early Australian earth scientists in the Antarctic - Geological Society ...
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Such submar<strong>in</strong>e volcanoes, ma<strong>in</strong>ly onmid-ocean ridges, of course are aby-product of cont<strong>in</strong>ental drift and <strong>the</strong>warmest period <strong>the</strong> Earth has ever known– <strong>the</strong> Cretaceous – was also <strong>the</strong> period ofmaximum cont<strong>in</strong>ental drift. A significantco<strong>in</strong>cidence? Also, seismologists tellus that <strong>the</strong> frequency of large <strong>earth</strong>quakeshas <strong>in</strong>creased <strong>in</strong> recent years, ie cont<strong>in</strong>entalmovements have <strong>in</strong>creased.The above discoveries of new submar<strong>in</strong>evolcanoes were all made <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> last tenyears, and I th<strong>in</strong>k one th<strong>in</strong>g that allgeologists can probably agree on, is thatClimate Science is not settled.The ArithmeticWhile it is probably true that CO 2 helpsto enhance <strong>the</strong> greenhouse effect (whichis ma<strong>in</strong>ly caused by water vapour) <strong>the</strong>overall effects of <strong>in</strong>creased CO 2 arem<strong>in</strong>imal. The radiation feedback effect ofCO 2 decreases logarithmically with<strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g CO 2 values, so that even an<strong>in</strong>crease to 500 ppm would give aradiation feedback effect <strong>in</strong>crease of onlyabout 10%.To put <strong>the</strong> potential CO 2 -<strong>in</strong>ducedtemperature rise <strong>in</strong>to perspective: only 3%of available free CO 2 is <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> atmosphere(97% is <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> sea), water vapour accountsfor 95% of <strong>the</strong> greenhouse effect (Ref 1)and CO 2 about 3% (<strong>the</strong> rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g 2% isfrom o<strong>the</strong>r gases). The anthropogeniccomponent of atmospheric CO 2 is currently3.2%, and Australia’s output is 1.28%of world total, so if we could reduce it by<strong>the</strong> proposed 5%, <strong>the</strong> greenhouse effectreduction would be only 1.8E-8! But,while <strong>the</strong>re is an 800-year lag <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> CO 2<strong>in</strong>crease as temperatures rise, <strong>the</strong>reappears to be a longer delay — probablymore than a thousand years — to wait forthis m<strong>in</strong>iscule reduction (Ref 2).DAVID GELLATLYREFERENCESThe above data can be readily sourced from articleson <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternet, most of which <strong>in</strong> turn refer to peerreviewedarticles, especially <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g:1. Global Warm<strong>in</strong>g: A closer look at <strong>the</strong> numbers.www.geocraft.com/WVFossils/greenhouse_data.html2. The 800 Year Lag – Graphed.joannenova.com.au/global-warm<strong>in</strong>g/ice-core-graph/3. An Almanac of <strong>the</strong> Atmosphere or The State of <strong>the</strong>Climate 2011.www.lavoisier.com.au/.../quirk-2011-almanac-of<strong>the</strong>-atmosphere.pdf4. It’s Not Global Warm<strong>in</strong>g, It’s Ocean Warm<strong>in</strong>g.www.iceagenow.com/Ocean_Warm<strong>in</strong>g.htmGSV <strong>in</strong> troubleFor <strong>the</strong> past 160 years <strong>the</strong> <strong>Geological</strong>Survey of Victoria has been <strong>the</strong>government repository for <strong>the</strong> state’sgeoscience knowledge. Will thiscont<strong>in</strong>ue? Anyone with an <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong><strong>the</strong> future of geoscience knowledge <strong>in</strong>Australia needs to read this.At <strong>the</strong> start of 2011, GeoScience Victoria(<strong>the</strong> fancy new name for <strong>the</strong> GSV) was <strong>in</strong>good shape, benefit<strong>in</strong>g from a restructure<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> mid-2000s which gave it a morerigorous science focus. This was soon tochange when <strong>the</strong> present ExecutiveDirector took over <strong>the</strong> re<strong>in</strong>s of <strong>the</strong> EarthResources Development Division of <strong>the</strong>Victorian Department of PrimaryIndustries, of which GSV was a part.Before <strong>the</strong> disasterOver <strong>the</strong> past decade, GSV’s primary aimfocused on convert<strong>in</strong>g its vast store ofgeosciences <strong>in</strong>formation <strong>in</strong>to digitalformat and provid<strong>in</strong>g this, free of charge,to <strong>the</strong> public. One large <strong>in</strong>vestment was <strong>in</strong><strong>the</strong> GeoData.Vic project, of which <strong>the</strong>most visible result is <strong>the</strong> SeamlessGeology project, with an <strong>in</strong>volvement ofn<strong>early</strong> a third of <strong>the</strong> staff, and produc<strong>in</strong>g<strong>the</strong> first surface geology dataset at1:250 000 scale across <strong>the</strong> state that hasnone of those annoy<strong>in</strong>g map border“faults”. One component of GeoData.Vic is<strong>the</strong> GSIML mark-up language project for<strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternational delivery of geosciencedata, <strong>in</strong> which GSV was a world leader.As well, Tim Rawl<strong>in</strong>g, one of Australia’sforemost 3-D geo<strong>scientists</strong>, was <strong>in</strong> chargeof <strong>the</strong> world-lead<strong>in</strong>g 3-D Victoria geologyproject. This project aims for a threedimensionalgeological model of <strong>the</strong>entire state and was <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> f<strong>in</strong>al stagesof delivery at <strong>the</strong> start of 2011. Withstructures modeled down to <strong>the</strong> Moho,<strong>the</strong> ma<strong>in</strong> data sources were <strong>the</strong>pmd-crc and AUSCOPE deep seismicprofiles that run across just over a half of<strong>the</strong> state’s Paleozoic basement. Already<strong>the</strong>se profiles had brought about acompletely new <strong>in</strong>terpretation of <strong>the</strong>structure of <strong>the</strong> Paleozoic crust, of <strong>the</strong>tectonic models that created it, andmodels of ore genesis. With <strong>the</strong> rema<strong>in</strong>derof <strong>the</strong> state yet to be done, GSV staffwere excited about what <strong>the</strong> future wouldhold.The GSV built a dedicated projectionroom <strong>in</strong> which 3-D models can be viewedby staff and o<strong>the</strong>rs work<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>the</strong>models. Clients, especially nongeologists,regularly emerged awestruckfrom <strong>the</strong> room. A multiplicity of datasources went <strong>in</strong>to build<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> models;mapp<strong>in</strong>g, boreholes, deep and shallowseismic data, which l<strong>in</strong>ked offshore andonshore bas<strong>in</strong> models. Although still prelim<strong>in</strong>ary,<strong>the</strong> model is an ideal frameworkfor future work, and has been acclaimedby visit<strong>in</strong>g geologists and managementfrom, amongst o<strong>the</strong>rs, <strong>the</strong> British andUS <strong>Geological</strong> Surveys. They proclaimedit — and <strong>the</strong> workflow that had producedit — as possibly <strong>the</strong> best of <strong>the</strong>ir type <strong>in</strong>existence and were amazed at <strong>the</strong> smallsize of <strong>the</strong> project team who had pulled itall toge<strong>the</strong>r. It was thought so special that<strong>the</strong> President of Hungary <strong>in</strong>sisted on avisit dur<strong>in</strong>g his recent trip to Australia.Yet ano<strong>the</strong>r project, <strong>the</strong> Gold Undercover<strong>in</strong>itiative, had produced 25 scientificreports <strong>in</strong>to gold-associated alterationstyles, distribution models, geochemistry,etc. The Rediscover Victoria project sawgovernment fund<strong>in</strong>g part of <strong>the</strong> cost ofgreenfields drill<strong>in</strong>g by private companies.Major papers on <strong>the</strong>se excit<strong>in</strong>g emerg<strong>in</strong>ggeological results have been published,with more to come. Areas for targetedmapp<strong>in</strong>g by <strong>the</strong> regional geologymapp<strong>in</strong>g team were be<strong>in</strong>g planned.And GSV was an outward-look<strong>in</strong>gorganisation, collaborat<strong>in</strong>g with partnerslike Geoscience Australia, CSIRO, ANU,Monash, Melbourne, and Adelaideuniversities, AUSCOPE, CO 2 -CRC, 3D-Geo,ASP, and o<strong>the</strong>r state surveys. All this wasdirected to a better understand<strong>in</strong>g ofVictorian m<strong>in</strong>eralisation, which would <strong>in</strong>turn lead to more discoveries.GSV <strong>in</strong>dustry engagement was grow<strong>in</strong>g,and was digest<strong>in</strong>g views from <strong>the</strong> outsidesuch as <strong>the</strong> results of 2011 Frazer Institutereports which showed that Victoria wasperceived as data-rich but discoverypotential-poor for metals (show<strong>in</strong>g thatmore high quality mapp<strong>in</strong>g and researchwere needed), while rank<strong>in</strong>g it among<strong>the</strong> world's best places to operate forpetroleum companies. It was this backgroundand <strong>the</strong>se issues that faced <strong>the</strong>division under <strong>the</strong> new management.Now fast-forwad to October 2011The GSV is no more. It’s been replaced by<strong>the</strong> shortest possible acronym, P&E(Prospectivity and Exploration), <strong>in</strong>towhich some GSV staff have beenabsorbed with redef<strong>in</strong>ed jobs, while o<strong>the</strong>rsare scattered across <strong>the</strong> restructured EarthResources Development Division, alsowith redef<strong>in</strong>ed roles. The former act<strong>in</strong>gdirector of GSV is now <strong>the</strong> leader of <strong>the</strong>TAG December 2011|7
