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geoz 70 May 2013
NEWSBREAKERS
Science distorted by journal-based metrics?
More than 150 leading scientists and 75 scientific organisations have signed The Declaration on Research Assessment. The assessment is critical of the current journal impact factor system and contains 18 recommendations for change. More than 10 of Australia's pre-eminent researchers and leading science organisations have already signed the declaration which highlights the growing concern that journal-based metrics distort science because of its use in decision making about funding, appointments, and promotions.
News report: http://bit.ly/10GNhmU
The Declaration and signatories: http://bit.ly/14t8LDH
Basalt tastes good to some
It took seven years of patient bacterial-husbandry but researchers have now confirmed that rock samples taken over 500 metres below the surface of the Juan De Fuca Ridge in the Northern Pacific contain slow but actively metabolising methanogenic archaea. This confirms speculation driven by genetic evidence of Methanosarcinales, anaerobic archaea, found within the seafloor basalt and the discovery of a sulfur signal in the basalt that suggested there was organic breakdown of sulfates occurring.
Report from the Deep Carbon Observatory: http://bit.ly/16oaz5E
Research abstract: http://bit.ly/Xpml6H
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: emma.mathews@ga.gov.au
New South Wales
Tuesday 2nd July 2013
Presenter TBA
Mine subsidence - mapping, monitoring and managing
Customs House, Newcastle, 6.00 pm for 6.30 pm
Tuesday 13th August 2013
Presenter TBA
A century of NSW Earth Science
Customs House, Newcastle, 6.00 pm for 6.30 pm
Queensland
2013 meeting dates to be advised
For more information: info@qld.gsa.org.au
South Australia
Thursday 6th June 2013
Joint Meeting with RSSA and Field Geology Club
Professor Alan Cooper
Death,destruction and disease: Ancient DNA records of climate change impacts and the evolution of
human disease through time
Mawson Theatre, University of Adelaide. 5.30 pm for 6.15 pm
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: apetts@flindersmines.com
GeoNight at the Pub: First Thursday of each month (except January)
The Griffith's Head, Grenfell Street, Adelaide (Front Bar), 5.30pm to 7.30pm
For more information: apetts@flindersmines.com
Tasmania
Thursday 30th May 2013
Annual General Meeting
Details in the newsletter
Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, 5.30pm
Victoria
Thursday 30th May 2013
Dr Alan Goode, AMIRA International
Data Metallogenica - supporting and training the next generation of economic geologists
Fritz Loewe Theatre, School of Earth Sciences, University of Melbourne, 5.30pm for 6.15pm
Thursday 27th June 2013
AW Howitt Annual Lecture, GSAV - Royal Society of Victoria Joint Lecture
Dr Erich Fitzgerald, Museum Victoria
Last Frontier in the Quest for Whale Origins
Royal Society building, entry via the 8 La Trobe Street, 7.00pm
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
GSA Annual General Meeting, Brisbane Tuesday 13 August 2013
Prior to the AGM all financial members of the GSA will receive ballot papers to vote on changes to the GSA Constitution (Society Rules). Changes to the GSA constitution are designed to bring the GSA in-line with modern Constitutions and include:
• clearly defined Definitions and Interpretations;
• Objects of the Society;
• improved equity into the area of Discipline timing and standards;
• provisions to utilise technology opportunities and transparency in relation to meetings,
notifications, electronically transmitted signatures and the opportunity to approve resolutions
circulated to the members of the committee;
• clarification of membership criteria and categories;
• improved member rights;
• clarification of the delegation of powers to committees including Divisions, Branches
and Specialist Groups;
• transparent voting process to ensure Divisions are represented on the Governing Council;
• inclusion of Post-nominals;
• standardised terminology so the GSA rules comply with all legal requirements in Australia,
including new legislation passed in Dec 2012 governing the not-for-profit sector;
• an Indemnity clause for the Governing Councillors;
• transitioning to the Governing Council and
• provision for streamlining the current process for consolidating the accounts
The constitutional changes have been approved by the GSA Executive Committee and supported by the Divisions, Branches and Specialist Groups. The proposed new constitution will be made available to all members in July with a deadline to lodge a vote for or against, prior to the AGM. Members can vote directly by attending the AGM, or alternatively lodge a proxy vote by post with the Chairman of the meeting, or with another member who will be attending the AGM. Approval of the new constitution will require 75% approval from those members casting a vote.
The Australian Earth Sciences Convention 2014: First Circular now available.
The Australian Earth Sciences Convention 2014 1st Circular is available online now.
