Research Projects:
Effective Management of Water Resources in Semiarid Regions Using Remote Sensing
Dr M. Leblanc (Chief Investigator), Dr I.Cartwright and Prof. J. Cull in collaboration with external researchers Prof. F. Stagnitti, Dr P. Van Oevelen, Dr C. Leduc, and Dr G. Gavreau
Funding for 2006: $81,520 (ARC Discovery Project)
Due to the vast expense and difficulties to access many areas from the ground, there is currently no effective system for assessing and managing water resources over many large semi-arid regions of the world. Through the study of two complementary Basins - The Murray and Lake Chad Basins - we propose a new approach based on satellite imagery to provide regular and detailed information on the state of our water resources in these areas. These innovative techniques will yield new information on critical water issues: water availability, salinity, groundwater/surface water interactions, climate and land use change impact. This project provides the basis for sustainable water use in regional Australia
Prediction and controlling of pipe failures in buried water and gas pipe systems
Prof. J. Cull in collaboration with Dr JK Kodikara (Department of Civil Engineering, Chief Investigator), Prof. X Zhao, Dr A Bouazza, Dr P Davis, Dr S Burn, and Prof. ID Moore
Funding for 2006: $15,000 (School of Geosciences portion of ARC LP funding only) (ARC Linkage Project with City West Water, TXU, Alinta Network Services, Water Corporation, Ipswich City Council, South East Water Ltd., Origin Energy Asset Management Services)
The ARC has recognised water as a critical resource that must be protected from wastage. Along with water, the supply of gas to communities through extensive buried pipe networks is an essential service. As the pipe systems age, the pipe failures have increased. These failures lead to loss of valuable commodity and inconvenience and health hazard to the public and workers. Effective asset management tools are urgently required in predicting and controlling pipe failures. A consortium of water and gas suppliers and a team of researchers from Monash University and CSIRO have joined forces to address this problem so that significant social and economic benefits to Australia can be realised.
National Geoscience Teaching Network
Prof. J. Cull, Dr P.Betts
Funding for 2006: $125,950 (Minerals Council of Australia, pmd*CRC, Monash University)
The National Geosciences Teaching Network (NGTN) is part of a broader, 5-year tertiary education initiative that aims to build in Australia a world-class, sustainable system for the education of professionals for the minerals industry. Supported by government, academia and Australia's leading minerals companies, the initiative aims to reshape minerals tertiary education, delivering technically excellent graduates who are well prepared for their careers in the industry.
The NGTN is a collaborative network of Australia's leading providers of earth science education. Its aims are to develop a flexible, innovative earth sciences program that will be available to honours and masters students nationally, encouraging student mobility and facilitating access to the best staff and programs, regardless of where a student is enrolled.
Mapping electrical resistivity in the Australian Crust
Prof. J. Cull
Funding for 2006: $12,500 (Australia-Korea Foundation) |
