|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
geoz 109 May 2015
NEWSBREAKERS
Nepal earthquake in review
The April 25, magnitude 7.8 Nepal earthquake, centred approximately 80 km to the northwest of Kathmandu, occurred as the result of thrust faulting on or near the main thrust interface between the subducting India plate and the overriding Eurasia plate. Earthquakes in such steep mountainous terrain invariably generate landslides, avalanches and blocked drainage systems on top of the damage to infrastructure and the concomitant destruction of lives and livelihoods. Similar events of this magnitude occurred in this region in 1988, 1934 and 1833.
USGS tectonic summary: http://tinyurl.com/lljfrcr
USGS poster detailing the earthquake: http://tinyurl.com/lph8qmn
Remote sensing changes from space: http://tinyurl.com/n9dbbya
New archaea a missing link
A new type of archaea named Lokiarchaeota has been found near hydrothermal vents along the Arctic Mid-Ocean Ridge. Studies suggest it provides evidence for an origin of eukaryotic cells in the archaea which goes a long way to solving this evolutionary puzzle.
News report: http://tinyurl.com/nntjcv5
Research abstract: http://tinyurl.com/nn8w5qp
Plant holds a candle for diamonds
A rare African plant, Pandanus candelabrum, is thought to be the first known indicator species for diamond-bearing kimberlites. Field works suggests the plant only grows in kimberlite-derived soils, which are rich in magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus.
http://tinyurl.com/ofj7qlu
FROM THE DIVISIONS
Divisional information is regularly updated at http://gsa.junctionworld.com/events/divisionmeetings.html
Check this site for more recent information on the following events:
Australian Capital Territory
Regular meetings 2015: Third Tuesday of each month (Except January)
Jaeger Lecture Theatre, Jaeger Building (Building 61), Australian National University. 5.00pm for 5.30pm start.
For more information: emma.mathews@ga.gov.au
New South Wales
GSA Annual General Meeting Tuesday, 19th May
NOTE: TAG and GEOZ 106 incorrectly published this as Thursday
Martin Van Kranendonk, University of New South Wales
Early Earth and the making of Man: Astrobiology in our own backyard.
5.30pm for 6.00pm start
Rugby Club, 31 Pitt Street, Sydney
Queensland
Queensland Division launches a new App: a self-guided walking tour through the heart of Brisbane featuring the use of building stones from the early days of European settlement to the modern expansion of Australia's third largest City. Download it here.
Also check it out on the dedicated FaceBook Page: http://tinyurl.com/l7gd8mv
Tuesday 26th May 2015
Official launch of the Brisbane Building Stones App
Venue TBA
6 - 8 June 2015
GSAQ-AIG Field Conference: New England District Regional and Economic Geology
with a preceding one-day seminar: New England Orogen, Regional and Economic Geology - an update
Call for papers for Seminar 5 June
to showcase recent advances in the understanding of the New England Orogen.
Topics include:
• Regional geology
• Structure and tectonic setting
• Economic geology including industrial minerals
A total of twelve papers are sought to be presented on the day.
Enquiries: Doug Young d.young@findex.net.au
Every Wednesday evening: GeoPub
Weekly Informal get-together for Explorers, Miners & other Geoscientists
O'Malleys Irish Pub - Basement Level of the Wintergarden in the Queen Street Mall, Brisbane. 5.30 pm
South Australia
Regular meetings: Third Thursday of each month (except January)
The Mawson Theatre, Mawson Laboratories, Adelaide University, 5.15 pm for 6.15 pm
For more information: jim.jago@unisa.edu.au
Thursday 21st May 2015: Joint GSA-AusIMM meeting
David Isles
Aeromagnetics, geology and exploration
Lunchtime meeting at the Historian Hotel
For more details contact the program secretary
Thursday 4th June 2015: Joint GSA, RSSA and FGC meeting
Ralph Tate Memorial Lecture: Prof. Richard Hillis
Unconventional fossil fuels, fracking and future energy
Venue TBA
Nominations for the Bruce Webb and Walter Howchin Medals in 2015 should be made to the Divisional Secretary by 1 July 2015. Nominations will remain current for a period of five years. Nominees do not need to be a GSA member.
Tasmania
Tuesday 26th May 2015: Annual General Meeting
Galen Halverson, McGill University
Continental Flood Basalt Driver for Neoproterozoic Oxygenation and Snowball Glaciation?
School of Earth Sciences, Lecture Theatre, University of Tasmania, 5.30 pm for 6.00 pm
Victoria
Thursday 28th May 2015 Howitt Lecture
Bill Birch
Victorian gemstones; more than just history
School of Earth Sciences, University of Melbourne 5.30pm for 6.15pmm
Western Australia
Wednesday 6th May 2015
GSA-WA Annual General Meeting
Followed by Graham Begg, 2015 Gibb Maitland Medallist
Connecting Mineral Systems and Lithospheric Architecture: The Greenfields Frontier
Irish Club of WA (Inc), 61 Townshend Rd, Subiaco, 5.30 pm for 6.00 pm
GSA EVENTS
GSA membership renewals for 2015
If you didn't receive your membership renewal please contact the GSA office.
