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geoz 65 March 2013
NEWSBREAKERS
Cold speleothems a hot topic
Speleothems cannot form when the overlying regolith is frozen. In Siberia speleothem studies reveal the Russian permafrost last melted about 400,000 years ago when temperatures were about 1.5oC warmer than today. This implies the current permafrost is in danger of melting if global temperatures rise in accordance with climate modelling and will release vast amounts of methane if it does melt, adding a lot more to the greenhouses gas load in the atmosphere. To make matters worse vital infrastructure built on the permafrost will loose its support and may need to be rebuilt or relocated.
News report: http://bit.ly/13pioRM
Research abstract: http://bit.ly/Vz2DaI
Curiosity in back-up mode
Mars rover Curiosity is currently running on its B-side computer while NASA looks into an A-side memory issue. Corrupt files, possibly due to cosmic radiation damage, are suspected. This development comes just as Curiosity begins analysing samples from its historic first rock drilling procedure.
News report: http://bbc.in/ZgC4WW
NASA statement: http://1.usa.gov/15UyQgZ
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: Third Tuesday of each month (Except January)
Jaeger Lecture Theatre, Jaeger Building (Building 61), Australian National University.
For more information: eva_papp@grapevine.com.au
New South Wales
2013 meeting dates to be advised
For more information: meetings@nsw.gsa.org.au
Queensland
Tuesday 12th March 2013 - AIG event
David Finn, Newcrest
Wafi-Golpu - the growth story
The Theodore Club, Level 1, 333 Adelaide St, Brisbane. 5.15 pm for 6.00 pm
Wednesday 17th April 2013
Professor Gordon Southam, University of Queensland
Bacteria-metal (-mineral) interactions with a focus on the biogeochemistry of gold
The Theodore Club, Level 1, 333 Adelaide St, Brisbane. 5.15 pm for 6.00 pm
South Australia
GeoNight at the Pub
First Thursday of every month
Nibbles provided, drink specials on the night
The Griffith's Head, Grenfell Street, Adelaide (Front Bar). 5.30 pm to 7.30pm
Email apetts@flindersmines.com for more information
Thursday 21st March 2013
Annual joint AusIMM and GSA Student BBQ.
For more information contact: info@sa.gsa.org.au
Tasmania
2013 meeting dates to be advised
For more information: mduffett@mrt.tas.gov.au
Victoria
2013 meeting dates to be advised
For more information: secretary@vic.gsa.org.au
Western Australia
Wednesday 6th March 2013
Milo Barham, Department of Applied Geology Curtin University
Conodonts, fishy bits and Ireland: paleoclimatic time capsules resolve the Carboniferous glaciation (and help inform our climate future?)
Irish Club of WA (Inc), 61 Townshend Rd, Subiaco, 5.30 pm for 6.00 pm
GSA EVENTS
GSA membership
The 2013 Member renewals have been mailed; if you haven't received your renewal notice contact the office. Members can update their details or renew their membership online. Need help? Don't know your membership number, not sure if you have renewed? If in doubt, please contact the GSA office: info@gsa.org.au.
GSA membership is from the 1st January - the 31st December 2013. If you are interested in joining the GSA please contact: info@gsa.org.au.
The National Rock Garden - a rock solid idea
The National Rock Garden (NRG) now qualifies for Deductible Gift Recipient status (DGR). In other words, donations to the NRG are now tax deductible so now donating to the NRG can be a win-win!
The National Rock Garden will have up to 100 large specimens of the country's most iconic rocks.
Each specimen will weigh approximately 10–15 tonnes. To find out how you can contribute follow
this link to the NRG web site: http://www.nationalrockgarden.org.au/
Check out the NRG rock of the month - Chinaman Creek Limestone.
If you would like to join the Friends of the National Rock Garden and receive
newsletters and information directly by email please send a request to rockgarden@gsa.org.au
Image courtesy of Jennifer Bradbury
Biennial Conference of the Specialist Group in Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Petrology: Rocks, Reef and Rainforest (R3)
Following the format of the successful Kangaroo Island (2009) and Murramarang (2011) SGGMP conferences, this Gordon-style conference held in tropical North Queensland
will combine oral and poster presentations, field trips, and a packed social program.
Mission Beach, QLD, July 14th to 19th 2013.
Places are limited!
http://sggmp2013.webs.com/
IN THE NEWS
Florida limestone sinkhole death
The Florida region sits over vast areas of limestone that are prone to forming sinkholes. In the last 60 years over 500 sinkholes have appeared in the region. Tragically, in one of the most recent events, a 6 metre-wide hole opened under a residential building and the contents of a bedroom which included the sleeping occupant fell in. Now presumed dead his body has been deemed beyond recovery and the house and others nearby are being demolished in an attempt to determine the extent of this sinkhole so plans can be made to make the rest of the neighbourhood safe.
