geoz 87 March 2014

NEWSBREAKERS

Ringwoodite found on Earth

An inclusion found in a Brazilian diamond has revealed the first known occurrence of terrestrial ringwoodite, thought to be one of the most abundant minerals in the mantle's transition zone, between 410 and 670 kilometres beneath the surface. Ringwoodite is known from meteorites and has been made under laboratory conditions. Ringwoodite, a high pressure polymorph of olivine, has a structure capable of holding over 2% of its weight in water as hydroxyls. It's presence in the mantle's transition zone suggests the zone is hydrous, to about 1 weight per cent, and has significant implications for the behaviour of the mantle.
News report: http://ab.co/1eQ9HG2
Research abstract: http://bit.ly/1fY92GY

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 2014: 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

Tuesday 20th May 2014
Laurie Hutton, President Geological Society of Australia
Linking mineral systems with geodynamics and tectonics at Mount Isa - a whole of geology model to the establishment of a geological history
Venue details TBA

New South Wales

Thursday 22nd May 2014
Laurie Hutton, President Geological Society of Australia
Title TBA
Venue details TBA

Queensland

Monday 24th March 2014
Professor Marjorie Chan, Geological Society of America Distinguished International Lecturer
Mars for Earthlings: Using Earth Analogs to Decode the Sedimentary History of Mars.
Lecture Theatre - 010 James Cook University. 6.00 pm

Tuesday 25th March 2014
Professor Marjorie Chan, Geological Society of America Distinguished International Lecturer
Mars for Earthlings: Using Earth Analogs to Decode the Sedimentary History of Mars.
Rm 303 Building 1 University of Queensland. 2.00 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

GeoNight at the Pub: First Thursday of each month (starting 6th February)
The Griffins Head, Hindmarsh Square, Grenfell Street, Adelaide (Front Bar), 5.00pm to 7.30pm
For more information: anna_petts@yahoo.com.au

Thursday 20th March 2014
Joint GSA/AUSIMM Student BBQ
Details TBA

Monday 31st March 2014
Professor Marjorie Chan, Geological Society of America Distinguished International Lecturer
Mars for Earthlings: Using Earth Analogs to Decode the Sedimentary History of Mars.
Polygon Lecture Theatre, University of Adelaide. 11.00 am

Monday 31st March 2014
Professor Marjorie Chan, Geological Society of America Distinguished International Lecturer
Mars for Earthlings: Using Earth Analogs to Decode the Sedimentary History of Mars.
Mawson Lecture Theatre, University of Adelaide. 5.45 pm

Change of Date: Thursday 10th April 2014 - GSA SA Division AGM
Jeff Oliver
Geology of the McLaren Vale Wine Region
Venue details TBA

Tasmania

Thursday 20th March 2014
Professor Marjorie Chan, Geological Society of America Distinguished International Lecturer
Mars for Earthlings: Using Earth Analogs to Decode the Sedimentary History of Mars.
Room 211, School of Earth Sciences, University of Tasmania. 6.00 pm

Thursday 8th May 2014
Laurie Hutton, President Geological Society of Australia
Title TBA
Main Lecture Theatre School of Earth Sciences University of Tasmania. 6.00 pm

Victoria

Thursday 27th March 2014
Professor Marjorie Chan, Geological Society of America Distinguished International Lecturer
Mars for Earthlings: Using Earth Analogs to Decode the Sedimentary History of Mars.
Fritz Loewe Theatre, University of Melbourne. 5.30 pm

Friday 28th March 2014
Professor Marjorie Chan, Geological Society of America Distinguished International Lecturer
Mars for Earthlings: Using Earth Analogs to Decode the Sedimentary History of Mars.
Federation University Australia - Ballarat campus. 9.30 am. Contact Stephen Carey for more information s.carey@ballarat.edu.au

Annual General Meeting - Tuesday 24th April 2014
Laurie Hutton, President Geological Society of Australia
Linking mineral systems with geodynamics and tectonics at Mount Isa - a whole of geology model to the establishment of a geological history
Venue details TBA. 6.15 pm

