geoz 96 August 2014

NEWSBREAKERS

Earthquakes and volcanoes make the news

California and Iceland have made the news recently with a magnitude 6.0 earthquake near Napa California causing widespread damage and tremors up to magnitude 5.7 under Iceland's Bardarbunga volcano suggesting a major eruption is imminent.
California news report: http://cnn.it/1ojOTL9
Aftershock news report: http://usat.ly/1vNPSsG
USGS report: http://on.doi.gov/1vzLldo

Iceland news reports: http://bbc.in/1onkFXm and http://bbc.in/1q3n8vn
Real time seismic data in 3D: http://bit.ly/1qtAr4C

Speaking of volcanoes ...
New Zealand filmmaker Geoff Mackley became the first person to get within 30 metres of the lava lake of Vanuatu's Marum Volcano. You have to see the video to believe it!
Follow this link to view the video: http://bit.ly/VgZRdf

An erupting and rapidly expanding 'new' volcanic island on the former site of Japan's Nishinoshima Island, around 1,000 kilometres south of Tokyo, could trigger a tsunami if newly formed lava slopes become unstable and collapse into the sea.
News report: http://bit.ly/YWPCwU

...and earthquakes ...
A review of seismic data following the magnitude 8.2 earthquake that shook the Chilean city of Iquique in April indicates the levels of strain in the rocks of the region are still hazardously high with the very real possibility of near-future earthquakes being much more energetic than the 1 April event.
News report: http://bbc.in/1AfMlWJ

Dam proposal threatens caves and fossil sites

One of Australia's most iconic fossil sites will be impacted if a proposed dam on the Belubula River in central west NSW goes ahead. Dam waters would completely submerge the unique Ordovician paleontological locality known as Fossil Hill. Another site, Trilobite Hill, might be virtually impossible to access. Many other fossil sites in the Upper Ordovician Cliefden Caves Limestone and overlying Malongulli Formation would also be submerged and the spectacular Cliefden Caves would be flooded. Palaeontologists and members of the caving community are urging people to petition the NSW government to drop the proposal. Find out more about the caves, fossils and community action here, here and here.

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

New South Wales

2014 meeting dates to be advised
For more information: meetings@nsw.gsa.org.au

Queensland

2014 meeting dates to be advised
For more information: info@qld.gsa.org.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

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 4th September 2014
Dr Olga Gostin, University of South Australia
Field Geology Club of South Australia Lecture
Tektites and black hail
Mawson Theatre, University of Adelaide. 5.30 pm for 6.15 pm
View the program here.

Thursday 18th September 2014
Joint meeting with Adelaide University Geological Society (AUGS)
Careers in Geoscience - presentations from three graduate students
Mawson Theatre, University of Adelaide. 5.30 pm for 6.15 pm

Tasmania

2014 meeting dates to be advised
For more information: taryn.noble@utas.edu.au

Tuesday 30th September 2014
Tasmanian Minister for Resources, Paul Harriss
Book launch of Geological Evolution of Tasmania
University of Tasmania Geology-Geography building, 2.30 pm

21 - 23 November 2014
Field trip to Maria Island
More information coming soon.

Victoria

Explore new GSAV website. Click here (http://www.gsavic.org/) and bookmark it in your browser.

Thursday 28th August 2014
Barbara Wagstaff
Dating Dinosaurs
Fritz Loewe Theatre, School of Earth Sciences, University of Melbourne, 5.30pm for 6.15pm

KR7 Down Under, Melbourne, 29 September – 2 October 2014
Climate Change: the Karst record
http://bit.ly/WJbknb.

Friday 3rd October 2014
Selwyn Symposium 2014: The Nullarbor Plain: Recent Advances
University of Melbourne, 9.00am to 5.00pm .

Western Australia

Wednesday 3rd September 2014
Diana Plavsa, Curtin University
The tectonic evolution of the Southern Granulite Terrane of India and its role in the amalgamation of Gondwana
Irish Club of WA (Inc), 61 Townshend Rd, Subiaco, 5.30 pm for 6.00 pm

Thursday 11th September 2014
Petroleum and Geothermal Open Day
Sponsored by the WA Department of Mines & Petroleum
8.30 am - 4.30 pm followed by a sundowner; Esplanade Hotel, Freemantle
Register online: www.dmp.wa.gov.au/pod2014

GSA EVENTS

GSA Governing Council

The GSA's Governing Council is now officially formed and includes: Graham Carr (President), Michelle Cooper (Secretary), Chris Yeats (Treasurer), Roger Bateman, David Cantrill, Christine Edgoose, Ian Graham, Mike Smith and Ian Withnall. The new council gets down to the serious business of steering the GSA into the future immediately.

Specialist Group in Tectonics and Structural Geology.

