Exploring the Hadean Earth. This research spotlights a globally unique Australian natural resource that preserves the most detailed record of how our planet worked during its formative stages. The project showcases Australian scientific and technical leadership in a field of widespread interest, aids in capturing the imagination of young people considering a career in science and technology, provides training opportunities for young scientists, and enhances the international visibility and pres ....Exploring the Hadean Earth. This research spotlights a globally unique Australian natural resource that preserves the most detailed record of how our planet worked during its formative stages. The project showcases Australian scientific and technical leadership in a field of widespread interest, aids in capturing the imagination of young people considering a career in science and technology, provides training opportunities for young scientists, and enhances the international visibility and prestige of Australian science.Read moreRead less
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
Resolving the mystery of how rare earth elements are mobilised and concentrated in continental crust. Rare earth elements are regarded as the vitamins for modern industries and technologies. This project will investigate the geological processes that mobilise and concentrate these elements in the Earth's crust. The results will aid discovery of new ore deposits, which is essential to meet rapidly growing demand for these elements.
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
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE130100087
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$500,000.00
Summary
Enabling future technology by building light element analysis capability: a light element optimised ultra-high resolution electron microprobe. The capability to characterise the chemistry of materials at very small scales is critical for geologists, metallurgists and materials scientists. The new instrument is world-leading technology that will enable analysis of light element-rich materials at extremely high resolution (< 50 nanometers) with very low detection limits.