School of Earth and Environment Potential research projects offered for Level 4 (Honours) and Level 5 (Masters) students commencing in 2015 Geology, Geophysics, Mineral Geoscience, Petroleum Geoscience, Computational Geoscience The Projects outlined in this Handbook are NOT necessarily all of those available. Please feel free to talk to supervisors about designing projects around your interests

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Geoscience Projects This document describes projects suitable for students undertaking a 24 pt research project as part of an Honours or Masters degree1. Two key points to note: 1. We encourage you to consider what geoscience research problems interest you and to choose a project topic that will motivate you to do your best work throughout the year. The aim of the 24 pt project is to provide an opportunity to learn how research works and to begin developing your research skills. The 24-pt project is also a pathway to higher degree by research (MSc, MPhil, PhD). 2. This document does not summarise all available projects and you are welcome to speak with staff who supervise projects in the areas of interest to you. We recommend that you have a general idea of your supervisor and project by the end of this year. Do not leave organising a project until the first teaching week of 2015! Remember that many of the staff take leave through January. Geoscience is a broad discipline that includes Geology, Geophysics2, Geochemistry, Geobiology and Computation/Numerical Modeling. The breadth of research activity in the School of Earth & Environment means that students have opportunities to undertake diverse research projects. Research may be focused on resolving questions related to fundamental Earth processes and knowledge or have various levels of application to specific resources including mineral deposits, petroleum and groundwater. You are welcome to contact staff directly (details are provided in the booklet) to discuss projects where they are listed as the main contact. If you are interested in projects in Mineral Geoscience but not sure what kinds of projects, you may wish to contact Geoff Batt ([email protected]; ph. 6488 2686) who is Project Liaison for the Centre for Exploration Targeting (CET). ___________________ 1. If you are interested in a Masters degree in 2015 or 2016, some of the projects outlined in this booklet can be extended into or set up as larger projects (e.g. 36 pt projects). You are welcome to contact supervisors to discuss as required. 2. Geophysics is the study of Earth and its physical processes using the quantitative methods of physics, math and computer science. Studies include the solid earth, oceans, atmosphere, ionosphere and space. Geophysical data sets such as seismic waves, EM waves including radar, gravity, magnetics etc. are used to image Earth (inside and out). Solid earth applications range from plate tectonics, volcanism and earthquake seismology, to exploration and monitoring of energy resources such as hydrocarbons and geothermal, to mineral exploration, to groundwater, CO2 storage and environmental processes. 3

Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

3D/4D Geophysical imaging of hydrocarbon and CO2 reservoirs Geophysics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science David Lumley, [email protected] 6488 7331, Jeff Shragge, Rie Kamei, Nader Issa Geophysical data sets, especially seismic waves, can be used to image (3D), and monitor in time-lapse mode (4D), subsurface reservoirs for oil and gas resources, or injection and storage of anthropogenic CO2, using techniques such as seismic, gravity and EM (electromagnetics) including radar. These projects may require working with a combination of rock and fluid physics, earth model building software, computational geophysics data simulation, imaging and inversion, field data acquisition and quantitative data analysis. Computer experience and some maths are required. Projects have the potential to follow on to vacation work internships, and MSc or PhD studies.

Analysis of seismic azimuthal anisotropy and tectonic stress Geophysics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science David Lumley, [email protected], 6488 7331, Jeff Shragge, Nader Issa There is evidence from various types of geophysical data of strong azimuthal anisotropy (subsurface physical properties at a point vary as a function of the compass direction in which they are measured) possibly indicating anomalous horizontal tectonic stress gradients in WA and other parts of the world. These data sets can be analysed to determine information about the stress regime in these rocks, their physical properties, and perhaps make predictions about the nature of fluid flow, fault sealing, rock fractures, and earthquake risk. This project may require working with various geophysical data sets (active/passive seismic, well logs, borehole breakouts, ultrasonic core measurements…) and geophysical modelling/analysis software. Computer experience and some maths are required. Projects have the potential to follow on to vacation work internships, and MSc or PhD studies.

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Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

3D/4D environmental geophysics Geophysics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science David Lumley, [email protected], 6488 7331, Jeff Shragge, Nader Issa Geophysical data sets can be used to image (3D) and monitor (4D) near surface soil and rocks using techniques such as seismic, gravity, GPR (ground penetrating radar) and EM (electromagnetics), with application to groundwater, contaminant flow, and baseline studies for CO2 sequestration projects. These projects may involve geophysical field data surveying, working with rock and fluid physics, earth model building software, computational geophysics data simulation, and quantitative data analysis. Computer experience and some maths are required. Projects have the potential to follow on to vacation work internships, and MSc or PhD studies.

Computational simulation of geologic sedimentation processes Geophysics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science David Lumley, [email protected], 6488 7331, Jeffrey Shragge, Julien Bourget Reservoir rocks that contain important fluids (hydrocarbons, water, CO2, geothermal) are created by complex geologic depositional systems. This project involves the development of innovative models and running supercomputing algorithms that will simulate the sedimentation processes of marine coastal environments important for understanding WA reservoir rocks. Computer programming experience and some maths are required. Projects have the potential to follow on to vacation work internships, and MSc or PhD studies.

High Resolution seismic imaging of seafloor properties for slope stability and geo-hazard assessment Geophysics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science David Lumley, [email protected], 6488 7331, Julien Bourget, Beau Whitney Engineering studies of the seafloor are important to understand the physical properties, slope stability and geo-hazards associated with offshore pipeline and facilities construction. Currently this is done using a collection of sparse geotechnical data samples and sonar scans, and geologic interpretation. This project involves developing new seismic techniques to obtain high-resolution images and material property estimates for the seafloor and shallow mud layers to complement the geo-engineering analysis. Computer experience and some maths are required. Projects have the potential to follow on to vacation work internships, and MSc or PhD studies.

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Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Project For majors including Supervisor: Description:

Geophysical analysis of paleo tsunami deposits in WA Geophysics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science David Lumley, [email protected], 6488 7331, Beau Whitney, Jeff Shragge It has recently become evident that there may have been large historical tsunamis generated offshore WA. The main evidence includes so-called “tsunami boulders” and sediment deposits on barrier islands along the NW coast. The source location and timing (every ~5,000 yrs?) of the tsunamis is not well understood, but could have a huge impact on modern day geo-hazard assessments. This project involves gathering data evidence for tsunamis and modelling potential source locations and forces necessary to recreate the observed tsunami data. Computer experience and some maths are required. Projects have the potential to follow on to vacation work internships, and MSc or PhD studies.