Western Australia

Wednesday 2nd April 2014
Professor Marjorie Chan, Geological Society of America Distinguished International Lecturer
Mars for Earthlings: Using Earth Analogs to Decode the Sedimentary History of Mars.
Irish Club, Subiaco, Western Australia. 5.30 pm

Wednesday 2nd April 2014
Annual AGM
Preceding the talk by Professor Chan

Thursday 3rd April 2014
Professor Marjorie Chan, Geological Society of America Distinguished International Lecturer
Mars for Earthlings: Using Earth Analogs to Decode the Sedimentary History of Mars.
CSIRO ARRC building, Kensington, Western Australia. 1.00 pm

GSA EVENTS

GSA Governing Council

In July 2014, the Governing Council will be implemented. Leading up to this historic event, there will be general ballots and Division-specific ballots held across Australia..

The first Governing Council will be made up of 4 Division Councillors and 5 General Councillors. The 4 Division Councillors are from the ACT, Victoria, Northern Territory and Western Australia Divisions. If you wish to stand for the nomination as a Division Councillor contact your local Division. To read more about the process and detailed timing or how to nominate for a General Councillor please visit this page.

The Australian Earth Sciences Convention 2014
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS - DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MARCH 21

The AESC abstract deadline has been extended to 5 pm AEDT Friday March 21!

This gives you less than a week to make up for lost time and get that abstract in. After all, this is your opportunity to present your work at Australia's premier forum for the Earth Sciences. With the addition of new themes and symposia, the 2014 AESC should be our biggest and best ever. Make certain your presentation is a part of it. You know you want to!

Abstracts should be submitted via the AESC 2014 Website: http://www.aesc2014.gsa.org.au/.

Click on the Call for Abstracts tab. This will lead you to the guidelines, a template and a link to the Speaker Zone. Abstracts can be submitted to any of the general themes, either of the two symposia, or to any of the pre-defined sessions within the themes. Descriptions of the themes and symposia are available on the website. Can't find a session that matches your abstract? Don't be concerned - submit your abstract to the appropriate general theme, and it will be grouped with other related abstracts in new, dedicated sessions.

Don't put it off - submit your abstract today!

The convention themes are:
Energy
Resources
Environment
Infrastructure, Service and Community
Dynamic Planet
Living Planet.

Dedicated symposia include:
• 39th 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

Registration updates

• GSNZ members receive GSA member rates to the AESC.

• Accommodation tight in Newcastle: book early There is another event on in Newcastle during the AESC which will mean accommodation will be extremely hard to come by. The Secretariat has block bookings in place at a number of hotels. However, all unsold rooms must be released back to the hotels 30 days prior to the convention. We highly recommend you book your accommodation sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment.

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.

The National Rock Garden - March Newsletter

The Federation Rocks on display at the National Rock Garden on the western foreshore of Lake Burley Griffin consist of a set of large rocks selected for their significance to their home state or territory. Two large Banded Iron Formation specimens from Western Australia are the latest additions. The March newsletter, featuring all the comings and goings at the rock garden, is now available here.

Image courtesy of Brad Pillans.

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/

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! Bookmark this page: http://bit.ly/1gl0K8d

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

Stay up to date with the latest NRG news by liking the Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/National-Rock-Garden/509206615828657?ref=hl

GSA membership

Have you renewed your GSA membership for 2014? 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.

IN THE NEWS

Geothermal power heats up in Japan

A geothermal power plant, the first one come on online in Japan since 1999, is due to commence operation in April. While its contribution to Japan's power needs will be small it has set the stage for many more geothermal developments as public pressure mounts on the Japanese government to resist returning to nuclear power sources after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.
http://bit.ly/OzYh2H

Tupperware model sparks a result

The mystery of so-called earthquake lightning may have been solved thanks to a tupperware container filled with flour. When the container is tipped back and forth cracks appear in the flour and a 200 volt charge is generated. Researchers tried other granular materials with similar results suggesting that millions of volts of electrostatic charge could be generated as soils are mobilised during the onset of an earthquake, producing ionizing discharges seen as lightning or glowing orbs.
News report: http://bbc.in/1gTcIXP
Research abstract: http://bit.ly/1faGaWM