Want to join the GSA but don't know how to do this?
Haven't renewed your membership and not sure how to proceed?
Want to know more about GSA membership?
Working reduced hours or retrenched during the downturn? If you are a GSA member of five years of more and have been retrenched in the downturn please contact the GSA, as you will be eligible for membership assistance. Membership fees for unemployed members receiving AJES (online or hardcopy) are reduced to $25.00 for 2015 and will be waived for unemployed members not receiving AJES.
You can contact us and we can assist you with your GSA membership, by email info@gsa.org.au or phone (02) 9290 2194.
Geotourism app
The Geotourism Brisbane app for Android and iPhones - a self-guided walking tour through Brisbane CBD featuring the use of building stones. See http://www.qld.gsa.org.au/BBS_App.htm or the Geotourism Brisbane FaceBook page
AESC 2016: time to start planning
The AESC 2014 seems like it happened just yesterday but now is the best time to start planning for the 2016 AESC. Keep an eye on the web site and look out for updates on-line and in TAG. For more information contact Caroline Forbes: caroline.forbes@adelaide.edu.au or program information Alan Collins: alan.collins@adelaide.edu.au
http://aesc2016.gsa.org.au/
Paul Hoffman confirmed as a Plenary Speaker
A research geologist formerly with the Geological Survey of Canada and Harvard University, Paul Hoffman has a life time of experience in Paleoproterozoic basins and tectonics in northern Canada and Neoproterozoic paleoceanography-paleoclimate in northern Namibia. A recipient of the Wegener Medal (European Union of Geosciences), Wollaston Medal (Geological Society of London), Bucher Medal (American Geophysical Union) and Penrose Medal (Geological Society of America) his best known papers are United plates of America: the birth of a craton (1987), Did the breakout of Laurentia turn Gondwanaland inside-out? (1991), and A Neoproterozoic snowball Earth (1998).
Read more about all the Plenary speakers here: http://aesc2016.gsa.org.au/program-and-keynote-speakers/
Image: Paul Hoffman.
Data Metallogenica, the GSA and GSA member benefits
Data Metallogenica is the world's largest mineral deposit database, a unique technical information system made possible through the support of over one hundred international Foundation Sponsors from industry, government organisations and professional societies including the Geological Society of Australia. It already contains quality technical information on over 5,000 mineral deposits of all kinds from around the world and provides access to a vast library of other material. Because of the GSA's foundation involvement GSA members can subscribe as an individual to Data Metallogenica for $100 per year for unlimited access and downloads (this is a 50% discount compared to non-members). Find out more or subscribe via the Data Metallogenica website:
http://dmgeode.com/
Specialist Group in Tectonics and Structural Geology.
Riding the Wave: A conference to showcase current research and ideas in Structural Geology and Tectonics 22-27 November 2015
Pre-conference field trip: 14-21 November 2015
New Caledonia: ophiolite obduction, accretion and high-pressure metamorphism
Field trip convener: Geoffrey Clark
Post-conference field trip: 28-29 November 2015
Gympie Block/D'Aguilar Ranges: Oscillating deformation and the birth and death of the
final orogeny on onshore Australia - core complex, ophiolitic blueschist, rift systems and
terrane accretion.
Field trip convener: Rod Holcombe
Key dates:
Early Bird registration and submission of approximate titles for oral presentation
selection: 30 June 2015
Abstract deadline: 15 September 2015
Download the third circular here.
For queries and expressions of interest contact:
Gideon Rosenbaum,
Email: g.rosenbaum@uq.edu.au
Phone: 07 3346 9798
GSA Annual General Meeting
Tuesday, 19th May
NOTE: TAG and GEOZ 106 incorrectly published this as Thursday
5.30pm for 6.00pm start
Rugby Club, 31 Pitt Street, Sydney
info@gsa.org.au
New AAP Memoir #47
A Late Cretaceous (Cenomanian-Turonian) south polar palynoflora from the Chatham Islands, New Zealand
$55.00 including postage in Australia
Contact: info@gsa.org.au
IN THE NEWS
Yellowstone's plumbing mapped
Two magma bodies are now known to underlie the Yellowstone region of the United States of America. Yellowstone's shallow crust magma chamber is reasonably well understood but a second reservoir has been identified between 20 and 50 kilometres below Yellowstone's caldera. It has a total volume of over 46,000 cubic kilometres and explains how the upper magma chamber is connected to the deep mantle plume underneath the region.
News report: http://tinyurl.com/naa4vkc
Research abstract: http://tinyurl.com/p5xyqsp
Award winner toasted in Clare
Dillon Brown, formerly of Clare High school, has been awarded the 2014 Geology Society of Australia Award for top student in Geology in South Australia. Dillon's interest in the subject blossomed thanks to the Clare Valley Winemakers Inc and Clare Region Grape Growers Association and their Clare Valley Rocks Project, which looked at the soils and rocks underlying the vineyards of the Clare Valley.
http://tinyurl.com/l7azphc
ON THE WEB
Ash cloud spectacular
The recent eruption of Calbuco volcano in southern Chile saw the development of a spectacular ash cloud that rose at least 15 kilometres above the volcano. The ash posed an immediate threat to many local residents and saw the cancellation of many airline flights. Ash cloud lightning also provided some spectacular displays.
Image courtesy of NASA's Earth Observatory.
Satellite images: http://tinyurl.com/kwvrevj
Images of ash cloud lightning at night: http://tinyurl.com/kn8w87c
New Middle Permian mass extinction?
Norway's Kapp Starostin Formation has provided evidence some researchers claim demonstrates a Middle Permian mass extinction event. However, this has lead to a controversy with other academics disputing the global extent of the event, suggesting instead the data represents a smaller regional extinction.
News report: http://tinyurl.com/nhn2tc4
Research abstract: http://tinyurl.com/kl7nllt
RiAus launches the ultimate science guide for STEM students
Billed as the go-to careers and courses publication for high school students, teachers, and parents, the Ultimate Science Guide has been distributed to every school in the country. It is also available on-line and hard copies can be ordered.
http://tinyurl.com/qfy5rzz
IN THE MEDIA
Mercury looks good as MESSENGER makes a new crater
The minerals and surface processes on Mercury have been mapped by MESSENGER using spectral surface measurements allowing both broad terrains and small, distinct features such as pyroclastic vents and fresh craters to be studied.
Image courtesy of NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Carnegie Institution of Washington
http://tinyurl.com/mczlthn
UN resolution on Geodesy
The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution recognising the importance of an international approach to geodesy, including the open sharing of geospatial data, support for development of further capacity-building in developing countries and the creation of international standards and conventions.
http://tinyurl.com/lo8hcws
Mars: The field trip continued ...
Tyre Trouble!
This image was taken on April 30, 2015, Sol 971. It shows how much damage just one of the wheels has sustained on the trip so far. In this image there is also a rock stuck to the wheel, presumably wedged between the treads. There is also some concern the brine-like dew that forms some evenings on Mars may be corroding the aluminium wheels and contributing to the unexpectedly high wheel damage rate. Geologists are all too familiar with wheel and tyre problems in the field, especially on hard rocky ground!
http://tinyurl.com/m84oe33
Image courtesy of NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS
Wheel briny speculation
http://tinyurl.com/k3mj5w9
Mars and the origins of life: TED talk
http://tinyurl.com/lz4nxln
More news from the solar system ...
Ganymede has a bulge
http://tinyurl.com/p7qj3ty
Messenger's last picture
http://tinyurl.com/npssupf
The origin of water on Earth
http://tinyurl.com/ljhczov
... and elsewhere ...
Help name an exoplanet
http://tinyurl.com/ltwskln
What's in AJES
The Australian Journal of Earth Sciences online is available through the Taylor & Francis website. It is very easy to navigate and use.
AJES is available to financial members of the GSA. Don't miss the next issue because your membership has lapsed!
Volume 62 No.3
M. J. Van Kranendonk, W. Altermann and R. Mazumder
A squall by the seashore ca 2.3 billion years ago: Raindrop imprints in a Paleoproterozoic tidal flat deposit, Kungarra Formation, Western Australia.
C. Heine, L. G. Yeo and R. D. Müller
Evaluating global paleoshoreline models for the Cretaceous and Cenozoic.
H. K. H. Olierook, N. E. Timms, R. E. Merle, F. Jourdan and P. G. Wilkes
Paleo-drainage and fault development in the southern Perth Basin, Western Australia during and after the breakup of Gondwana from 3D modelling of the Bunbury Basalt.
M. Kh. Khalifa, B. G. Jones and O. Hlal
Sedimentary facies analysis and paleogeographic significance of the latest Silurian to Early Devonian Winduck Interval in the Darling Basin, Western New South Wales, Australia.
R. F. Berry
Late Mesozoic strike-slip faulting In Tasmania.
G. Taylor and R. A. Eggleton
Bauxites of the NSW Southern Highlands.
S. H. Xu, Y. M. Wang, G. Q. Xu, G. D. Zeng, C. L. Gong, C. E. Cai, W. Guo, W. Tang, H. T. Zhuo and H. Q. Wan
Linking shelf delta to deep-marine deposition in reservoir dispersal of the upper Oligocene strata in the Baiyun Sag, the northern South China Sea.