Modelling Seismic Wavefields for Imaging Earth Structure Geophysics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science Jeffrey Shragge [email protected], 6488 3474 and David Lumley The increasing interest in subsurface gas reservoirs and CO2 geologic storage has led to a rapid increase in 3D and time-lapse (4D) computational seismic modelling of fluid/gas production and injection processes. A central component is modelling 3D elastic-waves propagation through to generate high-resolution maps of the changing subsurface elastic / fluid properties. The computationally demanding 3D elastic-wave modelling is repeated thousands of times during each investigation, and is an ideal candidate for parallelisation using GPU processors. The general project goals are to incorporate GPU-based coding in an existing modelling code kernel to demonstrate the speedup potential afforded by GPU parallelism, and to test the parallelised code on a geologically feasible model using the GPU hardware on IVEC@UWA’s Fornax cluster. A vacation scholarship is possible, and the project can lead to MSc or PhD studies.

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Project For Majors including Supervisor: Description:

Project For Majors including Supervisor: Description:

Time-lapse Geophysical Monitoring of Fresh-Saltwater Interfaces Geophysics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science Jeffrey Shragge [email protected], 6488 3474, David Lumley and Matthias Leopold Salinisation of superficial freshwater water resources is a problem of increasing importance throughout Western Australia. One approach to characterising this problem is to examine temporal variations of a fresh-saltwater interface through repeat geophysical monitoring surveying (i.e. ground penetrating radar or GPR, and electrical resistivity). These techniques are sensitive to changes in subsurface salinity and can provide a measure diurnal-to-monthly fluctuation. The goal of the study is to use the resulting geophysical images to calibrate hydrogeological models, with particular emphasis on horizontal and vertical hydraulic conductivity.

3D Geophysical Mapping and Reconstruction of the Meckering Fault Geophysics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science Jeffrey Shragge [email protected], 6488 3474, Matthias Leopold and David Lumley The Meckering Earthquake of 14 October 1968 was the most significant seismicity in WA’s history in terms of damage done and cultural upheaval. The magnitude (ML) of the earthquake was 6.9 on the Richter scale with ~2m of heave along an arcuate rupture plane nearly 40km in length. Roughly 1.5km of the surficial fault scarp is currently visible and has been preserved from agricultural activities. The main project goal is to use near-surface geophysics (resistivity, ground penetrating radar, etc) to map out, image and reconstruct the fault scarp in three dimensions to provide constraints on neotectonics of the Southwest Seismic Zone of WA.

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Project:

Field trails of an advanced fibre optics seismic wavefield sensor

For majors including:

Geophysics, Physics, Engineering, Mathematics

Supervisor:

Nader Issa, [email protected], 6488 6872, David Lumley

Description:

A new technology, called Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS), has in recent years emerged as a potential and promising seismic sensor for a number of geophysical applications. DAS uses modern photonics technologies and lasers to interrogate long lengths of buried opticalfibre, measuring seismic waves at each meter along that fibre. This project involves some field trials of our newly built instrument and data analysis to explore the capabilities and future applications of this new technology. Computer experience and some maths are required. Projects have the potential to follow on to vacation work internships, and MSc or PhD studies.

Project:

Imaging the earth with ambient noise fields

For majors including:

Geophysics, Physics, Engineering, Mathematics

Supervisor:

Nader Issa, [email protected], 6488 6872, David Lumley

Description:

Usually we design data acquisition systems to enhance signal and reduce noise.... but sometimes the noise in real data is very useful and we wish there was more! A passive seismic measurement is done without intentionally using a man-made source of seismic energy. It records a variety of noise sources, including the ambient seismic noise of such things as: nearby traffic, waves at the beach or even stormy weather. This project involves finding ambient seismic noise in real data and using it (alone) to create images of the subsurface. Such innovative techniques are a promising new way to image the earth, including to monitor subsurface reservoirs or the injection and storage of CO2. Computer experience and some maths are required. Projects have the potential to follow on to vacation work internships, and MSc or PhD studies.

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Project For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

4D gravity monitoring of CO2 in the presence of geological heterogeneity Geophysics, Geoscience, Petroleum Geoscience, Physics, Computer Science Alan Aitken, [email protected], 6488 7147, Jeff Shragge, David Lumley Gravity data can be used to monitor reservoirs for the sequestration of industrial CO2. Sensitivity to multi-year change is marginal however, and relies on a strong understanding of basin geometry and properties. Geological heterogeneity within the reservoir, especially porosity variations, impact on the ability to detect and monitor CO2 plumes. Geological heterogeneity is often ill-understood, and its influence on monitoring potential is usually not known. This project seeks to better understand this factor for an example in the South Perth Basin. This project suits those with an interest in petroleum or environmental applications of geophysics. Some computing experience and reasonable maths ability are required. The scope of the project lends itself to either BSc or MSc level research.

Australo-Antarctic Geology and the East Antarctic Ice Sheet Any geoscience related degree Alan Aitken, [email protected], 6488 7147 The vulnerability of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet (EAIS) to climate change is a topic of much recent interest, with several studies showing that it may be more vulnerable to change than is commonly supposed. The EAIS is the biggest uncertainty in projections of future sea-level rise. Geology provides crucial controls on the conditions of the ice sheet bed (e.g. crystalline rock versus sedimentary rock) and its macroscale structure, dictated by major tectonic elements. Antarctica’s hot new geophysical datasets from the US-UK-AUS ICECAP program have revealed for the first time the geology of Wilkes Land – the conjugate margin to the western 2/3rds of Australia. Several projects are available that will utilise these brand new data to reconstruct and understand subglacial geology, including key controls on EAIS flow organisation. These projects are best suited towards students with an academic focus as the results are highly publishable and likely to be of high impact if well executed. Some familiarity with geophysical data interpretation, including gravity, magnetic and radar data, and a willingness to understand cross-disciplinary concepts are essential.