Z-W Lan & Z-Q Chen: New xenotime ages obta<strong>in</strong>ed from <strong>the</strong>Paleoproterozoic Kimberley Group, NW Australia: implicationsfor regional hydro<strong>the</strong>rmal events.AJES Vol 59/2 Thematic Issue: Planetary Sciences(papers <strong>in</strong> press)Guest Editors: Marc Norman and Graziella CaprarelliTR Ireland: Oxygen isotope trac<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> Solar System.C O’Neill: Tectono<strong>the</strong>rmal evolution of solid planets and moons.R Salmeron: The environment and physics of <strong>the</strong> <strong>early</strong> solarsystemF Jourdan: The 40 Ar/ 39 Ar dat<strong>in</strong>g technique applied to planetarysciences.EG Jones & CH L<strong>in</strong>eweaver: Us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> phase diagram of liquidwater to search for life.G Caprarelli & BY Wang: Wet Mars implications of revisedscal<strong>in</strong>g calculations for Evros Vallis.D Wacey: Earliest evidence for life on Earth — an <strong>Australian</strong>perspective.AP Nutman, VC Bennett & CRL Friend: W aves and wea<strong>the</strong>r<strong>in</strong>gat 3.7 Ga: geologic evidence for an equitable terrestrialclimate under <strong>the</strong> fa<strong>in</strong>t <strong>early</strong> Sun.PA Bland, P Spurny, AWR Bevan, KT Howard, MC Towner,GK Benedix, RC Greenwood, L Shrbený, IA Franchi, G Deacon,J Borovička, Z Ceplecha, D Vaughan & RM Hough: The<strong>Australian</strong> Desert Fireball Network: a new era for planetaryscience.AA Nemch<strong>in</strong>, ML Grange, RT Pidgeon & C Meyer: Lunarzirconology.MD Norman, KJD Adena & AG Christy: Provenance and Pbisotopic ages of volcanic and impact glasses from <strong>the</strong>Apollo 17 land<strong>in</strong>g site on <strong>the</strong> Moon.GEOQuizBY TOR MENTORThis time some (palaeo)geographic names(eg Pangea, Gondwana, Tethys) from <strong>the</strong>plate-tectonic era and from <strong>the</strong> dark agesbefore <strong>the</strong>n. Can you identify <strong>the</strong>m?iFirst<strong>Australian</strong> Journal of Earth SciencesiFirst is Taylor & Francis’ proprietary <strong>early</strong>onl<strong>in</strong>e-publication system, which makes newknowledge available to researchers <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>shortest possible time.iFirst reduces <strong>the</strong> time from article submission topublication, mak<strong>in</strong>g papers available for authorsand readers earlier and for longer.These papers can be published onl<strong>in</strong>e throughiFirst as soon as <strong>the</strong> production process iscomplete, ensur<strong>in</strong>g submission-to-publicationtimes are shortened. iFirst articles published withpage spans can be cited as usual, because all f<strong>in</strong>alpublication <strong>in</strong>formation (publication year, volumenumber, page spans) is already available. iFirstarticles published as “Forthcom<strong>in</strong>g Articles”can be cited us<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir DOIs, <strong>in</strong> addition to<strong>the</strong> article and journal titles.To view accepted articles on <strong>the</strong> AJES websiteclick on <strong>the</strong> iFirst icon on <strong>the</strong> right hand side of<strong>the</strong> website: www.ajes.com.auJournal AlertsYou can subscribe to journal alerts to keep up-todatewith AJES and many similar journal titles availablefrom Taylor & Francis.To register for this free service visit:www.<strong>in</strong>formaworld.com/alert<strong>in</strong>g1 Rod<strong>in</strong>ia2 Lemuria3 Avalonia(Answers page 37)4 Laurasia5 Iapetus6 Pannotia7 Kenorland8 Armorica9 Mu10 Atlantis10 | TAG December 2011
<strong>Society</strong>UpdateEducation&OutreachThe last school term is upon us and seniorstudents will soon be leav<strong>in</strong>g school andwonder<strong>in</strong>g where <strong>the</strong>y go next. Many willachieve university entrance and some of those whogo for a science degree will enrol <strong>in</strong> Earth Science courses. Thechallenge to convert science enrolments <strong>in</strong>to Earth Scienceenrolments is now harder than ever because of <strong>the</strong> way <strong>in</strong> which<strong>the</strong> choice of o<strong>the</strong>r entry level science subjects has expanded.However, that is only half <strong>the</strong> battle. Anecdotally we know that<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> past many students who took entry level Earth Scienceended up go<strong>in</strong>g on to major <strong>in</strong> some aspect of it, even thoughthat was not <strong>the</strong>ir <strong>in</strong>tention at <strong>in</strong>itial enrolment. Whe<strong>the</strong>rstudents will cont<strong>in</strong>ue to ‘convert’ is not only a function of <strong>the</strong>teach<strong>in</strong>g staff at <strong>the</strong> coal face but also a function of <strong>the</strong>economic realities of <strong>the</strong> time.In <strong>the</strong> <strong>early</strong> 1980s many departments graduated recordnumbers of students but by 1983–84 graduates were struggl<strong>in</strong>gto f<strong>in</strong>d employment, hav<strong>in</strong>g hit <strong>the</strong> market just as a majoreconomic contraction was underway . In its recent <strong>Australian</strong>Geoscience Tertiary Education Profile 2010 report, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Australian</strong>Geoscience Council (AGC) noted a substantial growth <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>numbers of Honours students, who have <strong>in</strong>creased nationally by73% to 265 over <strong>the</strong> period 2008–20 10 compared with <strong>the</strong>9% decrease <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> previous five years and <strong>the</strong> 60% decrease <strong>in</strong><strong>the</strong> 15 years lead<strong>in</strong>g up to 2007. The concern is that this returnto ‘enrolment prosperity’ may be a function of <strong>the</strong> perceivedemployment prospects <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> sector ra<strong>the</strong>r than anyth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>universities are do<strong>in</strong>g to convert entry-level enrolments <strong>in</strong>tomajors. If this is <strong>the</strong> case, and a substantial downturn doesoccur, today’s students will bear <strong>the</strong> brunt of <strong>the</strong> latest cycle <strong>in</strong>Earth Science employment history and enrolments will dropaga<strong>in</strong>. Let us hope that does not happen.The o<strong>the</strong>r good news out of <strong>the</strong> AGC report is <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>crease<strong>in</strong> university teach<strong>in</strong>g and research staff numbers, although thisis aga<strong>in</strong>st a backdrop of a radical reduction <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> number ofuniversities teach<strong>in</strong>g Earth Science over <strong>the</strong> last 15 years.If ano<strong>the</strong>r major downturn does occur we will have to bevigilant if we are to protect <strong>the</strong> rema<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g groups from fur<strong>the</strong>rdownsiz<strong>in</strong>g and possible ext<strong>in</strong>ction. If <strong>the</strong> core teach<strong>in</strong>gcapability were to be reduced much more I am of <strong>the</strong> op<strong>in</strong>ion itwould be extremely hard for <strong>the</strong> discipl<strong>in</strong>e to rebound to betternumbers, as we have this time, and cont<strong>in</strong>ue to produce highlysought-after graduates and post-graduates.The o<strong>the</strong>r topic high <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d of EarthScience educators is <strong>the</strong> <strong>Australian</strong> Curriculum:Science. The Foundation to Y ear 10 <strong>Australian</strong>Curriculum for English, ma<strong>the</strong>matics, scienceand history is now available. This <strong>in</strong>cludescurriculum content supported with elaborations; andachievement standards supported with work samples and it candownloaded from: http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/A new version of <strong>the</strong> Y ear 11–12 Earth and EnvironmentalScience (EES) curriculum document is yet to be released but thiswill be a major change for science at senior level whenimplemented and we will need to engage with <strong>the</strong> EESimplementation process as much as possible when it happens.See http://consultation.australiancurriculum.edu.au/ for moreon progress towards <strong>the</strong> <strong>Australian</strong> Curriculum: Science as wellas <strong>the</strong> <strong>Australian</strong> Curriculum: Geography.See http://www.acara.edu.au/curriculum/geography.htmlI aga<strong>in</strong> urge everyone with an <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> education toat least review this material. This is a once-<strong>in</strong>-a-generationopportunity to shape <strong>the</strong> future of education <strong>in</strong> this country!GREG McNAMARAGeoscience Education and Outreach ServicesSend all comments to Greg McNamara atoutreach@gsa.org.auDo youknow yourGeologist?H<strong>in</strong>t:Recently retired seniorpublic servant.(Answer page 35)TAG December 2011|11