ON THE WEB

Drone goes where no geo dares

Drones are receiving some bad press of late but recently a drone enthusiast flew one into the erupting centre of Yasur volcano in Vanuatu. The video images of molten blobs of magma flying at and past the drone are stunning. Amazingly the drone returned to base unharmed. Perhaps this is the future field work tool of choice?
Drone video: http://bit.ly/1gyLZOr
More about Yasur volcano: http://bit.ly/1orHtIb

Volcanoes help life survive

New research based on spatial modelling of Antarctic biodiversity suggests geothermal refugia may have been important for survival of some terrestrial species during past glaciations. Antarctica has at least 16 volcanoes which have been active since the last ice age 20,000 years ago and ice-free land or sub-ice caves associated with areas of volcanic activity are likely responsible for the survival of many Antarctic invertebrates that should otherwise be extinct.
News report: http://bit.ly/1g93nyI
Research abstract: http://bit.ly/1qSte12

IN THE MEDIA

Christchurch floods from space

Suspended sediments off shore thanks to floods

Torrential rains in early March brought flooding to the city of Christchurch. Local rivers quickly rose and moved a lot of fine sediment downstream. In this satellite image it is not possible to see floodwaters in Christchurch city but it is possible to see the large amount of suspended sediment flowing out from the rivers courtesy of the dark tan coloured coastal waters and the aquamarine coloured resuspended sediments offshore. The city's flood management infrastructure was damaged by earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 increasing flood risks for the area.

Image courtesy of NASA

http://1.usa.gov/1kGZssx

2013 Mineral Review

The Australian Mineral Exploration Review for 2013 provides an overview of results from Australia's mineral exploration during 2013. The report highlights exploration expenditure and results from selected drill intersections announced by individual exploration and mining companies. It also contains a selection of drill hole results, graphs of exploration expenditure trends for specific commodities, reference maps and exploration results for each deposit. The review is available as a free download from Geoscience Australia.
http://bit.ly/PNztp2

Mars: The field trip continued

Raw image from sol572 Masthead camera - Junda outcrop plus ground view

http://1.usa.gov/1p944I6

http://1.usa.gov/1dbrVa7

Are we there yet? The long drive to Mt Sharp continues.

Images courtesy of NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in space ...

Double trouble from binary asteroids: http://bbc.in/1eirQQ7

Asteroid acid rain explains K-T extinctions: http://ab.co/1nCv9b7

Mercury has age wrinkles: http://ab.co/OAmZjz

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 No.8 - hard copy out now

D. B. Stevenson, L. Bagas, A. R. A. Aitken & T. C. McCuaig
A geophysically constrained multi-scale litho-structural analysis of the Trans-Tanami Fault, Granites-Tanami Orogen, Western Australia.

L. J. Morrissey, M. Hand, B. P. Wade & M. Szpunar
Early Mesoproterozoic metamorphism in the Barossa Complex, South Australia: links with the eastern margin of Proterozoic Australia.

S. J. Holt, S. P. Holford & J. Foden
New insights into the magmatic plumbing system of the South Australian Quaternary Basalt province from 3D seismic and geochemical data.

T. J. Rawling, M. Sandiford, G. R. Beardsmore, S. Quenette, S. H. Goyen & B. Harrison
Thermal insulation and geothermal targeting, with specific reference to coal-bearing basins.

Discussion on "Opalisation of the Great Artesian Basin (central Australia): an Australian story with a Martian twist" by P. F. Rey (AJES, 60:3, 291-314). B. L. Dickson

Reply P. F. Rey

Volume 61 No.1 - published on-line

Using Research to Benefit Mineral Exploration: Examples of Recent Research Conducted at the Centre of Exploration Targeting (CET)
Hagemann, Witt & Fiorentini eds.

R. R. Loucks
Distinctive composition of copper-ore-forming arc magmas.

W. K. Witt, S. G. Hagemann & C. Villanes
Geochemistry and geology of spatially and temporally associated calc-alkaline (I-type) and K-rich (A-type) magmatism in a Carboniferous continental arc setting, Pataz gold mining district, northern Peru.

