraying, spray coating of paints, pharmaceutical formulation, stability of cosmetics and foodstuffs, formation of froths and foams, and flow of bubbly liquids. To control these processes, we need to understand how and why drops sometimes do and sometimes do not coalesce with each ....A new angle on the coalescence of drops. Many processes depend on what happens when drops and/or bubbles collide with each other, or with the surfaces of other materials. Examples include inkjet printing, agricultural spraying, spray coating of paints, pharmaceutical formulation, stability of cosmetics and foodstuffs, formation of froths and foams, and flow of bubbly liquids. To control these processes, we need to understand how and why drops sometimes do and sometimes do not coalesce with each other or adhere to surfaces. The knowledge gained in this project will enable improvements to be made in the efficiency of processes such as those listed above.Read moreRead less