Riding the Wave: A conference to showcase current research and ideas in Structural Geology and Tectonics

Pre-conference field trip: 15-22 November 2015
New Caledonia: ophiolite obduction, accretion and high-pressure metamorphism
Field trip convener: Geoffrey Clark

Post-conference field trip: 28-30 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

For queries and expressions of interest contact:
Gideon Rosenbaum,
Email: g.rosenbaum@uq.edu.au
Phone: 07 3346 9798

GSA responds to University of Sydney's proposal
to include the School of Geosciences in an amalgamated Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences school.

The GSA has formally written to the University of Sydney to express alarm about the university's plans to include the School of Geosciences in the Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences (LEES) proposal. There is real concern that in endeavouring to increase the visibility and viability of the life sciences, the effect on the geosciences would be significantly detrimental.
Read the GSA letter to the University of Sydney here.

New AAP Memoir available now!

Memoir 45: Cambro-Ordovician Studies V
Download the order form here

Energy Forum now on Soundcloud

In the last issue we provided a link to the audio recording of the ASC Public Forum: Energy 2050.
1233ABC Newcastle has now made that link available through ABC Soundcloud.
Soundcloud makes listening to large audio files on-line simple, even if you have limited bandwidth. Just click this link, sit back and enjoy!

IN THE NEWS

New methane seep sites a concern

More than 500 methane vents have been mapped off the east coast of the United States of America. This new data indicates there are previously unknown volumes of methane hydrate in coastal sediments that are mobilising and escaping into the water column where it is thought to be oxidised to carbon dioxide. However, the estimated volumes of methane in these hitherto unknown sources is a cause for concern.
News report: http://bbc.in/1vcyrVf
Research abstract: http://bit.ly/1ALLT2Q

Bugs found in subglacial Antarctic lake.

Subglacial Lake Whillans in West Antarctica has been shown to contain a diverse assemblage of bacteria and archaea. It appears this novel community is a chemosynthetically driven ecosystem with the main source of nutrients provided by solutes derived from weathering rocks.
News report: http://ab.co/1ldmStE
Research abstract: http://bit.ly/1wcQb4d

ON THE WEB

Dripstones with a microbial origin

Tjuv-Ante's Cave, northern Sweden, formed by abrasion of a dolerite dyke intruding granite gneiss. Speleothems of biogenic origin have been documented on the mafic surfaces of this cave with two types of microbial communities associated with the speleothems: an Actinobacteria-like biofilm and a fungal community. Recent studies suggest the Actinobacteria play an important role in the formation of speleothem while the fungal community acts as both a constructive and a destructive agent.
News report: http://bit.ly/1rwmlWn
Research abstract: http://bit.ly/1qdP66x

Velvet underground: Hallucigenia

The curious Cambrian fossil, Hallucigenia sparsa, is well known as the weird fossil from the Burgess Shale but its affinities with other legged work-like creatures collectively known as lobopodians has been a mystery until now. New studies of claw structures has revealed an important link with modern onychophorans, also known as velvet worms.
News report: http://bit.ly/1t8kuHe
Research abstract: http://bit.ly/XO2FQZ

IN THE MEDIA

Listening for ocean storms with seismic noise

Storms that occur beyond the continental shelf play a key role in global climate because they mix carbon dioxide into the oceans. However these storms can be hard to observe because aircraft, ships and satellites aren't always in the right place at the right time. New research demonstrates storm winds generate wave energy that in turn produces distinct signatures that can be identified in seismic network data allowing new insights into storm behaviour in these regions.
News report: http://ab.co/1oJW0kX
Research abstract: http://bit.ly/1tE05Yq

Drought bounce!

GPS mapping of the western United States shows that broad-scale loss of water in the severe drought of recent years is causing the entire western U.S. to rebound up to 15 millimetres in California's mountains and on average four millimetres across the west. This equates to a water deficit at nearly 240 gigatons.
News report: http://bit.ly/1vOkPx1
Research abstract: http://bit.ly/1qmsUIj

Mars: The field trip continued ...

Drilling is never an easy job, no matter where you are. While running a test on the rock known as Bonanza King the rock moved during the procedure and failed to pass as a suitable candidate for drilling and analysis. This site has been abandoned and Curiosity has resumed its trek towards the slopes of Mount Sharp. Another possible test site at Pahrump Hills will be evaluated upon arrival.
http://1.usa.gov/1stDP1A
Image courtesy of NASA/JPL-Caltech

Bones in them thar hills (not).
http://1.usa.gov/1whW5RP

The curious case of Curiosity's wheel wear
http://bit.ly/1panK2

Awesome global Martian mosaic from Mars Express orbiter images
http://bit.ly/1BtoHYd

More news from the solar system ...

Images of Rosetta's stone (Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko)
http://bit.ly/1nZwV00
http://bit.ly/XBPv9t

Images of landing site possibilities for Philae (Rosetta's lander)
http://bit.ly/YUwgs2
http://bit.ly/1BUL5tM

Asteroid 1950 DA and Earth in 2880
http://bit.ly/1BsCBtE

Volcanoes on early asteroids
http://ab.co/VLlDGf

25 years since Voyager 2 visited Neptune
http://ab.co/1vkHQKD

... and elsewhere ...

Globular cluster IC 4499
http://ab.co/1qIuAIz

Interstellar dust?
http://ab.co/1APBHq4

Kepler-186f; Earth sized and in the habitable zone.
http://1.usa.gov/1tP4eYx

What's in AJES

AJES is available to financial members of the GSA. Don't miss the next issue because your membership has lapsed!

Volume 61 No.5 - Printed and mailed to subscribers

I. C. Roach, S. Jaireth and M. T. Costelloe
Applying regional airborne electromagnetic (AEM) surveying to understand the architecture of sandstone-hosted uranium mineral systems in the Callabonna Sub-basin, Lake Frome region, South Australia.

A. Glikson and A. Hickman
Coupled asteroid impacts and banded iron-formations, Fortescue and Hamersley groups, Pilbara, Western Australia.

J. Al-Hinaai and J. Redfern
The upper Carboniferous basal Grant Group unconformity, Canning Basin, Australia: a complex surface recording glacial tectonic and halotectonic processes.

J. Simmons, R. Cas and I. Nicholls
The volcanological and petrogenetic origins of the basaltic Flinders Volcanic Province (49-39 Ma), Older Volcanics Provinces, southeast Australia.

J. A. Boyce, R. R. Keays, I. A. Nicholls and P. Hayman
Eruption centres of the Hamilton area of the Newer Volcanics Province, Victoria, Australia: pinpointing volcanoes from a multifaceted approach to landform mapping.

Z. Y. Li, J. H. Zhao, X. H. Qiao and Y. X. Zhang
An automated approach for conditioning discrete fracture network modelling to in situ measurements.

M. M. Ma, X. M. Liu, B. J. Pillans, P. Y. LI, B. Lu and S. Y. Hu
Magnetic properties and particle size analysis of dust storm samples collected in Lanzhou and Sydney.

C. L. Fergusson
Refining accretionary orogen models for the Tasmanides of eastern Australia: discussion.

R. A. Glen
Refining accretionary orogen models for the Tasmanides of eastern Australia: reply.

Other papers published on-line recently

J. H. Cann, C. S. Lower and J. B. Jago
Provenance and sediment characteristics of contemporary gravel deposits at Sellicks Beach, eastern shore of Gulf St Vincent, South Australia

A. D. Albani, P. C. Rickwood and J. W. Tayton
Mount Woolnough: the submerged volcano, SE of Sydney, NSW

J. B. Jago and C. G. Gatehouse
A small trace fossil assemblage from the ?middle Cambrian Pantapinna Sandstone, Flinders Ranges, South Australia and its paleoenvironmental significance

P. W. Whitehead and P. N. Nelson
Displacement of the Great Divide in north Queensland associated with Neogene lava flows

H-B. Tan, J-Z. Huang, W-J. Zhang, X-Q. Liu, Y-F. Zhang, N. Kong and Q. Zhang
Fractionation of hydrogen and oxygen isotopes of gypsum hydration water and assessment of its geochemical indications

Follow this link to see the 2014 AESC conference abstracts.

Coming up in TAG

TAG for September 2014

The September issue is in production and will be in the post mid-September. 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 nominations – Nominations close August 29 2014

The ATSE Clunies Ross Awards

http://bit.ly/1xKkNHO

Early bird registrations close August 31 2014

EcoForum Conference & Exhibition

http://bit.ly/1oZTLcK

Geoscience Australia's 2014 Top GeoShot photographic competition – entries close 12 September 2014

Winners receive a professionally framed enlargement of their image and their image will be displayed in Geoscience Australia's foyer in Canberra for the year.

http://bit.ly/1qigUa1

Call for Papers - Abstract deadline October 13 2014

11th International Symposium on Rock Fragmentation by Blasting, Sydney 24 – 26 August 2015
http://bit.ly/1lKkQ3y

Call for Papers - Abstract deadline December 1 2014

9th International Symposium on Field Measurements in Geomechanics: 8 – 10 September 2015
Instrumentation: the key to managing project performance
http://bit.ly/1uQTNVn

Call for Papers - Abstract deadline December 1 2014

4th annual Australasian Universities Geoscience Educators Network meeting: 12 – 13 January 2015
Submit abstracts and expressions of interest here. Complete the poll on possible discussion topics here. Register your interest in the proposed field trip here.

EVENTS:

Mine Dewatering and Mine Water Management Short Course, Perth, 29 August 2014

http://bit.ly/1hY6njg

Groundwater Essentials, Darwin, 9 September 2014

http://bit.ly/1uIShof

Understanding Groundwater Law, Canberra, 11 September 2014

http://bit.ly/1nKrv99

Business & Financial Management in the Minerals Industry, Townsville, 15 – 19 September 2014

http://bit.ly/1q6FUiO

Australian Water Modelling School, Gold Coast, 24 – 24 September 2014

http://bit.ly/Uw0vmH

31st Annual Meeting of the Society for Organic Petrology, Sydney, 27 September – 3 October 2014