W. K. Witt, S. G. Hagemann, J. Ojala, C. Laukamp, T. Vennemann, Villanes, C. & V. Nykanen
Multiple methods for regional- to mine-scale targeting, Pataz gold field, northern Peru.

C. Nyakecho & S. G. Hagemann
An Overview of Gold Systems in Uganda.

L. Bagas, R. Boucher, B. Li, J. Miller, P. Hill, G. Depauw, J. Pascoe & B. Eggers
Paleoproterozoic stratigraphy and gold mineralisation in the Granites-Tanami Orogen, North Australian Craton.

S. J. Nichols & S. G. Hagemann
Structural and hydrothermal alteration evidence for early and late stages of gold mineralisation at the New Celebration Gold deposit in Western Australia.

S. S. Romano, N. J. M. Thébaud, D. R. Mole, M. T. D. Wingate, C. L. Kirkland & M. P. Doublier
Age constraints on komatiites in the Southern Cross Domain, Yilgarn Craton.

J. Martindale, S. Hagemann, D. Huston & L. Danyushevsky
Integrated stratigraphic-structural-hydrothermal alteration and mineralisation model for the Kangaroo Caves zinc-copper deposit, Western Australia.

A. S. D. Maskell, P. Duuring & S. G. Hagemann
Hydrothermal alteration events controlling magnetite-rich iron ore at the Matthew Ridge prospect, Jack Hills greenstone belt, Yilgarn Craton.

Other papers published on-line recently

Follow this link to see the most recent papers published on-line.

K. L. Pinetown
Regional coal seam gas distribution and burial history of the Hunter Coalfield, Sydney Basin

M. G. Tetley & N. R. Daczko
Virtual Petrographic Microscope: a multi-platform education and research software tool to analyse rock thin-sections

F. L. Sutherland, I. T. Graham, J. D. Hollis, S. Meffre, H. Zwingmann, F. Jourdan & R. E. Pogson
Multiple felsic events within post-10 Ma volcanism, Southeast Australia: inputs in appraising proposed magmatic models

M. Rexer & C. Hirt
Comparison of free high resolution digital elevation data sets (ASTER GDEM2, SRTM v2.1/v4.1) and validation against accurate heights from the Australian National Gravity Database

R. H. Vernon
Microstructures of microgranitoid enclaves and the origin of S-type granitoids

Stephen J. Barnes, L. A. Fisher, R. Anand & T. Uemoto
Mapping bedrock lithologies through in situ regolith using retained element ratios: a case study from the Agnew-Lawlers area, Western Australia

M. A. Short, S. Lamontagne, P. G. Cook & R. Cranswick
Characterising the distribution of near-shore submarine groundwater discharge along a coastline using ²²²Rn and electrical conductivity

Coming up in TAG

TAG for March 2014

The March TAG has been posted this week and if your membership is up-to-date you will receive your March copy.

The June copy deadline is 28 April. Have you got something to say in 2014? Get your Letter to the Editor or a news item published in TAG by sending it to: tag@gsa.org.au. If you are submitting a Feature or Special Report please send your article in as soon as possible. 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 extended to March 21 2014

The Australian Earth Science Convention:
Newcastle 7-10 July, 2014

Sustainable Australia
http://bit.ly/17ZRWUi

The Australian Museum Eureka Prizes - applications close 7pm AEST Friday 2 May 2014

The prizes reward excellence in the fields of research & innovation, leadership & commercialisation, school science and science journalism & communication.

http://bit.ly/1fMCYF3

Call for Papers - Abstract deadline June 30 2014

Bowen Basin Symposium 7-10 October, 2015

Bowen Basin and Beyond
Click here for flyer

EVENTS:

Geology of Gold, Melbourne, 17 - 21 March 2014

A 5-day course of lectures, practical sessions and a field trip.
Click here for more information.

AGES 2014, Alice Springs, 18 – 19 March 2014

http://bit.ly/1ePla8h.

An ACG Workshop hosted in conjunction with The AusIMM's 12th Underground Operators' Conference, Adelaide, 23 March 2014

Click here for more information.

Introduction to Environmental Geochemistry of Mine Site Pollution Short Course, Perth, 26 - 27 March 2014