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geoz 110 May 2015
NEWSBREAKERS
Stone tools pre-date humans
In Kenya 3.3 million-year-old stone tools have been discovered. They pre-date Homo habilis and the genus Homo by 700,000 years and were probably made by a hominin with Kenyanthropus platyops the most likely candidate.
News report: http://tinyurl.com/jwhz5e5
Research abstract: http://tinyurl.com/ljs2oyf
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
2015 meeting dates to be advised
For more information: meetings@nsw.gsa.org.au
Queensland
Tuesday 26th May 2015
Official launch of the Brisbane Building Stones App
Invitation only event at City Hall
Thursday 28th May 2015
Public Lecture: Brisbane History in Stone & Brick App - GeoTourism Brisbane
Queensland Museum, 5.15 pm for 6.00 pm
http://tinyurl.com/l7gd8mv
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 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
Thursday June 25th 2015
Federal GSA President Graham Carr (CSIRO)
35 years of Mineral Exploration Research in Australia - my personal perspective on the 5 most influential outcomes
School of Earth Sciences, Lecture Theatre, University of Tasmania, 5.30 pm for 6.00 pm
Royal Society of Tasmania/GSA(Tas)Winter Lecture Series June - July 2015
Scientific Advances in Understanding The Evolution of Life on Earth over the Last 3.5 Billion Years
University of Tasmania, Stanley Burbury Theatre
Provisional program:
1: Evolution and Generation of Life on the Early Earth
Wednesday June 24th 7.30pm
Lecture 1. The Theory of Evolution - What have we learnt since Charles Darwin?
Professor John Long, Flinders University.
Lecture 2. The Early Earth and Generation of Life (the first billion years)
Professor Malcolm Walter, Australian Centre for Astrobiology, University of NSW.
2: Middle Earth - the Slingshot of Life
Wednesday July 15th 7.30pm
Lecture 3. The Boring Billion Years in Earth History and its Significance
Indrani Mukherjee, PhD student, University of Tasmania.
Lecture 4. The Cambrian Explosion of Life and Rise of Marine Species
Dr Diego Bellido-Garcia, University of Adelaide.
3: Life in the last 500 million years; Mass Extinctions, Volcanoes and Meteorites
Wednesday July 22nd 7.30pm
Lecture 5. The Five Great Mass Extinction Events - what was their cause, and when is the next?
Distinguished Professor Ross Large, University of Tasmania.
Lecture 6. Mega Volcanic Eruptions and the Greatest Mass Extinction of all Time
Professor Jocelyn McPhie, University of Tasmania.
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
Regular meetings: First Wednesday of each month (except December and
January)
Irish Club of WA, 61 Townshend Road, Subiaco, 5.30pm
For more information: info@wa.gsa.org.au
GSA EVENTS
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 worlds 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
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
Remuneration survey
Professionals Australia is currently undertaking its 2015 Scientist Remuneration Survey. Conducted annually, the survey enables Professionals Australia to build a current snapshot of the remuneration and workplace conditions experienced by professional scientists across Australia. The survey can be accessed at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2015_Scientist_Remuneration and is open until the 19th of June, 2015. In addition, when you complete the survey you have the opportunity to enter the draw to win one of four prizes of $500, which will be drawn once the survey is closed.
IN THE NEWS
New Japanese island a natural laboratory
A recently emergent active volcano, 1,000 kilometres south of Tokyo, has now created about 2.5 square kilometres of dry land, albeit barren rock. Biologist and geologists are keenly monitoring the island, looking for signs of colonisation by plants and animals. They hope to identify how the process starts, where the colonists come from and how biological succession proceeds in the apparently hostile environment.
http://tinyurl.com/kz7yo8x
Professor of Earthquake science appointed
University of Otago has appointed its first Professor of Earthquake Science. Dr Mark Stirling, principal scientist for seismic hazard analysis at GNS Science, will take up the position next year. Dr Stirling will lead a new multi-disciplinary centre for fault and earthquake science at Otago that aims to advance fundamental understandings of the relationships between faults, earthquakes and hazards.
http://tinyurl.com/l2jo6kz
ON THE WEB
Mount St Helens 35 years on
In May 35 years ago Mount St Helens was showing ever increasing signs of a serious eruption. After weeks of rumbling the mountain's north flank collapsed and a lateral explosion devastated 390 square kilometres of the landscape. The before and after images are a stark reminder of how even a relatively small eruption can severely impact a region for a very long time.
Image courtesy of NASA Earth Observatory.
http://tinyurl.com/la47n2b
Global soil moisture mapping a reality
NASA's new Soil Moisture Active Passive mission is under way and has begun collecting real data. It will map global soil moisture and detect whether soils are frozen or not. The first map was acquired between May 4 and May 11, 2015 during the commissioning phase. The map has a resolution of 9 kilometres.
Image courtesy of NASA/JPL-Caltech/GSFC
Map information: http://tinyurl.com/mpcwue7
SMAP web site: http://tinyurl.com/cf9wogu
IN THE MEDIA
Before and after the Langtang landslide, Nepal
NASA's Earth Observatory has documented the landscape of Nepal in the vicinity of Langtang village using images taken before and after the initial April 25 earthquake. A huge landslide is clearly evident in the after image shown here, indicating the village of Langtang no longer exists. The location label marks where it should be.
Image courtesy of NASA Earth Observatory
NASA EO:http://tinyurl.com/mnrc69b
Langtang range drops 1 metre:http://tinyurl.com/mrlc7wl
Is Australian Opal the right stuff?
Internationally, building stone can be designated as a Global Heritage Stone Resource (GHSR) with the title reserved for stones deemed to have particular significance in human culture. However, some ornamental and precious stones could also claim this significant heritage, and as a consequence geologists are meeting to discuss what actually can be included in the designation. Some regard Opal as too far from the intention of the original initiative to qualify, whereas others - including Australian Geologist Barry Cooper - think opal should qualify because the iconic Australian gem has a unique sedimentary origin and a special cultural significance in Australia. The first building stone to receive the GHSR designation is likely to be Portland stone, the English building material quarried in Dorset, southern England.
http://tinyurl.com/n29vmqt
Mars: The field trip continued ...
Not a tequila sunrise: Maybe a sapphire sunset?
Very fine dust in the Martian atmosphere scatters blue light on angles such that it stays closer to the direction of the sun than light of other colours does. This creates a Martian sunset where the longer light path allows blue light near the sun's part of the sky to predominate, while in normal Martian daylight the rusty colour of the dust is more prominent giving the daytime sky an overall yellow-orange tinge.
http://tinyurl.com/ok6ff3r
Image courtesy of NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS/Texas A&M Univ.
Strategic route planning: the video
http://tinyurl.com/mqqmrsn
ChemCam fixed, focussing and better than ever
http://tinyurl.com/mmlrzxw
More news from the solar system ...
999 FN53, a 1000m wide rock, flew by on May 14.
http://tinyurl.com/kn3pd8z
More than two bright spots on Ceres
http://tinyurl.com/kv3n2s3
Curtain eruptions on Enceladus?
http://tinyurl.com/lc3adul
Europan sea could be salty
http://tinyurl.com/l6cc35j
... and elsewhere ...
How galaxies die
http://tinyurl.com/kv5t5kx
Two ways to supernova
http://tinyurl.com/nyln5ar
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 August 31 2015
5th International Conference on Geotechnical and Geophysical site characterisation:
Gold Coast 5-9 September 2016
11 years of mine closure excellence
http://www.isc5.com.au/
Top GeoShot photography competition - Entries close 1 September 2015
The theme for this year's competition is "Rock Stars"
http://tinyurl.com/luxw38g
EVENTS:
Imagine the possibilities of the NH (Doc) Fisher Library, Canberra, 27 May 2015
Seminar and Exploration Round-Up: Metallogeny and exploration potential in the Charters Towers Province, Townsville, 27 – 29 May 2015
GeoTourism Brisbane - Public Lecture, Brisbane, 28 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
The AusIMM International Uranium Conference, Adelaide, 9 – 10 June 2015
The inaugural AusIMM Africa Australia Technical Mining Conference, Adelaide, 11 – 12 June 2015
Introduction to Coal Seam Gas, Mining and Groundwater, Brisbane, 10 – 12 June 2015
Association of Australasian Palaeontologists (AAP) AGM, Adelaide, 15 June 2015
Exploration in the House - NSW, Sydney, 16 June 2015
Beyond the Rocks Exploration Forum, Sydney, 17 June 2015
Environmental Tracers in Groundwater Hydrology: Tools for Improved Process Understanding, Adelaide, 16 – 18 June 2015
Pivotal, Brisbane, 28 – 30 June 2015
World leaders in spatial information technology, sustainability, climate change and governance
http://tinyurl.com/mrd42td
Dinosaur and Sea Monster Dig, Marathon Station, Richmond QLD, 4 – 10 July 2015
More information and Booking form
Iron Ore 2015, Perth, 13 – 15 July 2015
Four-dimensional simulations of marine dispersal at a continental scale, Canberra, 15 July 2015
11th International Symposium on Rock Fragmentation by Blasting, Sydney, 27 – 28 July 2015
Tailings and Mine Waste Management for the 21st Century, Sydney, 24 – 26 August 2015
Australian Mine Ventilation Conference, Sydney, 31 August – 2 September 2015
Soil and Groundwater Pollution: Characterisation, Remediation and Risk Management, Perth, 1 – 4 September 2015
Groundwater Modelling for Beginners, Perth, 1 – 4 September 2015
MetPlant 2015, Perth, 7 – 8 September 2015
AAPG-SEG International Conference and Exhibition, Melbourne, 13 – 16 September
Introduction to Groundwater: Principles and Practices, Brisbane, 21 – 23 September 2015
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
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Geologist (TAG)
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