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NEWSBREAKERSLife but not where we know it
Direct evidence of communities of methane and sulfur processing micro-organisms deep within basaltic oceanic crust has been discovered during deep sea drilling on the eastern flank of the Juan de Fuca Ridge. Gold formation theory shakes things upNew Australian research suggests much of the world's gold deposits may have formed during earthquakes from gold-rich solutions. The work suggests sudden increases in fracture volumes cause flash vaporisation and a change in fluid pressure with rapid precipitation of gold from solution. FROM THE DIVISIONS
Divisional information is regularly updated at http://gsa.junctionworld.com/events/divisionmeetings.html Australian Capital TerritoryFriday 19th April 2013 New South Wales2013 meeting dates to be advised QueenslandWednesday 17th April 2013 South AustraliaThursday 4th April 2013 Thursday 18th April 2013 Tasmania2013 meeting dates to be advised VictoriaThursday 2 May 2013 Thursday 30 May 2013 Western AustraliaFriday 12th April 2013 GSA EVENTSGSA membershipThe 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 ideaThe 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! This months rock of the month is the Boogardie orbicular granite deposit is located 35 km west of Mount Magnet in Western Australia. This unusual granitic rock, located on Boogardie Station, is one of a few orbicular granite localities known worldwide.
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 Doug Finlayson 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. IN THE NEWSCambrian worm farmA new fossil enteropneust (acorn worm), Spartobranchus tenuis, from the Burgess Shale has extended the record of these worms from the late Triassic back to the Cambrian. Research suggests this new species is an evolutionary link between two distinct living groups of animals, the enteropneusts and the pterobranchs, and suggests that all hemichordates evolved during the Cambrian explosion. Organic mud a girl's best friend?Australian research has found evidence to suggest eclogitic diamonds originate as organic matter on the ocean floor which has been subducted into the mantle where the carbon has entered the diamond stability field. ON THE WEBFossil Fun for the whole familyKronosaurus korner, Richmond Queensland, is running some great fossil dig experiences for the whole family in coming months with one day and multiple day events to choose from. Staff at the museum plan to use some of the events to enable extraction of skeletal remains of a marine reptile and large fish that have been recently discovered. Seafloor up for grabs?Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea an autonomous body known as the International Seabed Authority can issue mining licences for the seabed in international waters. Since 2001 13 15-year licences have been issued and more are in progress. Concerns are now being raised for the long term protection of unique ecosystems that inhabit areas around hydrothermal vents likely to be targeted by exploration and mining. IN THE MEDIAHaddon Forrester King Medal nominations soughtThe 2014 Haddon Forrester King Medal, sponsored by Rio Tinto, for research in mineral exploration is open for nominations. The Medal is one of the Australian Academy of Science's prestigious career awards for life-long achievement and outstanding contribution to science. Closing date: 29 July 2013. Volcanoes as environmental heroes?Research into a slow down in global warming between 2000 and 2010 suggests it may have been due to increased sulfur dioxide emissions from small to medium sized volcanoes rather than any reduction in industrial greenhouse gas emissions or increases in industrial sulfur dioxide emissions.
Mars: the 2013 field trip (continued)Image: An analysis of a drilled rock sample from NASA's Curiosity rover shows the presence of water, carbon dioxide, oxygen, sulfur dioxide, and hydrogen sulphide released on heating. The results analysing the high temperature water release are consistent with smectite clay minerals.
Hydration maps points to more evidence of water.
Location map
More hydration revealed
XRD supports hydration maps
Meanwhile from space What's in AJESThe 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 because your membership has lapsed! Volume 60 Issue No.1Thematic issue: Geological storage of C02 P. J. Cook M. A. Bunch S. Varma, J. Underschultz, S. B. Giger, B. Field, L. Roncaglia, J. Hodgkinson, & D. Hilditch L. Stalker, S. Varma, D. Van Gent, J. Haworth & S. Sharma. G. W. O'Brien, P. R. Tingate, L. M. Divko Goldie, J. A. Miranda, M. J. Campi & K. Liu J. Hodgkinson & M. Grigorescu S. M. Farquhar, G. K. W. Dawson, J. S. Esterle & S. D. Golding A. Golab, R. Romeyn, H. Averdunk, M. Knackstedt & T. J. Senden S. D. Golding, I. T. Uysal, R. Bolhar, C. J. Boreham, G. K. W. Dawson, K. A. Baublys & J. S. Esterle K. L. Pinetown Coming up in TAGTAG for June 2013The 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 VACANCIESAdvertising space now availableAdvertising positions are now available in Geoz. Be the first to advertise here. WHAT'S ON
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! 2014 Haddon Forrester King Medal nominations - closing date 29 July 2013 The 2014 Haddon Forrester King Medal for research in mineral exploration is now open for nominations The Medal is a prestigious career award for life-long achievement and outstanding contribution to science.
Best Practice IP Management for Resources Companies, Adelaide, 27 March 2013 Well diagnosis and workover, Perth, 15 – 16 April 2013 Advanced Techniques in Mining and Mineral Exploration, Townsville, 22 April – 3 May 2013 Interpretation of Geochemical Data for Environmental Applications Workshop, Perth, 29 April 2013 Associate Prof Ron Watkins, Director, Environmental Inorganic Geochemistry Group, Curtin University A Framework for Managing Risk After Mining Workshop, Perth, 30 April 2013 Bill Biggs, Biggs and Associates; Professor Ken Mercer, Australian Centre for Geomechanics ACG Mine Rehabilitation and Closure Seminar and workshops, Perth, 1 – 3 May 2013 Australian Centre for Geomechanics Advanced Application of Seismology in Mines Short Course, Perth, 7 – 10 May 2013 No workshop proceedings will be available for purchase. Shotcrete Design and Performance Workshop, Perth, 12 May 2013 No workshop proceedings will be available for purchase. Ground Support 2013, Perth, 13 – 15 May 2013 No workshop proceedings will be available for purchase. 4th Australian Water Schools, Gold Coast, 15 – 17 May 2013 Fundamentals of Water Science, Technology and Governance. Shale Resource Plays for Investors, Sydney, 16 May 2013 Learn more about gas and oil resources being exploited from shale plays. Ground Support Technology: Integrated Field Laboratory and Theoretical Research, Perth, 16 – 17 May 2013 No workshop proceedings will be available for purchase. Introduction to the Oil & Gas Industry, Sydney, 21 – 22 May 2013 For non-technical personnel who work in the petroleum industry or in related activities. Science at the Shine Dome 2013, Canberra, 29 – 31 May 2013 Futores, Townsville, 2 – 5 June 2013 Future and understanding of Tectonics, Resources, Environment and Sustainability Liquefied Natural Gas, Perth, 3 – 5 June 2013 Fundamentals of the Technical and Commercial Supply Chain Critical minerals 2013, Perth, 4 – 5 June 2013 Mines, Markets, Manufacturing and Money Advanced Field Training, Townsville, 7 – 14 June 2013 CONTACTSHead Office
Suite 61, 104 Bathurst Street
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