News report: http://ind.pn/VWEmM4
Florida sinkhole information: http://bit.ly/aVvM09
Call for Sponsors
Cartoscope Maps is looking for sponsors for their new Geotourism Map of NSW and website. This project is partly funded by a Federal Government Tqual grant and is scheduled for print on the 18th March 2013.
Website (still under construction: http://www.geomaps.com.au/
Contact Lea Turner for more information: mobile - 0427297430 email - Lea@maps.com.au
Dental record rats on fossil fish
CT scans of a spiral-tooth fossil, Helicoprion, reveal this cartilaginous fish to be more closely related to modern ratfish than sharks. The 270 million year old specimen, complete with upper and lower jaw cartilage impressions, allowed a 3D computer generated model of the dental arrangement to be studied for the first time.
News report: http://bbc.in/X9HSU1
Research abstract: http://bit.ly/WpXFQb
ON THE WEB
Is it really?
The Piccaninny structure forms a roughly circular plateau in Western Australia's Bungle Bungle Range. Regional folding and faulting patterns both within and surrounding the plateau are suggestive of an impact structure but shock textures and other definitive evidence has yet to be found.
Image courtesy of NASA's Earth Observatory
http://1.usa.gov/100TCLk
The Face of Earth
The American Geosciences Institute has posted four videos on their YouTube site. The Face of Earth series examines global geological processes from four different perspectives and is well worth a look.
http://bit.ly/VK3W9u
IN THE MEDIA
Mercury by numbers
Using x-ray spectrometer elemental ratios at the surface of Mercury, taken by the MESSENGER probe, scientists recreated the two distinct rock compositions seen on the planet's surface in the laboratory. They then used the synthetic rocks to try and resolve the geological processes that could have given rise to such different surface compositions by subjecting each type to high temperatures and pressures to simulate the various geological processes that were postulated. As a result a single scenario has emerged that explains the surface observations.
News report: http://bit.ly/WXYQEY
Research abstract: http://bit.ly/YIsRGD
Hickman crater a hit
Hickman Crater in the Hamersley Range was recently diamond drilled in a collaborative project between Atlas Iron and the Geological Survey of Western Australia. The vertical diamond drill hole reached a total depth from the crater floor of about 65 metres. Samples from core and surface materials are currently being analysed and it is anticipated they will provide conclusive evidence of the crater's presumed impact origin and provide a much better date on the age of the impact.
http://bit.ly/YO79RI
Mars: the 2013 field trip (continued)
Check out the tech.
http://1.usa.gov/WCWlV5
Practice makes perfect
http://1.usa.gov/WaN1Y0
Ready set sieve
http://1.usa.gov/WaNklN
Ingestion complete
http://1.usa.gov/YAcX32
... and 'teeth' are clean
http://1.usa.gov/XEuruc
Image: The sample collection scoop with the first sample ever collected from the interior of a rock on another planet.
Image courtesy of NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS
http://1.usa.gov/11VJKnr.
What's in AJES
The Australian Journal of Earth Sciences online is available through the Taylor & Francis' website: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/taje20. It is very easy to navigate and use.
AJES is available to financial members of the GSA. Don't miss the next issue; Volume 60 No.1.
Volume 59 Issue No.8
B. L. N. Kennett and M. Salmon
AuSREM: Australian Seismological Reference Model
D. F. Lascelles
Banded iron formation to high-grade iron ore: a critical review of supergene enrichment models
J. H. Cann and C. V. Murray-Wallace
Interstadial age (MIS5c) beach-dune barrier deposits in the Coorong Lagoon, South Australia
M. Honda, D. Phillips, M. A. Kendrick, M. K. Gagan and W. R. Taylor
Noble gas and carbon isotope ratios in Argyle diamonds, Western Australia: Evidence for a deeply-subducted volatile component
Discussion and Reply:
D. F. Lascelles Discussion on Microplaty hematite - its varied nature and genesis by R. C. Morris and Genesis modeling for the Hamersley BIF-hosted iron ores of Western Australia: a critical review by R.C. Morris and M. Kneeshaw.
Reply: R. C. Morris and M. Kneeshaw
Volume 60 Issue No.1
Thematic issue: Geological storage of C02
Alexandra Golab and Sue Golding editors.
P. J. Cook
Introduction for thematic issue on C02 sequestration.
M. A. Bunch
Gauging geological characterisation for C02 storage: the Australasian experience so far.
S. Varma, J. Underschultz, S. B. Giger, B. Field, L. Roncaglia, J. Hodgkinson, & D. Hilditch
C02 geosequestration potential in the Northern Perth Basin, Western Australia.
L. Stalker, S. Varma, D. Van Gent, J. Haworth & S. Sharma.
South West Hub - a carbon capture and storage project.
G. W. O'Brien, P. R. Tingate, L. M. Divko Goldie, J. A. Miranda, M. J. Campi & K. Liu
Basin-scale fluid flow in the Gippsland Basin: implications for geological carbon storage.
J. Hodgkinson & M. Grigorescu
Background research for selection of potential geostorage targets - case studies from the Surat Basin, Queensland.
S. M. Farquhar, G. K. W. Dawson, J. S. Esterle & S. D. Golding
Mineralogical characterisations of C02 sequestration in the Surat Basin.
A. Golab, R. Romeyn, H. Averdunk, M. Knackstedt & T. J. Senden
3D characterisation of potential C02 reservoir and seal rocks.
S. D. Golding, I. T. Uysal, R. Bolhar, C. J. Boreham, G. K. W. Dawson, K. A. Baublys & J. S. Esterle
Carbon dioxide-rich coals of the Oaky Creek areas, central Bowen Basin: a natural analogue for carbon sequestration in coal systems
K. L. Pinetown
Assessment of the C02 sequestration potential of coal seams in the Hunter Coalfield, Sydney Basin.
Coming up in TAG
TAG for March 2013
The March TAG will soon be on its way and includes a colour feature on the AuSREM and a feature on the Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Scheme. Also included are Special Reports on Australia's dinosaur trail, Earth Science Western Australia and much more. The March issue is 4 pages longer than usual and is only sent to members who have paid their 2013 membership fees.
TAG for June 2013
The deadline for general copy for the June edition is 29 April. Don't be disappointed, get your Letter to the Editor or a news item in now to: tag@gsa.org.au. Alternatively, if you are submitting a Feature or Special Report send your article by mid-April. 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.
Follow this link for more information.
WHAT'S ON
DEADLINES:
Call for entries - closing date 3 May 2013
2013 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes
For a complete list of the prizes, conditions of entry, judging criteria and entry forms go to:
http://eureka.australianmuseum.net.au/
Bookings open - event date 23 June 2013
Geology Train!
Experience the excitement of a rugged, narrow-gauge, coal-fired, steam-powered mountain train ride and view great outcrops. GeoTourism at its steamy best!
EVENTS:
Australian Science: Global Impact, Canberra, Tuesday 5 March 6pm
Professor Brian Schmidt at the Shine Dome Exploring the last frontier: Australia's pioneering work in astronomy
LIVE streaming from here if you can't attend
Snowden Professional Development Courses, 2013 programme
10% Discount for GSA members
Download PDF flyer here
3rd Australian Water Schools, Sydney, 4 – 6 March 2013
Fundamentals of Water Science, Technology and Governance.
Download PDF flyer here
Exploring the last frontier, Canberra, 5 March 2013
Australia's pioneering work in astronomy, Professor Brian Schmidt.
RSVPs essential
Energy Project EPC Contracts, Perth, 12 – 14 March 2013
Best Practice IP Management for Resources Companies, Brisbane 14 March 2013
Environmental Geochemistry of Mine Site Pollution - An Introduction, Perth, 18 – 19 March 2013
Gas Contracts - Negotiation & Management, Perth, 18 – 21 March 2013
Geology of Gold course, Melbourne, 18 – 22 March 2013
10% Discount for GSA members
Download PDF flyer here
Total Tailings Management Seminar, Perth, 20 – 21 March 2013
Advanced Tailings Management Seminar, Perth, 22 March 2013
Best Practice IP Management for Resources Companies, Adelaide, 27 March 2013
Well diagnosis and workover, Perth, 15 – 16 April 2013
Interpretation of Geochemical Data for Environmental Applications Workshop, Perth, 29 April 2013
Associate Prof Ron Watkins, Director, Environmental Inorganic Geochemistry Group, Curtin University
Download PDF flyer here
A Framework for Managing Risk After Mining Workshop, Perth, 30 April 2013
Bill Biggs, Biggs and Associates; Professor Ken Mercer, Australian Centre for Geomechanics
Download PDF flyer here
ACG Mine Rehabilitation and Closure Seminar and workshops, Perth, 1 – 3 May 2013
Australian Centre for Geomechanics
Download PDF flyer here
Advanced Application of Seismology in Mines Short Course, Perth, 7 – 10 May 2013
No workshop proceedings will be available for purchase.
http://www.groundsupport2013.com/events
Shotcrete Design and Performance Workshop, Perth, 12 May 2013
No workshop proceedings will be available for purchase.
http://www.groundsupport2013.com/events
Ground Support 2013, Perth, 13 – 15 May 2013
No workshop proceedings will be available for purchase.
http://www.groundsupport2013.com/home
4th Australian Water Schools, Gold Coast, 15 – 17 May 2013
Fundamentals of Water Science, Technology and Governance.
Download PDF flyer here
Ground Support Technology: Integrated Field Laboratory and Theoretical Research, Perth, 16 – 17 May 2013
No workshop proceedings will be available for purchase.
http://www.groundsupport2013.com/events
CONTACTS
Head Office
Suite 61, 104 Bathurst Street
Sydney NSW 2000
ph 02-9290 2194
fax 02-9290 2198
www.gsa.org.au
Executive
Divisions
Specialist
Groups
The Australian Journal
of Earth Sciences (AJES)
The Australian
Geologist (TAG)
Education and Outreach
Publicity
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