<strong>Society</strong>UpdateStratigraphic ColumnWhat is a publication – for establish<strong>in</strong>g new units?In my last column I discussed <strong>the</strong> value of unit def<strong>in</strong>itions, butI would like to take a step back this time and consider whe<strong>the</strong>ror not digital publication has changed what we wouldconsider to be a ‘recognised scientific medium’.Establishment or revision of a formal stratigraphic unitrequires that a def<strong>in</strong>ition be published <strong>in</strong> a ‘recognisedscientific medium’. So, how is this determ<strong>in</strong>ed? Albert Brakeldiscussed this issue <strong>in</strong> 1999, and although some newpublication media have emerged s<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong>n, such as DVDs andUSB memory sticks, and <strong>the</strong>re are new ways to accesspublications from websites, <strong>the</strong> medium is not really <strong>the</strong> issue.Availability, permanence and ‘quality’ of <strong>the</strong> publication, andadequacy of <strong>the</strong> unit descriptions are more important.The International Stratigraphic Guide says that <strong>the</strong> ma<strong>in</strong>qualifications of a recognized scientific medium are that it isregularly published and reasonably available to <strong>the</strong> scientificpublic on request by purchase or through a library . Many<strong>in</strong>dependent or irregularly issued publications also qualify . InAustralia this cl<strong>early</strong> <strong>in</strong>cludes <strong>in</strong>ternational and <strong>Australian</strong>scientific journals, and most State and T erritory Surveypublications. It also <strong>in</strong>cludes The <strong>Australian</strong> Geologist. The factthat <strong>in</strong> some jurisdictions <strong>the</strong>se publications are available for‘free download’ does not change <strong>the</strong>ir status, but it maycomplicate decisions on <strong>the</strong> status of o<strong>the</strong>r material that is alsoavailable for ‘free download’.Media that are not generally publications for stratigraphicpurposes, accord<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> International Stratigraphic Guide,<strong>in</strong>clude <strong>in</strong>formal or restricted sources such as letters, fieldtripguidebooks only available to participants, dissertations,company reports, abstracts, open file reports, newspapers,commercial or trade journals. Some of <strong>the</strong>se media are muchmore available than <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> past, if you know how to search for<strong>the</strong>m, but few are likely to <strong>in</strong>clude unit def<strong>in</strong>itions. In <strong>the</strong> past,legal deposit and exchange arrangements with o<strong>the</strong>r librarieshave been used to determ<strong>in</strong>e what is deemed a publication, butthis has not worked so well <strong>in</strong> recent times. There has beensome debate about <strong>the</strong> status of some ‘open file reports’ andsome ‘extended abstracts’, and <strong>the</strong>re may need to be moredebate. Limited staff resources mean that it is certa<strong>in</strong>lyconvenient for <strong>Australian</strong> Stratigraphic Units Database (ASUD)staff not to have to seek out or <strong>in</strong>dex open file reports orabstract on a rout<strong>in</strong>e basis, although exceptions may be madefrom time to time.Ano<strong>the</strong>r medium that is generally considered to be apublication, and is rout<strong>in</strong>ely <strong>in</strong>dexed by ASUD staff is <strong>the</strong>geological map (and/or GIS data layer). It may still surprisesome people to know that publication on a map does notformally establish or validate a name because maps do not<strong>in</strong>clude unit def<strong>in</strong>itions. Maps do, however suggest an <strong>in</strong>tentionto def<strong>in</strong>e units formally <strong>in</strong> explanatory notes or ano<strong>the</strong>rappropriate publication.One of <strong>the</strong> issues Albert discussed <strong>in</strong> 1999 was ‘versions’ ofdigital publications. In <strong>the</strong> last decade I th<strong>in</strong>k this issue isbecom<strong>in</strong>g much better understood. Although it is much easierto update or correct a digital publication than <strong>the</strong> old pr<strong>in</strong>tversions, <strong>the</strong> importance of <strong>in</strong>dicat<strong>in</strong>g when <strong>the</strong> last updatewas made is now widely accepted, and <strong>the</strong>re is often<strong>in</strong>formation on what has been updated as well.Where onl<strong>in</strong>e digital databases like <strong>the</strong> ASUD fit <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong>‘publication’ def<strong>in</strong>ition is still a bit murky, especially when unitdef<strong>in</strong>itions are provided for use <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> database without a clear<strong>in</strong>tention to publish <strong>the</strong>m <strong>in</strong> a ‘recognised scientific medium’ .The ASUD database is widely available, to those who knowwhere to look. Information <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> database comes ei<strong>the</strong>r frompublications, or from unpublished def<strong>in</strong>itions that are usuallyboth peer-reviewed and reviewed by members of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Australian</strong>Stratigraphy Commission before <strong>the</strong>y get to <strong>the</strong> database. Isthat sufficient to make <strong>the</strong> <strong>Australian</strong> Stratigraphic UnitsDatabase a ‘recognised scientific medium’ for <strong>the</strong> purposes of<strong>Australian</strong> stratigraphy?Let me know what you th<strong>in</strong>k as you gear up over summerfor <strong>the</strong> 34th IGC.CATHY BROWNNational Convener, <strong>Australian</strong> Stratigraphy Commissioncathy.brown@ga.gov.au or cathyeb@netspeed.com.auO<strong>the</strong>r Stratigraphy Commission contacts are available at:http://www.gsa.org.au/management/stand<strong>in</strong>g_committee.html or throughhttp://www.ga.gov.au/products-services/data-applications/reference-databases/stratigraphic-units.html12 | TAG December 2011
<strong>Society</strong>UpdateHeritage MattersWhile tourism, <strong>in</strong>spired by <strong>the</strong> landscape, has beenactive around <strong>the</strong> world for decades, Geotourism is anew wave of tourist experience that is designed toenhance <strong>the</strong> visitor experience by <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> scientific andcultural elements of our geological heritage.Geotourism has opened up a whole new field of travelexperience, with a plethora of new terms, and partial tounregulated access to areas previously not visited on a ‘touristscale’. Concurrently , geological organizations, communitygroups, conservationists, NGOs and <strong>in</strong>dividuals are seek<strong>in</strong>g ameans to protect sites of geoheritage significance, and managegeotourism dest<strong>in</strong>ations. To this end <strong>the</strong> <strong>Geological</strong> <strong>Society</strong> ofAustralia has agreed to establish a Heritage Subcommittee forGeotourism.The new Geotourism Subcommittee draft charter issummarised as follows -Recognis<strong>in</strong>g that geotourism, <strong>in</strong> addition to its primary role <strong>in</strong>promot<strong>in</strong>g tourism to geosites, raises public awareness andappreciation of geodiversity, <strong>the</strong> Geotourism Subcommitteeshall provide advice to <strong>the</strong> Stand<strong>in</strong>g Committee about exist<strong>in</strong>gand proposed geotourism activities to ensure that suchactivities foster geoheritage conservation through appropriatesusta<strong>in</strong>ability measures, and advances sound geologicalunderstand<strong>in</strong>g through <strong>in</strong>terpretation.The Subcommittee will provide advice to <strong>the</strong> Stand<strong>in</strong>gCommittee about how best geotourism can be nurtured with<strong>in</strong>declared National Landscape areas as well as with<strong>in</strong> NationalParks and reserves, and with<strong>in</strong> any future areas consideredsuitable for designation as Geoparks. In undertak<strong>in</strong>g its brief,<strong>the</strong> Subcommittee plans to review and recommend strategiesthat encourage active participation of GSA members <strong>in</strong>geotourism and related <strong>in</strong>terpretation activities.Based on <strong>the</strong> draft charter, <strong>the</strong> Geotourism Subcommittee iswork<strong>in</strong>g on formulat<strong>in</strong>g a succ<strong>in</strong>ct mission with key objectives.At <strong>the</strong> 34th IGC Conference <strong>in</strong> Brisbane next year , <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>Symposium on Geoheritage, Geoparks and Geotourism, BernieJoyce will lead a discussion about proposed topics andsuggestions.The Geotourism Subcommittee will also:● review <strong>the</strong> range of def<strong>in</strong>itions relat<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> term'geotourism';● <strong>in</strong>vestigate <strong>the</strong> opportunities for l<strong>in</strong>kages with o<strong>the</strong>r learnedsocieties and/or scholarly <strong>in</strong>stitutions with an <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong>geotourism and related issues e.g. <strong>the</strong> L<strong>in</strong>nean <strong>Society</strong> ofNSW, Royal Societies, AusIMM, AIG, etc;● review <strong>the</strong> present status of Geopark development <strong>in</strong>Australia and opportunities for advanc<strong>in</strong>g future Geoparks;● review <strong>the</strong> present status of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Australian</strong> NationalLandscape Programs and opportunities for geotourismdevelopment and geoscientist engagement.The GSA approved Geotourism Subcommittee consists of <strong>the</strong>follow<strong>in</strong>g members:■ Chair: Angus Rob<strong>in</strong>son, Manag<strong>in</strong>g Partner,Leisure Solutions, Sydney.■ Jane Ambrose, Director, Natural Heritage North,Heritage & Wildlife Division, Department of Susta<strong>in</strong>ability,Environment, Water, Population & Communities, Canberra.■ Bob Brown, Geologist, NSW <strong>Geological</strong> Survey,Department of Trade and Investment, Armidale.■ Michael Comfort, Section Leader, Geodiversity Conservationand Management Section, Tasmanian Department ofPrimary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Hobart.■ Bob Conroy, Executive Director Park Management,Park and Wildlife Group, Office of Environment and Heritage,Department of Premier & Cab<strong>in</strong>et, Sydney.■ Bruce Goleby, Chief Geophysicist and Group LeaderInnovation and Specialist Services Group, GeoscienceAustralia, Canberra.■ Bernie Joyce, Earth Sciences School, The Universityof Melbourne, Melbourne.■ Suzanne Miller, Director, South <strong>Australian</strong> Museum,Adelaide.■ Rick Murray, Manag<strong>in</strong>g Director, Middle Star Pty Ltd, Darw<strong>in</strong>.■ David Tucker, Pr<strong>in</strong>cipal, Responsible Resources Pty Ltd, Perth.■ Susan Turner, Hon. Research Fellow, Queensland Museum,and <strong>Geological</strong> Consultant, Brisbane.All States are represented <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Subcommittee, and Icongratulate Angus Rob<strong>in</strong>son for this timely <strong>in</strong>itiative.MARGARET BROCXgeoheritage@i<strong>in</strong>et.net.auCongratulationsCl<strong>in</strong>ton!Dr Cl<strong>in</strong>ton Foster, Geoscience Australia and long-termGSA member has been appo<strong>in</strong>ted Chief Scientist.TAG December 2011|13
Newsfrom <strong>the</strong> DivisionsAndreiHunter ValleyThe Hunter Earth Sciences Discussion Group(HEDG) met on 11 October for <strong>the</strong> EarthScience Week presentation. HEDG issponsored by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Geological</strong> Survey of NewSouth Wales and GSA (Hunter Valley Branch).Over 60 people attended <strong>the</strong> presentation bySilvia Frisia from <strong>the</strong> University of Newcastle.Her talk was titled ‘ From icehouse to greenhouseto icehouse: what is “normal” <strong>in</strong> Earth’sclimate?’, and fitted perfectly with <strong>the</strong> 2011Earth Science Week <strong>the</strong>me ‘Our everchang<strong>in</strong>gEarth’. The presentation looked at<strong>the</strong> dramatic changes <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Earth’s climatefrom predom<strong>in</strong>antly cold (icehouse) topredom<strong>in</strong>antly warm (greenhouse) climatesover time, and <strong>the</strong> factors that may havebeen responsible for <strong>the</strong>se changes. They<strong>in</strong>clude first-order controls such as<strong>in</strong>solation, and second-order controls such asMilankovitch variations and tectonics. Thetalk focussed on <strong>the</strong> ‘snowball’ Earth climate<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Neoproterozoic (and <strong>the</strong> sudden onsetand f<strong>in</strong>ish of severe glaciation), <strong>the</strong> warmCretaceous climate and its relationship toeruptions of large igneous prov<strong>in</strong>ces, andEocene greenhouse conditions. Silvia Frisiadiscussed limitations <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> available dataand geological record, and how speleo<strong>the</strong>mgrowth can be used to determ<strong>in</strong>e dry andwet periods.In addition, Earth Science Week wascelebrated <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> region by a fossil displaydur<strong>in</strong>g October at <strong>the</strong> East Maitland library,show-cas<strong>in</strong>g Permian molluscs, brachiopods,gastropods and plants from various sitesaround <strong>the</strong> Hunter Valley, as well asgeoscience career <strong>in</strong>formation.The last HEDG presentation for 2011 will beon 29 November at Customs House,Newcastle. Phil Seccombe (University ofNewcastle) will be speak<strong>in</strong>g about hisexploration work <strong>in</strong> British Columbia and<strong>the</strong> Yukon over <strong>the</strong> last few years. The talkcovered <strong>the</strong> regional and local geology, <strong>the</strong>challenges of explor<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> bear country, <strong>the</strong>mounta<strong>in</strong>s and, no doubt, <strong>the</strong> ski<strong>in</strong>g.PHIL GILMOREHunter Valley BranchWebb and Howch<strong>in</strong>Medals, 2011The SA Division held its annual d<strong>in</strong>ner atThe Historian on 18 August dur<strong>in</strong>g which<strong>the</strong> Bruce Webb Medal was awarded to VicGost<strong>in</strong> and <strong>the</strong> Walter Howch<strong>in</strong> Medal wasawarded to Simon Holford. The d<strong>in</strong>ner wasvery ably organised by Haggis Shackleton.The Bruce Webb Medal is awarded for leadershipthat has advanced <strong>the</strong> Earth Sciencesand/or for contributions to <strong>the</strong> advance ofknowledge ei<strong>the</strong>r with<strong>in</strong> South Australia, orfrom a South <strong>Australian</strong> base. The 2011w<strong>in</strong>ner, Vic Gost<strong>in</strong>, is an Honorary ResearchFellow at Adelaide University hav<strong>in</strong>g been afull-time academic for over thirty 30 years.Much of Vic’s earlier research contributed toa broader understand<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> Spencer andSt V<strong>in</strong>cent gulfs and adjacent areas of <strong>the</strong>cont<strong>in</strong>ental shelf. However, he is best knownfor his association with <strong>the</strong> discovery of <strong>the</strong>meteorite impact ejecta horizon <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>Ediacaran Bunyeroo Formation. His ability tocommunicate <strong>the</strong> drama of this event hasfew parallels <strong>in</strong> <strong>Australian</strong> science. Vic is anexcellent scientific communicator and forseveral years has had a regular slot on ABCtalk-back radio <strong>in</strong> Adelaide, where hedemonstrates a superb general knowledge ofEarth and Planetary sciences.The Walter Howch<strong>in</strong> Medal is awarded to aresearcher (35 years and younger) <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><strong>early</strong> stage of <strong>the</strong>ir career and dist<strong>in</strong>guishedby <strong>the</strong>ir significant published work <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>Earth Sciences with<strong>in</strong> South Australia, orfrom a South <strong>Australian</strong> base. The 2011w<strong>in</strong>ner of <strong>the</strong> Howch<strong>in</strong> Medal is SimonHolford (<strong>Australian</strong> School of Petroleum) forhis research <strong>in</strong>to passive cont<strong>in</strong>ental marg<strong>in</strong>sand sedimentary bas<strong>in</strong>s with particularreference to <strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rn <strong>Australian</strong> cont<strong>in</strong>entalmarg<strong>in</strong>.Trevor Ireland gave <strong>the</strong> after-d<strong>in</strong>ner speechentitled ‘What do Exploration Geologistsactually do?’. This excellent talk <strong>in</strong>cludeda summary of Trevor’s <strong>early</strong> years as anexploration geologist as well as his latercareer which has taken him all over <strong>the</strong>world <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g such hardship post<strong>in</strong>gs asParis. Kev<strong>in</strong> Wills gave an excellent vote ofthanks.Gost<strong>in</strong> stand<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> for Vic Gost<strong>in</strong>, speak<strong>in</strong>gafter be<strong>in</strong>g presented with <strong>the</strong> Webb Medal by<strong>the</strong> Chair of <strong>the</strong> GSA South <strong>Australian</strong> Division,Len Altman. All images courtesy South AustraliaDivision.Simon Holford (right), w<strong>in</strong>ner of <strong>the</strong>Howch<strong>in</strong> Medal, with Jim Jago.Trevor Ireland giv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> after d<strong>in</strong>ner speech.14 | TAG December 2011