The convention themes are:
• Energy
• Resources
• Environment
• Service & Community
• Dynamic Planet
• Living Earth
Dedicated symposia include:
• 9th Symposium on the Advances in the Study of the Sydney Basin
• Comparisons & Contrasts in Circum-Pacific Orogens
Please distribute information about the AESC 2014 to your colleagues within the geoscience community:
Australian Earth Sciences Convention
AESC 2014: Sustainable Australia
7-10 July 2014
Newcastle NSW
The organising committee looks forward to welcoming you in Newcastle and if you want any information about the AESC do not hesitate to contact the GSA office: info@gsa.org.au.
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/
Click here for the Second Circular
The National Rock Garden - a rock solid idea
The National Rock Garden (NRG) qualifies for Deductible Gift Recipient status (DGR). In other words, donations to the NRG are 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/
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
IN THE NEWS
A core question answered
Researchers at the Australian National University have discovered evidence that the inner core rotates at a variety of speeds and is out of sync with the rotation of the mantle.
News report: http://bit.ly/13Au9og
Research abstract: http://bit.ly/10JBUMw
GPS a potential tsunami saviour
Using historical GPS raw data researchers have fully simulated a tsunami emergency situation and have been able to show, that in case of the Tohoku earthquake, it would have been feasible to provide an accurate tsunami warning within 3 minutes of the beginning of the earthquake.
News report: http://bbc.in/16qepeo
Research abstract: http://bit.ly/Z6Ledo
ON THE WEB
Ancient water
Canadian and UK researchers have retrieved water from a Canadian mine that is at least 1.5 billion years old. Using a novel Xenon isotope ratio dating technique they have dated water that became trapped at a depth of 2.4 km after trickling into a deep fracture system. Investigators are now trying to determine if this ancient water contains any life forms.
News report: http://bbc.in/14osRip
Research abstract: http://bit.ly/16BpRU0
Fire and Ice (and hot mud flows)
The Alaskan volcano, Pavlof, began erupting May 13 with summit steaming and a fresh lava flow on its north flank. Ash plumes are now towering above the summit and are associated with lava fountains, a lava flow, lahars and pyroclastics. There is no threat to population centres but air traffic between Asia and North America may be affected.
Image courtesy of NASA's Earth Observatory:
http://1.usa.gov/12hngZq
Location map:
http://bit.ly/10Imy6f.
How it started:
http://bit.ly/13F6rL8.
Alaska Volcano Observatory - Pavlof page:
http://bit.ly/1039QSX.
IN THE MEDIA
GeoTreat a real gem
GeoTreat, a smartphone based application, is bringing to life 19 geosites that form part of a key geojourney within Australia's Coastal Wilderness on the NSW Sapphire Coast. A proof-of-concept project, it is a collaboration between the Geotourism Sub Committee of the Geological Society of Australia and the Nordic GeoTreat project managed by the Geological Survey of Sweden. These Australian geosites now feature along with the Scandinavian geosite cluster on the GeoTreat world map! If successful the project will be extended to several other Australian National Landscape areas.
GeoTreat details and application download here: http://bit.ly/11353Ck
Sapphire coast geojourneys: http://bit.ly/XFn6sl
For more details contact: Angus M Robinson, Chairman of the Geotourism Sub Committee - angus@leisuresolutions.com.au or telephone 0418 488 340
Dinosaur dads duds
A new look at theropod egg clutches and nest sizes has overturned previous work that suggested the males of some dinosaur species were the principal nest guardians as are the males of some modern birds. The new study suggests nest guarding was not the sole domain of males and the nests more like those of crocodiles.
http://bit.ly/14bVDmP
Mars: the 2013 field trip - Continued
Image courtesy of NASA/JPL-Caltech/Univ. of Arizona
http://1.usa.gov/16J7NYn.
On the road again
On-line video
Ready, set, ...
http://1.usa.gov/11w0JgC
.... drill
http://1.usa.gov/15TaAi2c
Awards are us!
http://1.usa.gov/17cLkCM
Meanwhile at Cape York
Opportunity knocks
http://1.usa.gov/15TFyGK
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 60 Issue No.2
P. N. Southgate, N. L. Neumann and G. M. Gibson
Depositional systems in the Mt Isa Inlier from 1800 Ma to 1640 Ma: Implications for Zn-Pb-Ag mineralisation.
C. J. Carson
The Victoria and Birrindudu Basins, Victoria River region, Northern Territory, Australia: a SHRIMP U-Pb detrital zircon and Sm-Nd study.
A. Rajabi, E. Rastad and C. Canet
Metallogeny of Permian-Triassic carbonate-hosted Zn-Pb and F deposits of Iran: A review for future mineral exploration.
A. S. Merdith, T. C. W. Landgrebe, A. Dutkiewicz and R. D. Müller
Towards a predictive model for opal exploration using a spatio-temporal data mining approach.