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Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

A methodology of very large-scale gravity inversion? Any geoscience related degree, physics, computer science

Project: For majors including: Supervisor:

Basin Structure and mineralization in the Capricorn Orogen Any geoscience related degree

Description:

Alan Aitken, [email protected], 6488 7147 The density of the Earth's crust and mantle layers has a profound impact on the planet's tectonic cycles with many follow on implications, e.g. for resource exploration and geological hazards. Gravity modelling has, to data struggled to cope with very largescale modelling due to model size and resolution limitations, capturing model complexity, and working in spherical co-ordinate systems. Several projects are available to apply new technologies to regional to continent-scale gravity inversion problems. Work will be completed making full use of iVEC supercomputer infrastructure and will involve testing new codes against existing approaches, assessing performance and helping to further develop the approach. This project suits those with an interest in geophysics. Software is designed to be used by non-specialists, however, some computing experience and reasonable maths ability are required. The scope of the projects lends themselves to MSc level research.

Alan Aitken, [email protected], 6488 7147; Sandra Occhipinti, Mark Lindsay The Proterozoic sedimentary basins of the Capricorn Orogen preserve lareg potential for ore-deposit genesis, and yet relatively few significant ore-bodies are known. Several projects are available to apply interpretative mapping of magnetic, gravity and remote sensing data to understand basin architecture and its relationship with mineralization. These broad-scale interpretations will, where possible, be ground truthed with drillcore and/or field mapping. This project suits those with an interest in mineral exploration, geology, remote sensing or geophysics.

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Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

A methodology of very large-scale gravity inversion? Any geoscience related degree, geophysics, physics, computer science

Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

How the West was One…The Rodona-Totten Shear Zone Any geoscience related degree

Alan Aitken, [email protected], 6488 7147 The density of the Earth's crust and mantle layers has a profound impact on the planet's tectonic cycles with many follow on implications, e.g. for resource exploration and geological hazards. Gravity modelling has, to date struggled to cope with very large-scale modelling due to model size and resolution limitations, capturing model complexity, and working in spherical co-ordinate systems. Several projects are available to apply new technologies to regional to large-scale gravity inversion problems. Work will be completed making full use of iVEC supercomputer infrastructure and will involve testing new codes against existing approaches, assessing performance and helping to further develop the approach. This project suits those with an interest in geophysics. Software is designed to be used by non-specialists, however, some computing experience and reasonable maths ability are required. The scope of the projects lends themselves to MSc level research.

Alan Aitken, [email protected]; 6488 7147 The reconfiguration of Mesoproterozoic Australia occurred between ca. 1400 Ma and ca. 1300 Ma, through a complex series of plate margin processes. The culmination of this was the collision of the South and West Australian continents. Past and recent studies indicate that this collision may have occurred along the Rodona Shear Zone, which lies offshore east of Israelite Bay in WA. This project involves the use of high-resolution aeromagnetic and gravity data from Australia and Antarctica to understand shear-zone structure and kinematics. This new map of the shear zone will be tied in with new geochronological and isotopic data emerging from beneath the Eucla Basin, from moraine sediments and from the Albany Fraser Orogen.

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Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Geological mapping of Venus – Atalanta Planitia Quadrangle Geology

Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Instantaneous melts on Venus – Earth analogues Geology

Myra Keep, [email protected], 6488 7198 Our record of the early evolution of Earth is limited by erosion, burial, tectonic dismemberment and periods of impact cratering. The Venusian surface preserves a rare and pristine record of terrestrial planet evolution. We aim to map in detail parts of the Atalanta Planitia Quadrangle (V4) of the northern hemisphere. Our proposed area contains vast areas of Venusian “tesserae” that is thought to represent the oldest surviving Venusian landscapes, and which provides a rich and detailed history of the evolution of the Venusian planetary surface. This project will involve interpreting SAR data and using first-order geological relationships to understand the kinematic evolution of the ancient tessera terrains in this block. Students must have a good understanding of structural geology and tectonics to 3rd year level. The scope of the project is compatible with extension to Masters level.

Myra Keep, [email protected], 6488 7198, The Venusian surface, especially in the tesserae regions (the oldest Venusian crust), is covered with areas of instantaneous melt which flood the local geology. These flood areas are local, are not associated with volcanic edifices, and seem to be melting in place. Whilst they may be of roughly the same age, there is no evidence that they all formed at the same time as the result of a single event. Rather, they appear to be spontaneous localized melts, similar to those which occur in high-grade metamorphic rocks on Earth. Granulite facies terrains include numerous areas of various sizes comprising pegmatite from instantaneous, localized melt during deformation. This project seeks to map in detail the number and extent of pegmatite melts in a small area of a granulite terrain, with a view to comparing melt processes from deformation at deep crustal levels on Earth with processes of instantaneous melt formation on Venus. Fieldwork will be conducted in the Bremer Bay area in February 2013.

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Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Neotectonics and strike-slip reactivation in offshore petroleum basins of northern WA Geology Myra Keep, [email protected], 6488 7198 Julien Bourget The northwest of WA hosts Australia’s largest recorded earthquakes (ML 7.3, Meeberrie, 1941). Identification of modern surface offsets (fault scarps) and drainage capture, together with recently acquired earthquake focal mechanism data for 28 recent events, suggests that modern geomorphology may yield evidence as to recent earthquake activity throughout north-western WA. This project seeks to map modern structural orientations and fault reactivation in offshore areas in the Carnarvon and Browse Basins with a view to understanding the pre-reactivation geometries and timing, and relating them to the modern tectonic setting. Two projects are available, and the scope is compatible for continuation to Masters level.

Seafloor bathymetry in the western Timor Sea as evidence of modern tectonic processes Geology Myra Keep, [email protected], 6488 7198, Julien Bourget High resolution Seabeam seafloor bathymetric data acquired by an international petroleum company yields details of seafloor topography related to modern collisional deformation. Detailed mapping of an area in the western Timor Sea will yield evidence as to surface processes, sedimentation rates, fluid flux and structural controls on seafloor deformation. Based on Seabeam image interpretations, likely with some high-resolution seismic data across key transects, these interpretations can be compiled with deformation known from seismic data and onshore data from exposures on Timor Island, to further decipher the processes and timing of the Australia/Eurasia collision in the Timor Sea area. Up to 2 projects are available, and are both compatible with extension to Masters level.