South <strong>Australian</strong>The SA Division, via its Field GuideSubcommittee, has started to provide easyto-understandfield <strong>in</strong>formation on South<strong>Australian</strong> geology <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> form of brochuresthat are available on <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternet to anyone<strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> geology.This public <strong>in</strong>formation is offered <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> formof guides to specific localities or regions <strong>in</strong>South Australia that are of special <strong>in</strong>terestfor educational purposes, and each brochurefocuses on a specific region and geological<strong>the</strong>me.The first three brochures have been preparedand are readily accessible on <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternet atwww.sa.gsa.org.au/Field_Guides.htmlThese, with pr<strong>in</strong>cipal authors <strong>in</strong> brackets,are as follows:Hallett Cove (RB Major)Masl<strong>in</strong> Bay and Port Willunga (B McGowran)Coorong (JH Cann)All brochures are designed <strong>in</strong> simple A4sheets that may be conveniently reproducedand readily utilised dur<strong>in</strong>g field <strong>in</strong>spections.These sheets are also freely available to anyonewith access to <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternet for pr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>gand fold<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to three for placement <strong>in</strong> abrochure stand.Currently additional brochures are be<strong>in</strong>gplanned for:Victor Harbor (MN Hiern)Brach<strong>in</strong>a Gorge, Fl<strong>in</strong>ders Ranges (GW Krieg)Heysen Walk<strong>in</strong>g Trail — Dutchmans Sternsection, Fl<strong>in</strong>ders Ranges (N Langsford)The <strong>Geological</strong> <strong>Society</strong> of Australia(SA Division) acknowledges <strong>the</strong> assistance of<strong>the</strong> M<strong>in</strong>erals Division of Department ofManufactur<strong>in</strong>g, Innovation, Trade andResources, South Australia (formerly PIRSA)<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> production of <strong>the</strong>se brochures.Enquiries regard<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> field brochures maybe directed to:Chair, Field Guide Subcommittee <strong>Geological</strong><strong>Society</strong> of Australia SA (SA Division)Barry CooperSchool of Natural and Built Environments,University of South Australia,GPO Box 2471Adelaide 5001Email: barry.cooper@unisa.edu.auPhone: (08) 8302 5769QueenslandEKKA 2011Once aga<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Queensland Division of <strong>the</strong>GSA and AIG comb<strong>in</strong>ed forces to host abooth at <strong>the</strong> Brisbane Exhibition <strong>in</strong> acont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g effort to <strong>in</strong>crease public knowledgeabout geology and m<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g. Supportfrom <strong>the</strong> members of our two organisationsand students from <strong>the</strong> universities was veryhigh with over 30 people volunteer<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>irtime to supervise <strong>the</strong> booth and answerquestions from <strong>the</strong> public. On behalf of <strong>the</strong>AIG and GSA-Qld I would like to thank all<strong>the</strong> volunteers.The uncerta<strong>in</strong>ties caused by <strong>the</strong> changesmade to <strong>the</strong> EKKA ground seems to havedeterred many of <strong>the</strong> groups that used torent booths around us, result<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a muchbigger booth than usual for <strong>the</strong> same priceand allow<strong>in</strong>g us to spread out more andmake it even easier for people to movethrough our booth and exam<strong>in</strong>e our displays.Mark Thornton prepar<strong>in</strong>g for <strong>the</strong> rush on <strong>the</strong>Saturday. All images courtesy QueenslandDivision.The changes did not dim<strong>in</strong>ish <strong>the</strong> public’ s<strong>in</strong>terest though with huge numbers of peopleattend<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>the</strong> weekend and <strong>the</strong> publicholiday. The o<strong>the</strong>r days were a bit slower, but<strong>the</strong> volunteers usually reported a consistentflow of people from about mid-morn<strong>in</strong>gonwards.With <strong>the</strong> focus of our display be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> largerock samples that could be handled, ourbooth attracted much <strong>in</strong>terest from <strong>the</strong>people pass<strong>in</strong>g through our build<strong>in</strong>g. Therewas also <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> high-qualitym<strong>in</strong>erals, fossils and gems locked <strong>in</strong> a glasscab<strong>in</strong>et, posters on <strong>the</strong> evolution of <strong>the</strong>landscape of south-east Queensland, and adarkened cab<strong>in</strong>et we had to demonstratehow some m<strong>in</strong>erals fluoresce under ultravioletlight. For <strong>the</strong> kids that showed agenu<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> rocks and fossils we hadsome agates from Agate Creek to give away,to <strong>the</strong> delight of <strong>the</strong> recipients. Thanks toPrue Kobiolke and Cath Ranford of RenisonConsolidated M<strong>in</strong>es for collect<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> agatesand deliver<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m to Brisbane.The Rocks and Landscapes books sold welland now <strong>the</strong> Brisbane and Ipswich book issold out (new edition com<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> nearfuture). Official statistics show that just over81 500 people attended <strong>the</strong> EKKA over10 days, so this was an excellent opportunityto <strong>in</strong>teract with <strong>the</strong> public and <strong>in</strong>creasepeoples’ knowledge of geology, <strong>the</strong> workgeologists perform, and m<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g.PAUL BLAKEVeronique Rose expla<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g different m<strong>in</strong>eralproperties to students.Some <strong>in</strong>terested members of <strong>the</strong> public.TAG December 2011|15
Newsfrom <strong>the</strong> Specialist GroupsEarth SciencesHistory GroupInaugural Tom VallanceMedal AwardTom Valance medal.unexpected light on scientific activity <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>young colony and ignited his <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>history of geology and <strong>early</strong> workers <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>Earth Sciences. He researched and publishedmany articles and papers on famous,<strong>in</strong>famous and little-known <strong>early</strong> pioneers <strong>in</strong>this field. He compiled <strong>in</strong>formation,memorabilia and jott<strong>in</strong>gs on m<strong>in</strong>ers,geologists, surveyors, prospectors andm<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g eng<strong>in</strong>eers over a number ofyears from a wide variety of sources —especially from 19th-century m<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>gjournals. After his death this richresource was compiled <strong>in</strong>to a database,which should prove <strong>in</strong>valuable forresearchers. The 1994 meet<strong>in</strong>g of TheInternational Commission on <strong>the</strong>History of <strong>Geological</strong> Sciences(INHIGEO) was dedicated to <strong>the</strong>memory of Tom Vallance, a foundationmember and for some years one of itsVice-Presidents.Nom<strong>in</strong>ations for recipients of this<strong>in</strong>augural award should be forwardedto <strong>the</strong> group's secretary, John Blockley,at 76 Beach Street, Bicton WA 6157,or tiger-eye@i<strong>in</strong>et.net.au before <strong>the</strong>end of January, 2012.Biographies – conta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g images and <strong>in</strong>formationabout prom<strong>in</strong>ent geo<strong>scientists</strong> of <strong>the</strong>past;Recognition – with <strong>in</strong>formation about <strong>the</strong>Tom Vallance Medal; and f<strong>in</strong>allyL<strong>in</strong>ks – guid<strong>in</strong>g members to o<strong>the</strong>r sites of<strong>in</strong>terest.Each of <strong>the</strong>se pages has a banner featur<strong>in</strong>gimages of dist<strong>in</strong>guished geo<strong>scientists</strong> of <strong>the</strong>past selected from <strong>the</strong> collection of photographsand portraits provided by <strong>in</strong>dividualmembers or obta<strong>in</strong>ed from various libraries,geological surveys and universities. Creditsfor <strong>the</strong>se images are given on <strong>the</strong>Biographies page.The Committee thanks Sue Fletcher andS<strong>in</strong>ead Moran at Head Office for <strong>the</strong>irconsiderable patience and assistance <strong>in</strong>sett<strong>in</strong>g up this site, and <strong>the</strong> unknown boff<strong>in</strong>amongst <strong>the</strong> GSA's consultants whose artisticflair turned <strong>the</strong> page banners from potential‘rogues' galleries” <strong>in</strong>to th<strong>in</strong>gs of beauty.JOHN BLOCKLEY,Secretary ESHGThe Committee of <strong>the</strong> ESHG is now call<strong>in</strong>gfor nom<strong>in</strong>ations for <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>augural awardof <strong>the</strong> Tom Vallance Medal, which was<strong>in</strong>troduced, at <strong>the</strong> suggestion of pastChairman Bernie Joyce, to recognise peoplewho have made significant contributions to<strong>the</strong> history of <strong>the</strong> geological sciences <strong>in</strong>Australasia. It is <strong>in</strong>tended that <strong>the</strong> firstaward will be made dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> 34thInternational <strong>Geological</strong> Congress <strong>in</strong> Brisbanenext year. The presentation is to be made byTom Vallance's widow, Hillary Vallance.Thomas George Vallance (1928–1993),geologist and historian of science, wasformerly Associate Professor at <strong>the</strong> Universityof Sydney.Orig<strong>in</strong>ally a petrologist, his work trac<strong>in</strong>ggeological expertise <strong>in</strong> Sydney dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> late18th and <strong>early</strong> 19th centuries shedNew websiteBy <strong>the</strong> time that this issue of TAG comes off<strong>the</strong> press, <strong>the</strong> group's new website should beup and runn<strong>in</strong>g. It is <strong>in</strong>corporated with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>GSA's ma<strong>in</strong> website and replaces <strong>the</strong> old one,which was set up by <strong>the</strong> previousMelbourne-based committee and hosted by<strong>the</strong> Melbourne University server. It can beaccessed by follow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> l<strong>in</strong>ks from <strong>the</strong> GSAsite at www.gsa.org.au or directly atwww.gsa.org.au/specialgroups/eshgThe site has six pages titled:About Us – a general <strong>in</strong>troduction to <strong>the</strong>group with details of contacts;News – with l<strong>in</strong>ks to copies of recent emailbullet<strong>in</strong>s and o<strong>the</strong>r announcements;Publications – giv<strong>in</strong>g access to copies of pastnewsletters;GSA andfacebookFor national news and eventsfollow <strong>the</strong> GSA on facebook:<strong>Geological</strong> <strong>Society</strong> of Australia16 |TAG December 2011
The slides will be scanned, with appropriatephoto-edit<strong>in</strong>g (cropp<strong>in</strong>g, colour correction,contrast, etc) us<strong>in</strong>g computer tools, andsorted <strong>in</strong>to categories such as topic(eg, structures <strong>in</strong> clastic sediments) andlocation (eg Hallett Cove Conservation Park).Thus it will be possible to compile sets ofimages that will have a desired educationalfocus. When <strong>the</strong> images are filed, withappropriate backup, <strong>the</strong> orig<strong>in</strong>al slides can bereturned as required. The next step will beto produce sets of digital images with briefcaptions that will be available on both GSAand UniSA web sites, FREE OF COPYRIGHT forall who wish to use <strong>the</strong>m for educationalpurposes.While my first priority will be to salvage35-mm slides that might o<strong>the</strong>rwise beconsigned to <strong>the</strong> trash can, <strong>the</strong>re areundoubtedly many digital images that couldbe added subsequently to <strong>the</strong> collection.There is also <strong>the</strong> likelihood that <strong>the</strong> projectwill expand to encompass <strong>in</strong>ternationalcontributions and l<strong>in</strong>ks. I see this project aspotentially ongo<strong>in</strong>g; after my contribution,for which I have nom<strong>in</strong>ally allocated threeyears (2012–2014), <strong>the</strong>re will be acont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g need for a member of GSA totake responsibility for <strong>the</strong> ma<strong>in</strong>tenance andcont<strong>in</strong>uity of <strong>the</strong> library of digital images.So, what am I request<strong>in</strong>g at this time? As<strong>in</strong>dicated <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> headl<strong>in</strong>e, please don’t throwyour 35-mm slides away. If you would like tocontribute to this project, please advise meby email of <strong>the</strong> k<strong>in</strong>ds of content covered byyour slides, and <strong>the</strong> number of items thatmight be useful. The photographs must beorig<strong>in</strong>al (ie not purchased and not derivedfrom o<strong>the</strong>r illustrations) and for each photoyou should be able to provide a brief caption,a name for photo credit and if desired,affiliation (eg, academic <strong>in</strong>stitution). As<strong>in</strong>dicated above, all images will eventually beavailable for legitimate educational purposesfree of copyright. When I have some idea of<strong>the</strong> amount of material available for <strong>the</strong>project I can proceed to more detailedplann<strong>in</strong>g.PLEASE DO NOT SENDPACKAGES OF SLIDES YET.I hope many GSA members will agree thatthis is a worthwhile project and I lookforward to receiv<strong>in</strong>g many contributions.JOHN CANNjohn.cann@unisa.edu.auPage 17 shows typical images for <strong>the</strong>collection.18 | TAG December 2011Allandale Permianfossil site revisitedThe heritage-listed fossil site <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> railwaycutt<strong>in</strong>g at Allandale (Runnegar 1979, Percival1985) was excavated <strong>in</strong> September 2011 aspart of extensions to <strong>the</strong> Great Nor<strong>the</strong>rnRailway. A fully laden coal tra<strong>in</strong> passes thissite about every 15 m<strong>in</strong>utes on <strong>the</strong> way toNewcastle Harbour. An additional railwaytrack is <strong>in</strong>tended to double this traffic and isbe<strong>in</strong>g built to specifications that will alsoallow faster transport. After review<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>Development Application by Hunter 8Alliance (<strong>the</strong> construction authority), <strong>the</strong>Department of Plann<strong>in</strong>g required that<strong>the</strong> excavation be supervised by apalaeontologist who would ‘…record, retrieveand catalogue fossils…by means of ripp<strong>in</strong>gwith an excavator’. The method of extractionwas ra<strong>the</strong>r more rugged than collect<strong>in</strong>g witha geology hammer but given <strong>the</strong> timeconstra<strong>in</strong>ts on construction it was gratify<strong>in</strong>gto see fossils given any recognition at all. Itis unlikely that <strong>the</strong> coal export trade <strong>in</strong> NSWwould be permitted to languish because of<strong>in</strong>conveniently located 295-million-year-oldfossils.The Allandale cutt<strong>in</strong>g has been a significantfossil site s<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong> orig<strong>in</strong>al railway l<strong>in</strong>e wasbuilt <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> late n<strong>in</strong>eteenth century, althoughfossils at nearby Harpers Hill were recordedby Mitchell <strong>in</strong> his 1831 expedition anddescribed by JD Sowerby <strong>in</strong> 1838. Themolluscan and brachiopod faunas from thisarea are particularly significant as be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>oldest Permian macrofossil assemblage <strong>in</strong>eastern Australia (Runnegar 1969). Theheritage value of both Harpers Hill and <strong>the</strong>Allandale railway cutt<strong>in</strong>g was noted byPercival (1985) <strong>in</strong> his compilation ofgeological heritage sites <strong>in</strong> NSW. Runnegar(1979) made a detailed description of <strong>the</strong>railway cutt<strong>in</strong>g, with emphasis on <strong>the</strong>molluscan part of <strong>the</strong> fauna, particularly <strong>the</strong>large bivalve Eurydesma cordatum.The fossils were concentrated <strong>in</strong> a small areaimmediately east of <strong>the</strong> now-demolishedroad bridge over <strong>the</strong> railway. Indications arethat <strong>the</strong> fossiliferous bed extends north andsouth of <strong>the</strong> expanded railway cutt<strong>in</strong>g,follow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> trend of <strong>the</strong> enclos<strong>in</strong>gAllandale Formation. The fauna is dom<strong>in</strong>atedby Eurydesma cordatum, many specimenspreserved articulated <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> ‘beaks down’liv<strong>in</strong>g position, but also <strong>in</strong>cludes abundantexamples of <strong>the</strong> gastropod Keeneia ocula.Brachiopods form a m<strong>in</strong>or part of <strong>the</strong> fauna.Some fossils are quite large, reflect<strong>in</strong>gcold-water conditions at <strong>the</strong> time.Many specimens from <strong>the</strong> site will be addedto <strong>the</strong> GSNSW fossil collection at <strong>the</strong>WB Clarke Geoscience Centre at Londonderry.Some of <strong>the</strong> site was excavated and movedto a ‘safe’ area away from busy railway l<strong>in</strong>eswhere <strong>the</strong>re will be a cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g search forfossils as <strong>the</strong> material is periodically turnedover. The fossils and <strong>the</strong>ir environment willbe <strong>the</strong> subject of a paper by <strong>the</strong> GSNSW ,with hopefully a contribution on <strong>the</strong>Eurydesma population by Bruce Runnegar,follow<strong>in</strong>g his visit to <strong>the</strong> area.The GSNSW organised a ‘fossil-wash<strong>in</strong>g BBQlunch’ to clean and sort <strong>the</strong> vast number ofspecimens collected. About 15 staff attendedand even <strong>the</strong> non-geologists enjoyedcaress<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> impressive ancient beasts.Some specimens went on display as part of aHunter Valley fossil collection at <strong>the</strong> EastMaitland library for Earth Science Week.