Follow this link to see the most recent papers published on-line.
Coming up in TAG
TAG for June 2015
The June TAG has three interesting Features: Leaving St Helena for Ascension Island, by Bill Birch, Elgin Marbles' of Australian paleontology by Gavin Young and by Andrew Glikson a feature titled the Tail end of the Late Heavy Bombardment? We expect delivery to members mid-June. TAG is mailed to all financial members of the GSA. As always if you are submitting a Feature or Special Report please send your article in as soon as possible and if you need information about word lengths and submitting contact: tag@gsa.org.au.
JOB VACANCIES
Advertising space now available
Advertising positions are now available in Geoz. Be the first to advertise here.
Word length: 40-50 words (the shorter the more effective) plus link to a web site.
Text and a small logo linking to your online advert or business.
Logo a maximum of 180 pixels wide x 90 pixels high.
Adverts will run in Geoz for two issues.
Fee: $150.00
For more information: info@gsa.org.au
WHAT'S ON
DEADLINES:
Call for Papers - Abstract deadline June 29 2015
11th International Conference on Mine Closure:
Perth 15-17 March 2016
11 years of mine closure excellence
http://tinyurl.com/qbvs4c6
Early bird registration - Deadline June 30 2015
Riding the Wave: A conference to showcase current research and ideas in Structural Geology and Tectonics
Caloundra 22-27 November 2015
Abstract deadline: 15 September 2015
http://www.sgtsg.org/
Early bird registration - Deadline July 27 2015
Ninth International Symposium on Field Measurements in Geomechanics
Sydney 9-11 September 2015
Early bird registration - Deadline July 31 2015
Society of Economic Geologists (SEG/CODES) 2015 Conference
Hobart 27 – 30 September 2015
World-Class Ore Deposits: Discovery to Recovery
For more information http://www.seg2015.org/
Call for nominations - Deadline July 31 2015
Bruce Hobbs Medal for Structural Geology and
Chris Powell Medal for Postgraduate Research in Tectonics and Structural Geology
Call for Papers - Abstract deadline June 29 2015
11th International Conference on Mine Closure
Perth March 2016
11 years of mine closure excellence
http://tinyurl.com/qbvs4c6
Top GeoShot photography competition - Entries close 1 September 2015
The theme for this year's competition is "Rock Stars"
http://tinyurl.com/luxw38g
EVENTS:
Translating airborne electromagnetic data into geological understanding, Canberra, 13 May 2015
Introduction To Groundwater Geochemistry, Sydney, 13 May 2015
Introduction to Pumping Test Analysis, Adelaide, 15 May 2015
Australian Construction Equipment Expo, Brisbane, 14 – 16 May 2015
APPEA 2015, Melbourne, 17 – 20 May 2015
CRC CARE Seminar and Webinar - Who do people trust? A residents' perception of risk communication on industrial contamination, Adelaide and on-line, 18 May 2015
Introduction to Groundwater: Principles and Practices, Perth, 18 – 21 May 2015
GIS-based Modelling with Arc Hydro Groundwater, Perth, 19 – 21 May 2015
Groundwater Management and Protection Workshop, Perth, 21 May 2015
CRC Association annual conference, Canberra, 25 – 27 May 2015
Seminar and Exploration Round-Up: Metallogeny and exploration potential in the Charters Towers Province, Townsville, 27 – 29 May 2015
NCGRT Distinguished Lecture Tour 2015, Canberra and all State Capitals, 02 June – 30 July 2015
Check the program for the session date in your state: http://tinyurl.com/nlqlz3u
Introduction to Coal Seam Gas, Mining and Groundwater, Brisbane, 10 – 12 June 2015
Environmental Tracers in Groundwater Hydrology: Tools for Improved Process Understanding, Adelaide, 16 – 18 June 2015
Four-dimensional simulations of marine dispersal at a continental scale, Canberra, 15 July 2015
AAPG-SEG International Conference and Exhibition, Melbourne, 13 – 16 September
Society of Economic Geologists (SEG/CODES) 2015 Conference
Hobart 27 – 30 September 2015
World-Class Ore Deposits: Discovery to Recovery
Early bird registration deadline: 31 July 2015
For more information http://www.seg2015.org/
CONTACTS
Head Office
Suite 61, 104 Bathurst Street
Sydney NSW 2000
ph 02-9290 2194
fax 02-9290 2198
www.gsa.org.au
Governing Council and Executive Committee
Divisions
Specialist
Groups
The Australian Journal
of Earth Sciences (AJES)
The Australian
Geologist (TAG)
Education and Outreach
Publicity
GEOZ advertising
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