J. B. Jago, C. G. Gatehouse, C. McA. Powell and T. Casey
Implications of cross-bedding data from the upper part of the Cambrian succession, Arrowie Basin, South Australia.
C. J. Adams, R. J. Korsch and W. L. Griffin
Provenance comparisons between the Nambucca Block, Eastern Australia and the Torlesse Composite Terrane, New Zealand: connections and implications from detrital zircon age patterns.
A. Babaahmadi and G. Rosenbaum
Kinematics of the Demon Fault: Implications for Mesozoic dextral strike-slip faulting in eastern Australia.
A. C. Macken, M. C. McDowell, D. N. Bartholomeusz and E. H. Reed
Chronology and stratigraphy of the Wet Cave vertebrate fossil deposit, Naracoorte, and relationship to paleoclimatic conditions of the Last Glacial Cycle in south-eastern Australia.
R. H. Sharma
Evaluating the effect of slope curvature on slope stability by a numerical analysis.
Coming up in TAG
TAG for June 2013
The June TAG is in layout, if you have a contribution for the next edition, the deadline for general copy for the September edition is 29 July. Content received after the 29 July will be held over till the December issue. Don't be disappointed, get your Letter to the Editor or a news item in now to: tag@gsa.org.au. If you are submitting a Feature or Special Report please 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. 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:
Registration and Abstract submission - closing date 27 May 2013
Rocks, Reef and Rainforest - Mission Beach - July 14 - 19
Biennial Conference of the Specialist Group in Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Petrology
Exploration in the House - registration closes 11 June 2013
Highlighting results from the New Frontiers initiative.
Download PDF flyer here
Registration open - Early Bird Registration closes 17 June 2013
40th IAH International Congress - Perth 15 - 20 September
Solving the Groundwater Challenges of the 21st Century
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!
SMEDG winter cruise - bookings now open for 5 July 2013 cruise
Feast on gourmet food and sip on wine aboard the Radar
Get in quick, space is limited.
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.
Top GeoShot 2013 photographic competition is now open. - closing date 23 September 2013
The theme for this year's competition is Exposed to the Elements.
To participate, take and submit a photograph that captures the essence of Earth Science.
EVENTS:
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.
Download PDF flyer here
Science at the Shine Dome 2013, Canberra, 29 – 31 May 2013
SMEDG Meeting, Sydney, 30 May 2013
Dick Glen: The Macquarie Arc- Is it an Arc? Does it matter?!.
http://www.smedg.org.au/
Futores, Townsville, 2 – 5 June 2013
Future and understanding of Tectonics, Resources, Environment and Sustainability
http://bit.ly/TpDgoj
Liquefied Natural Gas, Perth, 3 – 5 June 2013
Fundamentals of the Technical and Commercial Supply Chain
Download PDF flyer here
Critical minerals 2013, Perth, 4 – 5 June 2013
20% discount for GSA members!
Follow this link and click on the GSA member option on page 2 to receive the discount
http://bit.ly/11YCH7P
Advanced Field Training, Townsville, 7 – 14 June 2013
AusIMM International Uranium Conference, Darwin, 11 – 12 June 2013
Groundwater modelling for beginners, Sydney, 12 – 14 June 2013
Exploration in the House, Sydney, 18 June 2013
Highlighting results from the New Frontiers initiative.
Download PDF flyer here
Yilgarn Craton to the Musgrave Province seismic workshop, Perth, 19 June 2013
Surat Basin Energy and Mining Expo, Sydney, 19 – 20 June 2013
Minerals Week, Canberra, 26 June 2013
You are invited to represent your organisation at Minerals Week 2013.
Download PDF program here
SMEDG winter cruise, Sydney, 5 July 2013
Feast on gourmet food and sip on wine aboard the Radar
http://bit.ly/10OMRb1
Introduction to the Oil & Gas Industry, Perth, 9 – 10 July 2013
For non-technical personnel who work in the petroleum industry or in related activities.
Download PDF flyer here
Rocks, Reef and Rainforest, Mission Beach, 14 – 19 July 2013
Biennial Conference of the Specialist Group in Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Petrology.
http://bit.ly/16Jcq4t
Practical Aspects of Reservoir Engineering, Perth, 15 – 19 July 2013
NSW Mineral Exploration & Investment Conference, Sydney, 17 – 18 July 2013
Fundamentals of the Oil & Gas industry, Sydney, 22 – 26 July 2013
23rd International Geophysical Conference and Exhibition, Melbourne, 11 – 14 August 2013
The Eureka Moment
http://bit.ly/16o6U7S
CONTACTS
Head Office
Suite 61, 104 Bathurst Street
Sydney NSW 2000
ph 02-9290 2194
fax 02-9290 2198
www.gsa.org.au
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Groups
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