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Project:

For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

External controls on the architecture and evolution of Paleocene Eocene carbonate platforms, NW Bonaparte and Browse basins: a seismic stratigraphic approach Geology Julien Bourget, [email protected], 6488 2679 This research project aims to unravel the distribution, architecture, an growth history of isolated carbonate platforms that developed at the boundary between the Browse and Bonaparte basins during the Paleocene and Eocene. Carbonate sedimentation repeatedly alternated with periods of platform exposure and siliciclastic shelf-margin sedimentation, and the external controls at the origin of these sequences will be investigated. The project will be based on 2D and 3D seismic data complemented by well wireline data. Seismic stratigraphy and 3D attribute analysis will be conducted and will allow identifying stratal geometries, stratigraphic surfaces, and high-resolution imaging of depositional geometries. Structural mapping and analysis will be conducted in order to evaluate the potential impact of basement faults on carbonate platforms emplacement/geometries. This Level 4 project can be complemented by additional datasets and extended as a Level 5 research project.

3D seismic stratigraphy – Plio-Quaternary analogues for carbonate reservoirs Geology Julien Bourget, [email protected], 6488 2679 This research project will use a newly acquired (2012) 3D seismic survey to investigate the seismic stratigraphic evolution of a PlioQuaternary analogue for carbonate reservoirs forming in intra-shelf basinal settings (i.e., numerous oil and gas fields from the Middle East of Mesozoic age). You will learn state-of-the-art interpretation techniques of 3D seismic data (volume interpretation, horizon cube generation, attribute analysis) to build a concept model of stratigraphic evolution of the basin during the last 4 million years. The project will also focus on the identification and mapping of potential reservoir geobodies (carbonate build-ups, platforms, and tidal channels) to populate a reservoir database. The identification of changes in carbonate growth patterns will also provide new insights on the sea-level and climate changes that occurred in northern Australia in the Pliocene and Quaternary. This valuable information on the sensitivity of reef systems to environmental modifications will help understanding the future evolution of presentday barrier reefs in Australia and worldwide.

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Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Unravelling tectonic and eustatic controls on shelf-margin and slope sedimentation in the northern Bonaparte Basin Geology, Petroleum Geoscience, Earth Science Julien Bourget, [email protected], 6488 2679, Myra Keep The Bonaparte Basin (NW Shelf of Australia, Timor Sea) constitutes a long-lived sedimentary basin supporting important oil and gas exploration and production. The basin forms a very wide continental shelf where sedimentation consisted of silliciclastic supply mixed with outer shelf carbonates. The aim of this project is to integrate very-high resolution two-dimensional and three-dimensional seimic datasets, wireline and shallow cores, in order to investigate the depositional history and architetcure of Pleistocene shelf-margin deltaic sediments on the northern edge of the basin (Sunrise Field). The main aims are (1) to determine the relative importance of local tectonics and global sealevel fluctuations on shelf-margin depocentres and geometries; (2) to establish a correlation between shelf-margin and basin sedimentation during this time span and evaluate the nature of turbidite system architecture and its recent evolution. This project will be part of a wider research proposal involving academic and industry partners, and could be continued in the form a longer (Msc) project. Students should have completed EART3344 Basin Analysis.

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Project:

For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Controls on the stratigraphic architecture and evolution of carbonate slope systems of the North West Shelf: analogue study for oil & gas reservoirs Geology Julien Bourget, [email protected], 6488 2679 This research project aims to unravel the distribution, architecture, and growth history of the widespread carbonate slope deposits (turbidites and mass-transport deposits) that developed along the margins of the North West Shelf during the Cenozoic. Carbonate margins and slopes represent an important component of the stratigraphic fill of sedimentary basins and an important target for oil and gas exploration. The emphasis on terrigeneous slope and basin deposits during the last two decades was not accompanied by a similar interest for their carbonate counterparts, which have comparatively received little attention. The recent focus of hydrocarbon exploration activities in carbonate slope and basin sequences worldwide has highlighted their economic potential and a need for increasing data collection in analogue settings in order to revise conceptual models that predict slope architecture, reservoir quality, and seal development. The extensive amount of open-file 2D/3D seismic and well data available along the North West Shelf makes it a unique setting for investigating carbonate margin and slope architecture, geomorphology and prospectivity. This project will use a regional compilation of seismic and well data to investigate the stratigraphic evolution of the Cenozoic sequences of the North West Shelf. The focus of the project can be adjusted to your skills / motivation and more focused on either 2D/3D seismic stratigraphy or side wall core data analysis. However integration of various types of datasets (well biostratigraphy, well log and seismic data) will be a key component to the project.

Shallow-marine seismic stratigraphy and reservoir architecture in the offshore Taranaki Basin (New-Zealand) Geology Julien Bourget, [email protected], 6488 2679 The Taranaki Basin is a hydrocarbon-bearing sedimentary basin containing Cretaceous to Pliocene reservoir intervals in continental, shallow-marine and deep-marine depositional settings. This project will focus on an Eocene shallow-marine deposit located off the northern Taranaik coast. Three-dimensional seismic data and well data will be used to create a high-resolution sequence stratigraphic framework of the field area. Attribute analysis techniques will help characterizing depositional architecture, identify potential reservoir target(s) and trap(s).

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Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Project:

For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Depositional history and petroleum reservoir characterisation, North West Shelf (may be company sponsored) Geology, Petroleum Geoscience Annette George, [email protected], 6488 1923 A wide variety of petroleum reservoirs are encountered in the offshore basins of the North West Shelf and various onshore basins in WA. Petroleum-focused projects can be undertaken in shallow or deep marine depositional systems to reconstruct depositional and tectonic history of specific basins or through specific stratigraphic units (notably reservoirs). These projects typically involve integration of core work (sedimentology, facies analysis ± petrography ± biostratigraphy) with seismic and/or wire line log data in a sequencestratigraphic framework. There are specific projects focusing on seismic sequence-stratigraphic interpretation of basin-margin history and characterisation of reservoir intervals. These projects are also suitable for 36-42 pt Masters projects.

Characterisation of siliciclastic- or carbonate-dominated reservoirs associated with conventional and unconventional resources in onshore WA Basins (e.g. Canning Basin, Perth Basin; may be company sponsored) Geology, Petroleum Geoscience, Geochemistry Annette George, [email protected], 6488 1923 Understanding reservoir quality is a fundamental aspect of petroleum system analysis. The onshore basins of WA have been the sites of earliest petroleum exploration in WA, and despite the dominance of the NWS as the major petroleum producer, the onshore basins have had some exciting oil discoveries in the last few years (e.g. Cliff Head, Perth Basin, and Ungani in the Canning Basin). Projects will focus on conventional and unconventional reservoir development using core to petrographic-scale description and interpretation to establish depositional setting/environments and major controls on reservoir quality (i.e. principally distribution of porosity and permeability). Some of these projects include Hylogger® analysis and portable XRF analysis of core to obtain geochemical data for characterising facies and diagenetic effects. Some projects could involve application of higher level microscopic techniques (scanning electron, cathode luminescence).

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Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Geochemical signatures in stratigraphic successions Geology, Geochemistry

Project:

Structural control, hydrothermal alteration and iron ore mineralogy of the Koodaideri Fe deposit, Hamersley province, Western Australia Economic Geology

For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Annette George, [email protected], 6488 1923 Interpretation of changes in geochemical composition through stratigraphic successions is increasingly used to understand significant environmental changes in the Earth System in deep time including times of major biotic crisis. In addition, using inorganic geochemical data to correlate stratigraphic successions (‘chemostratigraphy’) is also valuable and increasingly used in the industry alongside other methods to construct better subsurface models. Projects are available that would typically integrate petrography (conventional ± cathode luminescence microscopy) and relevant geochemical analyses (e.g. elemental composition, stable isotopes) to address specific problems of past environmental change and/or basin history. Sample suites may be linked to core logging depending on area for additional sedimentological skill development.

Steffen Hagemann, 6488 1517, [email protected]; (Rio Tinto project geologist) This project will be the first attempt to document the stratigraphy, mineralogy (silicates and oxides) of BIF at the Koodaideri BIF-hosted Fe deposit in the Hamersley province, Western Australia. Detailed diamond core logging (both petrographically and texturally) and sampling from diamond core and outcrops will be undertaken under the supervision of RT geologists. At the laboratory transmitted and reflected light microscopy as well as microprobe and laser ICP-MS analyses of key iron oxide minerals will be used to constrain the different iron oxide species and ore types but also to establish the iron ore paragenesis in the context of the stratigraphic and structural framework.

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Project:

For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Project:

For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Mineralogy, texture and mineral chemistry of the super-rich Oroya shoot at the Golden Mile, Kalgoorlie: constraints on goldtelluride rich ore fluids and precipitation processes. Economic Geology Steffen Hagemann, 6488 1517, [email protected], David Nelson (KCGM) This project will constrain the mineralogy, textures and mineral chemistry of samples from the famous super-rich Oroya shoot within the Golden Mile at Kalgoorlie. Techniques employed will be petrography, mineral chemistry including SEM and EMP as well as in situ laser ICP-MS analyses. The outcome of the study will constrain the mineralogy, ore fluid chemistry and precipitation mechanism of the Oroya shoot. This data will allow a detailed comparison of the Oroya style mineralogy and ore fluids to the widespread Fimiston-style mineralization at the Golden Mile.

Boron isotopes and mineral chemistry of tourmalines at the Golden Mile: constraints on the source of boron Economic Geology Steffen Hagemann, 6488 1517, [email protected], David Nelson (KCGM) This project will use transmitted light microscopy and microchemistry of tourmalines to constrain the chemistry of tourmalines. In addition, boron isotopes of selected tourmalines will be used to constrain the source of boron in the Fimiston lodes at the Golden Mile. This data set will be compared to the boron isotope signatures of tourmaline in other epi- to hypozonal orogenic gold systems in the Yilgarn craton and worldwide.

Hydrothermal alteration mineralogy, texture and zoning at the Mt Percy gold deposit (Union Club Pit), Golden Mile, Western Australia Economic Geology Steffen Hagemann, 6488 1517, [email protected], David Nelson (KCGM) Hydrothermal alteration mineralogy and zonation of the orogenic mesozonal Mt Percy deposit (Union Club Pit) at the Golden Mile will be constrained by detailed petrography, mineral chemistry and whole rock, trace element and REE geochemistry. This new data will be used to establish the hydrothermal footprint and P-T-X conditions of gold mineralization at this deposit; in addition mineralogical and geochemical vectors towards gold mineralization will be established.

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Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology Geology, Geochemistry

Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Isotopic Geochronology and Tectonics Geology, Geochemistry

Tony Kemp, [email protected], 6488 7846 A range of projects are available in the general fields of igneous and metamorphic petrology. Topics include, and are not limited to - (1) petrology and evolution of Archaean granulites, (2) petrology and geochemistry of Proterozoic dolerite dyke swarms, (3) partial melting processes in migmatites from field and geochemical studies, (4) petrogenesis of Paleoproterozoic mafic-ultramafic intrusions, and (5) tin and rare metal mineralization in pegmatites. All projects would involve petrography (optical and secondary electron microscopy) and mineral chemistry (electron microprobe, possibly laser ablation ICPMS), with scope for whole rock geochemistry (major and trace elements) and, potentially, U-Pb isotope geochronology (zircon, monazite). A small fieldwork component may be included. Projects can be tailored to suit individual interests, and may be undertaken over one or two years.

Geoff Batt, [email protected], 6488 2686 Understanding of chemical and isotopic behaviour within mineral structures provides a capability to identify geological and thermal histories arising from a wide range of processes, ranging from magmatic crystallization to low-temperature weathering. The resolution of 4D Earth history and dynamic processes through such geo/thermochronometric records has important applications in many areas of geosciences, including provenance studies, structural geology, landscape evolution, petroleum and ore system genesis, and paleoclimate-tectonic linkages. A range of projects are possible in both fundamental and applied aspects of this field, jointly supervised by SEE staff and researchers from CSIRO and other areas of the John de Laeter Research Centre of Mass Spectrometry, as appropriate. Students undertaking economically focused projects are encouraged to apply for a UWA Geoscience Foundation scholarship.

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Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Understanding metal contamination of sediments in the SwanCanning estuary Environmental Science, Geology, Geochemistry, Environmental Geoscience, Soil Science, Physical Geography Andrew Rate, [email protected], 6488 2500 Potentially toxic elements such as some trace metals may be naturally present in estuarine sediments, or may originate from external sources such as stormwater drains, marinas, or riparian wetlands drying and acidifying as a result of climate variability. In this project we will sample wetland and estuarine sediments to measure the concentrations and mode-of-occurrence of relevant trace elements and associated sediment properties (sulfides, organic matter, clays, etc.). The data will be used to deduce the fate and likely risk of metal contamination.

Improved thermal event discrimination in zircon (U-Th)/He thermochronology Geology, Geochemistry Geoff Batt, [email protected], 6488 2686, Brent McInnes (Curtin) Noreen Evans (CSIRO) Age distributions in mixed-source samples (sediments, xenolithic/crystic material etc) are a potentially important source of information on thermal processes, sediment provenance, tectonic uplift and crustal exhumation, and other fundamental aspects of geological history. It has recently been recognized, however, that accumulated radiation damage alters the rate of isotopic diffusion through crystal lattices, complicating the identification of significant signals in detrital datasets. This project will consist of characterizing the relationship between (UTh)/He ages and metamictization in zircon crystals from mixed source samples. Understanding this systematic behaviour has implications for studies ongoing within the CSIRO (U-Th)/The facility at the John de Laeter Centre for Mass Spectrometry, in which helium age distributions are being developed as a tool for diamond, gold, and petroleum exploration. No fieldwork would be required, as suitable samples have already been collected and identified via an industry-supported MERIWA project. The project will involve microprobe, scanning electron microscope, and micro CT analysis to characterize zircon grains from varied sources. Selected material would then be prepared for high precision (U-Th)/He and helium diffusion experiments. Full training would be provided in the instrumentation and analytical techniques to be applied

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Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Geochemical evolution of dredge spoils Environmental Science, Geology, Geochemistry, Environmental Geoscience, Soil Science, Physical Geography Andrew Rate, [email protected], 6488 2500 The disposal of estuarine or marine dredge material has become very topical with the proposed development of the Abbot Point on the Great Barrier Reef. The Peel-Harvey estuary in WA has examples of both land-based and submarine disposal of dredged sediments. Some consequences are known, but incompletely understood, such as the oxidation of sedimentary sulfides in land-disposed sediment, with consequent acidification and release of metals. The evolution of dredge spoil disposed within the estuary is very poorly understood. The project will involve sampling in one of these scenarios and assessing the geochemical evolution and potential for export of contaminants.

Structural Evolution of the AUS-PAC Plate Boundary in Southern New Zealand Geology, Geochemistry Geoff Batt, [email protected], 6488 2686, Brent McInnes (Curtin) Noreen Evans (CSIRO) The relative tectonic simplicity of the obliquely convergent boundary between the Australian and Pacific Plates through southern New Zealand has long seen the region held up as a natural laboratory through which to develop understanding of fundamental orogenic processes. Although deformation in this region is today focused along the Alpine Fault zone to the west of the orogen, the extent of PlioceneRecent convergence and exhumation has resulted in a low preservation potential for material that directly experienced the early development of the system, leaving its structural evolution incompletely understood. Pilot investigations have recently shown Thermochronological constraint to have the potential to resolve elements of this ambiguous history. This project will use (U-Th)/He thermochronometry of zircon and apatite to characterize the development and abandonment of fault structures during Miocene evolution of the plate boundary through southern New Zealand from a broad domain of transpressional structures to a coherent, unified fault system – the fore-runner of the modern Alpine Fault. No fieldwork would be required, as samples have already been collected. The project will involve petrographic and microprobe analysis to characterize samples. Zircon, apatite, and potentially other accessory phases will be selected and prepared for high precision geochemical and isotopic analysis, including thermochronometry. Full training would be provided in the instrumentation and analytical techniques to be applied

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Project:

For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

What are the forms of trace elements in sulfidic estuarine sediments? Can we use trace elements as geochemical tracers in these systems? Geology (environmental), Geochemistry, Environmental Geoscience, Land & Water Management Andrew Rate, [email protected], 6488 2500 Trace elements represent potential contaminants in aquatic sediments, but may also be useful in determining the origin of sulfidic minerals in these systems. You would collect samples of monosulfide-rich sediments from the Peel-Harvey Estuary System or use archived samples. Using these sediments, you would measure the concentrations of different forms of trace elements using a range of chemical and spectroscopic analytical techniques. Normalised trace element concentrations would be related to geographical spatial distribution of the sediments.

What can we learn from geochemical soil surveys? Geology (environmental), Geochemistry, Environmental Geoscience, Environmental Science Andrew Rate, [email protected], 6488 2500 A number of continental-scale soil geochemical datasets are available (e.g., the National Geochemical Survey of Australia, the FOREGS EuroGeoSurveys Geochemical Baseline Database, and the North American ‘Geochemical Landscapes’ project). While these survey have yielded several published studies, the large amount of data collected has the potential to yield significant further findings. This desktop-based project would use robust statistical and multivariate analyses to evaluate interesting and relevant hypotheses about soil and regolith geochemistry based on these large datasets.

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Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

The quantification of hydrothermal mineralising systems All Geoscience topics Alison Ord, [email protected], 6488 2642, Mark Munro, Steve Micklethwaite This research program is designed as a training project for students and young researchers, with special focus on the analysis of complex geological systems through a combination of structure quantification and modelling. The non-linearity of many geological systems has been increasingly recognized during the past decades. Processes within such systems act far away from equilibrium and lead to complex structures. A rigorous theoretical and observational foundation for these processes is crucial for understanding the short-term as well as long-term behaviour of our geological environment that provides the basis for our social, cultural and economic life. Specific projects will focus on mineralisation under hydrothermal conditions – a process that combines fundamental physical and chemical procedures in crystalline matter with fluid flow under various conditions, leading e.g. to economically important mineral deposits and geothermal fields, as well as affecting the long- and short-term response of the lithosphere to stresses, e.g. expressed in the formation of mountain belts and in earthquakes. The projects will be based on a combination of field-related recording of structures with subsequent quantification and application of numerical modelling. This allows (i) to investigate in detail the effects of various physical and chemical parameters on hydrothermally driven mineralisation, (ii) to compare modelled structures with natural ones and, consequently, (iii) to calibrate and refine the numerical models, which again allows more detailed investigations. Resources are available in 2014 for collaborative research in Germany through a Go8/DAAD project. The project may lead to MSc or PhD studies.

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Project:

For majors including: Supervisor:

Description:

Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Empirical Analysis of False Positives in Geophysics and Geochemical Exploration – A ‘Live’ Case Study of Nickel-Copper Exploration in the Fraser Range Region, WA Any Geoscience background (Geology, Geochemistry, Geophysics, GIS or Economic Geology), or Geoscience/Commerce double degree Allan Trench (CET) [email protected]; 0437 092 466 John Sykes (CET) [email protected], Mike Dentith [email protected] Studies that examine the probabilities of success in mineral exploration are still in their infancy in terms of influencing exploration decisionmaking across the broader minerals sector. Very few data-points are available as to the number and nature of exploration targets that are drill-tested – the number of targets that then progress to follow-up drilling – and conversely the number of targets that are considered not worthy of further follow-up activity due to initially negative exploration outcomes. This study will look at the current exploration efforts of around 20 listed exploration companies in the Fraser Range region of WA. Heightened exploration activity has followed the 2012 world-scale discovery of the Nova-Bollinger nickel-copper deposits in the area by Sirius Resources (SIR). The project will involve examining the exploration strategies of these companies, estimating the number of targets identified and tested in the period 2012-2014 and assessing the success rates for targets to progress beyond initial exploration based upon the source of anomalism (e.g. whether electromagnetics, magnetics, geochemistry, geology/structural targeting etc.). Empirical results will be placed into context using a False Positive/True Positive exploration framework. The study is likely to be high-profile given the extreme exploration interest in the region for new nickel-copper sulphide discoveries.

Can rare earth element (REE) concentrations in vegetation explain enrichment of rare earth elements in some surface soils? Geochemistry, Environmental Geoscience, Land & Water Management, Soil Science Andrew Rate, [email protected], 6488 2500 Trace elements represent potential contaminants in aquatic sediments, The biogeochemical cycling of trace elements in terrestrial ecosystems is a surprisingly poorly-researched topic. You would sample vegetation growing on regolith profiles that are geochemically well-characterised. Plant tissues would be analysed for REE concentrations, and mass balances calculated to assess the significance of plant uptake on REE cycling in these systems. It will likely be necessary to measure other REE pools (such as regolith pore water) to complete the mass balance. See also: Du, X., Rate, A.W. and Gee, M. 2011. Mineralogical Magazine 75, 784.

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Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Magnetic Interpretation of Basement Structure of the Irwin Terrace, northern Perth Basin Suitable for M.Sc (5th yr) research project Geoscience degree including EART3353 Geological Mapping and GEOS4412 Petroleum Systems Mike Dentith, [email protected], 6488 2676, Annette George New government aeromagnetic data from the northern Perth Basin shows basement structure in the tectonically significant, but poorly exposed, region where the Urella Fault joints the basin-bounding Darling Fault. Existing tectonic models involving a major accommodation zone in this area can be tested using the new data. The Irwin Terrace is a major tectonic element of the northern Perth Basin and exposes Permian stratigraphic units that form important conventional and unconventional reservoirs in the basin. The research will be based primarily on aeromagnetic data, which will be interpreted in association with magnetic property data (collected on a short field trip) and the limited seismic reflection data from the area.

Radiometric Responses of Mineral Deposits: Are Alteration-Zone Responses Actually Due to Changes in Geochemistry? Suitable for Hons (4th yr) or M.Sc (5th yr) research project Geoscience degree including EART3353 Geological Mapping and GEOS4411 Mineralising Systems Mike Dentith, [email protected], 6488 2676 Several common types of mineral deposits are associated with alteration haloes where the concentration of the three radioelements (K, U, Th) is known to vary. Examples include VMS, epithermal precious metal and porphyry-style deposits. Some important kinds of host rocks for diamonds and REE are also anomalous with respect to radioelement content, notably carbonatites and kimberlites. An initial assessment of the extensive database of geochemical data suggests that measured changes in radioelement concentrations are often too small to be detected by radiometric surveys. Further data needs to be compiled and modelling of radiometric responses undertaken to investigate whether, for example, responses are being significantly affected by supergene enrichment, density variations or topography. There is no significant database of the radiometric responses from alteration haloes or mineralisation. A literature search is needed to address this problem, with the dimensions of these anomalies compared with common survey configurations, allowing for the effects of ‘system footprints’, to determine the probability of detection of these responses during reconnaissance exploration. This project is laboratory based and involves data compilation and geophysical data modelling in a geological context.

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Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Interpreting Magnetic Data from Sedimentary Basins: Recognising Responses from Evaporites Suitable for M.Sc (5th yr) research project Geoscience degree including EART3353 Geological Mapping, EART 3344 Basin Analysis and GEOS4412 Petroleum Systems Mike Dentith, [email protected], 6488 2676, Annette George Recently compiled aeromagnetic data from the Canning Basin show responses which, based on their geometry, are possibly related to salt diapirs. Although rarely reported, the ‘textbook’ magnetic response of salt is a negative anomaly, however these responses are mostly positive anomalies. Core from two drillholes from the study area is available on which to make magnetic property measurements. Limited seismic data is also available. The research project comprises an integrated interpretation of the available data, including qualitative and quantitative interpretation of the magnetic data.

Magnetic Properties of Komatiites Suitable for Hons (4th yr) or M.Sc (5th yr) research project Geoscience degree including EART3353 Geological Mapping and GEOS4411 Mineralising Systems Mike Dentith, [email protected], 6488 2676, Marco Fiorentini The magnetic anomalies caused by komatiites are important indicators of prospectivity for NiS in greenstone belts. The magnetism of these rocks is, however, poorly understood. The magnetism is due to both primary magnetic minerals and the creation and/or destruction of magnetic minerals during subsequent metamorphism and alteration. For example, serpentinisation is expected to create magnetic minerals and talc-carbonate alteration to destroy magnetic minerals. Limited existing data suggest significant changes in rock magnetism within individual komatiite flows. The proposed project seeks to understand the magnetism of komatiites in the context of both their primary zonation and also secondary alteration processes. It is expected to that this work will be based on cores from the Kambalda and Mt Keith areas and the project will combine petrological and geochemical and petrophysical studies. A few days fieldwork, at mine sites, will be required.

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Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Petrology and geochemistry of majorite-bearing peridotite as a source of Barberton-type komatiite volcanism Suitable for Hons (4th yr) or M.Sc (5th yr) research project Geoscience Marco Fiorentini, [email protected], 6488 3465, Laure Martin Komatiites are ultrabasic magmas that formed through high degrees of partial melting of the mantle and therefore provide the most reliable information on bulk mantle compositions. Komatiites have been subdivided into two main groups: Barberton-type komatiites are Aldepleted and have trace element patterns that are undepleted in the most incompatible elements, whereas Munro-type komatiites are Alundepleted and show incompatible-element-depleted trace element patterns. It is also notable that Barberton-type komatiites are generally depleted in platinum-group element (PGE) contents in relation to Munro-type komatiites. The compositional differences between Barberton- and Munro-type komatiites reflect the conditions under which the melts separated from their plume sources. Barberton-type komatiites formed by 30% batch melting of a mantle source enriched or slightly depleted in Ca–Al at a depth exceeding 300km, and are depleted in Al owing to majorite garnet retention in the source, whereas Munro-type komatiites formed by 50% fractional melting of a Ca–Al-depleted mantle source at a shallower depth. However, the genesis of komatiite magmatism is still highly debated as very few reliable mantle sources have been identified. The aim of this study is to determine the petrological and geochemical features of a series of majorite-bearing peridotites from the Otroy Complex in western Norway. These peridotites are thought to represent the mantle restite of Archean Barberton-type komatiite volcanism. Hence, through this study it will be possible to investigate further the genesis of komatiite volcanism and address the question whether majorite garnet plays a role in PGE fractionation and concentration during magmatic processes. Methods: This research will build on existing material that was collected during previous studies combining:  Petrology using optic and electronic microscopic methods.  Microprobe analysis (depending on results)  Laser Ablation ICPMS (depending on results)  Ion probe (depending on results) Requirements: This project does not include a fieldwork component and requires a high quality student comfortable with detailed analytical work. A successful outcome has the potential to result in a publication.

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Project:

For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

How to make the invisible visible: Exploring the use of isotopic labeling for the visualization of fluid-rock interaction in experimental systems Suitable for Hons (4th yr) or M.Sc (5th yr) research project Geoscience Marco Fiorentini, [email protected], 6488 3465, Matt Kilburn, Laure Martin The complex nature of fluid-mineral interactions is mostly obscured by the broader homogeneity of mineral chemistry – a Fe sulphide deposited during one geological event is indistinguishable from the nominal composition of a Fe-sulphide deposited in a completely different event. Nevertheless, the succession of chemical changes recorded at the nanoscale in geological materials promises to offer significant advances in our understanding of geological processes and their relative timescales. This study aims at developing a method using stable isotope labels in well-constrained experimental systems together with ultra-high resolution imaging mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) to better understand fluid flow, fluid-mineral interactions, and the effects of micro-structural deformation on mineral chemistry. This study is part of larger research initiative in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Core to Crust Fluid Systems.

Microbialte Ecohydrology and Sedimentology Hydrogeology, Geology, Geography, Environmental Science Ryan Vogwill [email protected], 6488 2680 South West Western Australia contains a large number of microbialte bearing wetlands which are under threat from climate change, anthropogenic water use and landuse change. Microbialites (stromatolites, thrombolites and tufas) are all formed by the presence of microbial communities which form CaCO3 deposits. Multiple project opportunities exist at multiple sites to assess microbialite formation, microbialite sedimentology, microbialite evotuion, wetland surface and groundwater interaction, links between microbial assemblage and water quality to contribute towards developing environmental water requirements.

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Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Geochronological study of the Ammassalik Intrusive Complex and implication for geodynamic emplacement Suitable for Hons (4th yr) or M.Sc (5th yr) research project Geoscience Nicolas Thebaud, [email protected], 6488 7139, Marco Fiorentini, Jochen Kolb The Palaeoproterozoic Nagssugtoqidian Orogen extends over 250 km along the east coast of Greenland around the settlement of Tasiilaq and includes Archaean rocks from the adjoining Rae Craton to the north and the North Atlantic Craton to the south, and Palaeoproterozoic rocks (Kolb 2013). It is a complex geological province affected by a complex magmatic and structural history prone to the development of hydrothermal and magmatic mineralisation(s). Within the orogen, three 20km long and 10–15km wide ovoid mafic to intermediate intrusions aligned in a SE-trend constitute the Ammassalik Intrusive Complex (AIC). The intrusions consist of interlayered diorite, granodiorite, metagabbro and anorthositic rock containing lenses of ultramafic and mafic rocks (Wright et al., 1973; Andersen et al., 1989). They are crosscut by various generations of pegmatitic anorthosite dykes (Wright et al., 1973). The AIC is dated at 1886 ± 2 Ma by bulk zircon analysis (Hansen and Kalsbeek, 1989) and at 1881 ± 10 Ma (Nutman et al., 2008, SHRIMP Pb-Pb) in one locality. Furthermore, isotopic data indicate a contribution from older material, suggesting the mixing of juvenile magma with Archaean crustal material during the genesis of the AIC (Kalsbeek et al., 1993). However, the overall timing and geodynamic framework of emplacement of the Ammassalik Intrusive Complex remain poorly constrained. Using key samples collected over the AIC, the aim of this project is to further constrain the geodynamic emplacement of the AIC through a detail geochronological study of key samples recently collected in the AIC. This study is part of larger research initiative in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Core to Crust Fluid Systems. Methods: This research will build on existing material that was collected during previous studies combining:  Petrology using optic and electronic microscopic methods.  Geochronology (SHRIMP U-Pb analysis)  Microprobe analysis (depending on results)  Laser Ablation ICPMS (depending on results) Requirements: This project does no include a fieldwork component and requires a high quality student comfortable with detailed analytical work. A successful outcome has the potential to result in a publication.

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Project: For majors including: Supervisor: Description:

Martian impact craters and their potential for melt and ore deposit genesis Suitable for Hons (4th yr) or M.Sc (5th yr) research project Geoscience Marco Fiorentini, [email protected], 64883465, Steve Mickelthwaite, Raphael Baumgartner, David Baratoux Observations on the size, structure and morphology of impact craters on the planetary bodies of the inner solar system provide invaluable information about their crustal composition, structure and physical properties. The impact process itself is usually characterised by the formation of impact melt due to the release of thermal energy and instantaneous melting of the target rocks. Small impacts (crater diameter