[Published with <strong>the</strong> permission of <strong>the</strong>Executive Director (M<strong>in</strong>eral Resources),Division of Resources and Energy, Departmentof Trade and Investment, RegionalInfrastructure and Services.]LAWRENCE SHERWINAND N SIMONE MEAKIN<strong>Geological</strong> Survey of New South Wales(GSNSW)REFERENCESPercival, IG 1985. The <strong>Geological</strong> Heritage of NewSouth Wales. Volume 1. National Parks and WildlifeService NSW, for <strong>Geological</strong> <strong>Society</strong> of Australia Sitesand Monuments Sub-Committee, NSW Division.Runnegar, B 1969. The Permian faunal succession <strong>in</strong>eastern Australia. <strong>Geological</strong> <strong>Society</strong> of AustraliaSpecial Publication, Vol 2, p 73–98.Runnegar, B 1979. Ecology of Eurydesma and <strong>the</strong>Eurydesma fauna, Permian of eastern Australia.Alcher<strong>in</strong>ga, Vol 3, p 261–285.Sowerby JD 1838 <strong>in</strong> Mitchell TL. Three expeditions <strong>in</strong>to<strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>terior of Eastern Australia etc. T & W Boone,London, Vol 1, footnote p 5.Report on AGCPresident’s Travel InSouth AmericaThe EXPOSIBRAM Exposition and Conference<strong>in</strong> Belo Horizonte proved to be an excellentopportunity to promote <strong>the</strong> 34thInternational <strong>Geological</strong> Congress. Brazil isa real global powerhouse of m<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g andEXPOSIBRAM attracted exhibitors anddelegates from all around <strong>the</strong> world and, <strong>in</strong>
Fossil-clean<strong>in</strong>g volunteers at <strong>the</strong> GSNSW office <strong>in</strong>Maitland. Image courtesy S Meak<strong>in</strong>.Large Early Permian bivalves (Eurydesma cordatum) and gastropods (Keeneia ocula) from Allandale.Image courtesy G Flem<strong>in</strong>g.Part of <strong>the</strong> Allandale fossil collection. Imagecourtesy G Flem<strong>in</strong>g.Simone Meak<strong>in</strong>, Lawrence Sherw<strong>in</strong> and Katie Field <strong>in</strong>vestigate <strong>the</strong> newly excavated Allandale fossil site.Image courtesy T Moriarty.International <strong>Geological</strong> Congress exhibit at <strong>the</strong>EXPOSIBRAM Exposition and Conference <strong>in</strong> BeloHorizonte. Image courtesy Neil Williams.particular, from South and North Americaregions we hope will be well represented at<strong>the</strong> 34th IGC.Belo Horizonte is <strong>the</strong> capital of <strong>the</strong> BrazilianProv<strong>in</strong>ce of M<strong>in</strong>as Gerais — <strong>the</strong> historicm<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g centre of Brazil and <strong>the</strong> heartland of<strong>the</strong> IGC’s major sponsor Vale. EXPOSIBRAMwas a huge affair <strong>in</strong> a vast exhibition areanext to <strong>the</strong> local showgrounds. In front of<strong>the</strong> ma<strong>in</strong> exhibition hall <strong>the</strong>re was a largeopen-air display area, full of heavy m<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>gmach<strong>in</strong>ery, massive trucks and similarequipment. Inside <strong>the</strong> exhibition hall <strong>the</strong>rewere hundreds of booths promot<strong>in</strong>g everyth<strong>in</strong>gfrom smaller trucks and excavatorsthrough to a wide range of m<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g andmetallurgical products and services andvarious geoscientific goods and services.Visitor numbers were large and on <strong>the</strong>busiest day more than 30 000 visits passedthrough <strong>the</strong> entrance doors.The IGC was promoted by myself and AshleyGordon, <strong>the</strong> head of Carillon, IGC’s Brisbanebasedprofessional conference organiser (PCO).Our booth was located <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Australian</strong> sectionof <strong>the</strong> exhibition which was organised byAustrade through <strong>the</strong>ir office <strong>in</strong> Sao Paulo.Austrade also contracted a number of localUniversity students specialis<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Englishstudies to act as translators and this servicewas a terrific benefit to all <strong>Australian</strong>participants (see accompany<strong>in</strong>g photograph).The IGC booth was well marked with <strong>the</strong> IGClogo and IGC banners show<strong>in</strong>g a geologistwork<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> outback — an image thatproved to be a big draw card to our booth,along with Austrade’s clip-on koala bears.TAG December 2011|19
Many geo<strong>scientists</strong> (<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a number of<strong>Australian</strong>s work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Americas) soughtus out and expressed enthusiasm for <strong>the</strong> IGC,and to all geo<strong>scientists</strong> who showed serious<strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> com<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> IGC <strong>in</strong> Brisbanewe handed out n<strong>early</strong> 1000 postcards(<strong>in</strong> Portugese) giv<strong>in</strong>g important <strong>in</strong>formationabout <strong>the</strong> Congress. We also fielded manyquestions about <strong>the</strong> Third Circular and <strong>the</strong>scientific program, as well as <strong>the</strong> proposedfield trips to <strong>Australian</strong> m<strong>in</strong>es. In addition,Ashley Gordon visited all <strong>the</strong> geoscientificand related exhibitors at EXPOSIBRAM andpromoted <strong>the</strong> opportunities of exhibit<strong>in</strong>g at<strong>the</strong> 34th IGC and aga<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>re were some veryenthusiastic responses. As a result of all this<strong>in</strong>terest, I am optimistic we will see a strongSouth American cont<strong>in</strong>gent <strong>in</strong> Brisbane <strong>in</strong>2012 both as delegates and exhibitors.AwardsRon Vernon electedas GSA FellowIn addition to <strong>the</strong> Exposibram conference, <strong>the</strong>IGC team visited <strong>the</strong> company officesof both Vale and Petrobras, where <strong>the</strong> IGCscientific programme generated considerable<strong>in</strong>terest and attention.En route home via Buenos Aires, I took <strong>the</strong>opportunity to visit <strong>the</strong> Argent<strong>in</strong>ean<strong>Geological</strong> Survey which has its headquarters<strong>in</strong> Buenos Aires. The staff were all well<strong>in</strong>formed about <strong>the</strong> IGC, as <strong>the</strong> currentPresident of <strong>the</strong> International Union of <strong>the</strong><strong>Geological</strong> Sciences is <strong>the</strong> Argent<strong>in</strong>eanProfessor, Alberto Riccardi, from <strong>the</strong>Universidad Nacional de La Plata, who hadalready done a good job promot<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> IGC <strong>in</strong>Argent<strong>in</strong>a, so hopefully we will also see agood attendance from <strong>the</strong>ir geoscience<strong>in</strong>stitutes, as well as from resource companieswork<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Argent<strong>in</strong>a. .NEIL WILLIAMSPresident, <strong>Australian</strong> Geoscience Council20 | TAG December 2011Ronald Holden Vernon has been elected as aFellow of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Geological</strong> <strong>Society</strong> of Australia.This award is a fitt<strong>in</strong>g and much deservedrecognition of Ron’s outstand<strong>in</strong>gcontributions to geology and <strong>the</strong> GSA. T racyRushmer and Geoffrey Clark prepared <strong>the</strong>nom<strong>in</strong>ation.Ron received his PhD from <strong>the</strong> University ofNew England <strong>in</strong> 1957. He was a Lecturer at<strong>the</strong> University of Sydney <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1960s andwas on <strong>the</strong> Geology staff of MacquarieUniversity from 1969 until his retirement <strong>in</strong>1996. In <strong>the</strong> 1980s, Ron was <strong>the</strong> CaswellSilver Dist<strong>in</strong>guished Professor of Geology at<strong>the</strong> University of New Mexico and held aResearch Fellowship <strong>in</strong> Earth Sciences at <strong>the</strong>University of California, Santa Cruz. From2000 to 2006 he held a Research Professorposition at <strong>the</strong> University of Sou<strong>the</strong>rnCalifornia, Los Angeles, and a prestigiousHumboldt Research Award at <strong>the</strong> Universityof Technology, Munich, Germany. He iscurrently an Emeritus Professor <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>Department of Earth and Planetary Sciencesat Macquarie University.Ron has published over 140 journal articlesand six books, and made many <strong>in</strong>vitedpresentations at short courses and workshops.Much of his <strong>early</strong> work focused onmetamorphism and structure of <strong>the</strong> BrokenHill area and processes of hydrous m<strong>in</strong>eralreactions and high-pressure deformation.His classical work on granites, regionalRon’s gift for present<strong>in</strong>g complex ideas withsimplicity and beauty. His 1976 book,Metamorphic Processes, has beenre-published <strong>in</strong> Ch<strong>in</strong>ese and Russian andrepr<strong>in</strong>ted with revision <strong>in</strong> 1985. Hisbeautifully illustrated book, Beneath our Feet– The Rocks of Planet Earth, published <strong>in</strong>2000, belongs on every geologist’s coffeetable, and his 2008 book, Pr<strong>in</strong>ciples ofMetamorphic Petrology, with Geoffrey Clark,provides a modern and comprehensive <strong>in</strong>troductionto <strong>the</strong> study of metamorphic rocks.Ron has received numerous awards, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>gFellowship of <strong>the</strong> M<strong>in</strong>eralogical <strong>Society</strong> ofAmerica, Clarke Memorial Lecturer from <strong>the</strong>Royal <strong>Society</strong> NSW, twice voted Lecturer of<strong>the</strong> Year by <strong>the</strong> Macquarie University<strong>Geological</strong> <strong>Society</strong>, <strong>the</strong> David Syme ResearchPrize from <strong>the</strong> University of Melbourne, aJoub<strong>in</strong>-James Invited Lectureship at <strong>the</strong>University of Toronto, and a Visit<strong>in</strong>gDist<strong>in</strong>guished Lectureship at The FiveColleges, Massachusetts. He has had threespecial issues (Journal of Structural Geology,<strong>the</strong> Journal of Metamorphic Geology andLithos) published <strong>in</strong> honour of his careercontributions, which were also celebrated by<strong>the</strong> Ron Vernon Symposium at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Australian</strong><strong>Geological</strong> Convention <strong>in</strong> Sydney, 2000.He has also held many appo<strong>in</strong>tments ongovernment committees and advisory boards,both <strong>in</strong> Australia and overseas. These <strong>in</strong>clude<strong>the</strong> ARC Grants Committee, which he Chaired<strong>in</strong> 1987–1988; <strong>the</strong> Advisory Council of <strong>the</strong>Bureau of M<strong>in</strong>eral Resources; and as an<strong>Australian</strong> representative and advocate with<strong>the</strong> Ocean Drill<strong>in</strong>g Program.Ron has made numerous contributions to <strong>the</strong><strong>Geological</strong> <strong>Society</strong> of Australia s<strong>in</strong>ce hejo<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>the</strong> society <strong>in</strong> 1961. He was HonoraryEditor of <strong>the</strong> Journal of <strong>the</strong> GSA as well asserv<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>the</strong> National Executive from1980–1983. He has been particularly active<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Tectonics and Structural Geologyspecialist group, serv<strong>in</strong>g two terms asChairman and one term as Vice Chairman.He was Chair of <strong>the</strong> NSW Division of <strong>the</strong>GSA from 2006–2009 and has served on <strong>the</strong>Fellowships Committee. He is an HonoraryLife Member of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>.Congratulations Ron!
100 years of <strong>Australian</strong> <strong>Antarctic</strong> ExpeditionsLay<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> foundation: Early <strong>Australian</strong> Earth Scientists <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Antarctic</strong>:Part 2 Geologists with Scott’s 1911–1912 f<strong>in</strong>al expeditionRobert Falcon Scott’ s second and fatal expedition(1911–1912) produced very significant geologicalresults, some by <strong>the</strong> South P ole party that <strong>in</strong>cluded nogeologists. These discoveries <strong>in</strong>cluded new records of coal androcks but very importantly , Glossopteris and possiblyNothofagus (Wilson’s diary refers to ‘beechlike leaves’). Whileoften seen as serendipitous records, Scott had received guidancefrom Marie Stopes, now renowned more for <strong>the</strong> sexualrevolution than for palaeobotany.This expedition <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>the</strong> geologists Raymond Priestleyon his second expedition, <strong>the</strong> Australia-born Frank Debenhamand English Thomas Griffith T aylor, both on <strong>the</strong>ir first. WhileScott concentrated on <strong>the</strong> P ole, he arranged three majorexpeditions with geology at <strong>the</strong>ir core. T wo parties went west,one <strong>early</strong> <strong>in</strong> 1911 to work south from Butter Po<strong>in</strong>t, and one over<strong>the</strong> 1911–1912 summer to <strong>the</strong> north. The third (Eastern) partybecame <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn party for two years and on return,Debenham and Priestley climbed Mt Erebus by a route slightlydifferent from that of Edgeworth David. Geophysics was notpart of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Australian</strong>s’ role but <strong>the</strong>y cooperated to assist <strong>the</strong>Canadian physicist/glaciologist Charles Wright with gravity andmagnetic observations <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> field.First Western Party—<strong>early</strong> 1911Follow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> departure of Scott on his depot-lay<strong>in</strong>g journey ,Terra Nova left Cape Evans on 27 January 19 11, deposited <strong>the</strong>six-man Western Party <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Debenham, Taylor and Wright,before return<strong>in</strong>g briefly to Cape Royds until 29 January, when itset off to <strong>the</strong> east with <strong>the</strong> Eastern (Nor<strong>the</strong>rn) P arty ofCampbell, Priestley et al. Scott’s <strong>in</strong>structions were to exam<strong>in</strong>e<strong>the</strong> geology between <strong>the</strong> Dry V alley and K oettlitz Glaciers.Eventually <strong>the</strong> party exam<strong>in</strong>ed and mapped some 130 km ofcoastl<strong>in</strong>e.By 6 March, fieldwork was complete and <strong>the</strong> party began <strong>the</strong>trek back to Hut P o<strong>in</strong>t, along <strong>the</strong> way encounter<strong>in</strong>g patcheswith a diverse <strong>in</strong>vertebrate fauna. They arrived back at Hut Po<strong>in</strong>ton 14 March and made <strong>the</strong>ir reports to Scott.Second Western Party—Granite Harbour expedition 1911–1912Griffith T aylor, Debenham, Gran and Forde set out on15 November 19 11 to conduct three months of geologicalmapp<strong>in</strong>g north of <strong>the</strong> area covered by <strong>the</strong> first W estern Party.A depot had been established two days out from Cape Evans and<strong>the</strong>y also found one of Shackleton’s caches.The track took <strong>the</strong>m via Cape Bernacchi to Cape Roberts<strong>the</strong>n west to Discovery Bluff, where <strong>the</strong>y set up an encampmentby build<strong>in</strong>g Granite House at Cape Geology , <strong>the</strong> base forfieldwork. A message was left on a pole for Terra Nova. Much of<strong>the</strong> time, <strong>the</strong> wea<strong>the</strong>r was perfect and <strong>the</strong>y even sunbaked on24 November <strong>in</strong> ‘semi-tropical warmth’ . By 8 December , <strong>the</strong>effects of <strong>the</strong> warm conditions had <strong>the</strong>m work<strong>in</strong>g throughwaist-deep snow on sea-ice. So, it was back to Cape Geology!Western Parties tracks. Image courtesy Patrick Quilty.Key to areas visited by Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Party. Image courtesyPatrick Quilty.TAG December 2011|21
On 15 December , Gran had an accurate premonition thatAmundsen had reached <strong>the</strong> South P ole. T aylor cut his handbadly. Geology was now <strong>the</strong> major activity but also records werekept on plant biology and landforms.Conditions cont<strong>in</strong>ued warm, and <strong>the</strong>y were back at CapeGeology for Christmas. Y oung fossil seashells were found on31 December and next day it was plates of Devonian placodermfish. