Research Projects
Unravelling the nature of secular global climatic change on the Precambrian Earth
Dr B. F. Schaefer (Chief Investigator)
Funding for 2006: $42,590 (ARC Discovery Project)
Ancient sedimentary rocks record evidence of major climate change and variations in the composition of the atmosphere. By applying novel isotopic and geochemical techniques, this project aims to document when and how the Earths atmosphere and climate changed prior to the evolution of complex life forms. Curiously, such dramatic climate changes have controlled both the rate of evolutionary process and the formation of world-class mineral deposits.
Developing a Tectonic Framework for the Gawler Craton: Paving the Way for Successful Mineral Exploration Programs
Dr B. Schaefer, Dr P. Betts, Dr S. Beresford in collaboration with Dr M. Hand, Dr G. Heinson, Dr K. Barovich, Dr N. Direen, and Dr L. Schwartz (University of Adelaide)
Funding for 2006: $58,500 (ARC Linkage with PIRSA, grant administered by Adelaide University)
The late Archaean to Mesoproterozoic Gawler Craton is the major Precambrian province in southern Australia. However, despite containing one of the largest ore bodies on Earth, exploration expenditure in the craton has been comparatively low, and hampered by insufficient knowledge of the craton's tectonic systems. This project uses an integrated package of geochemical, isotopic and geophysical tools to develop a comprehensive model for the tectonic evolution of the Gawler Craton. The project will constrain the development of the Gawler Craton in the context of Precambrian Australian evolution, and offer insights into universal processes of lithosphere formation, growth and stabilization.
A state-of-the-art trace element and speciation analysis facility for the Earth, Environmental and Chemical Sciences.
Dr B. Schaefer, Dr R. Morrison, Dr S. Kolev, Dr M. Grace, Dr G. Mark, Dr I. Cartwright, Dr I. Buick, Dr I. McKelvie, Dr A. Chaffee, Dr R. Beckett, Dr A. Mechler
Funding for 2006: $626,000 (ARC LIEF)
Outcomes of the research utilising the proposed facility will feed directly into monitoring the health of the nations water systems (both ground and surface waters) and constraining processes responsible for the mobility and subsequent accumulation of toxic metals and metallic species in the environment. Pure research into trace element partitioning in geological materials will inform crust formation and mineral deposit models and aid in exploration of world‑class ore bodies and the associated economic benefits of this activity. Applications in nanotechnology include laser cleaning and predictive laser ablation characterisation of potential application in manufacturing technology.
pmd*CRC I7: Multi-scale analysis of the Mt Isa region and its metallogenic potential
Dr B. Schaefer
Funding for 2006: $114,150 (pmd*CRC)
The overall aim is to synthesise the across-scale elements of the geological evolution and their relationship to mineralisation in the region. The research seeks to deliver a comprehensive analysis of crustal to district to deposit scale characterisations of the controls on mineralisation. Major outcomes being sought are:
Knowledge-based: advanced understanding of geology and mineral systems in 2D, 3D, and 4D, building on existing models and concepts, testing and developing new ideas and models
- Technology-based: develop “exploration toolkit”, with a focus on tangible, observable criteria
- Economic-based: help reduce the time and cost to discovery.
|
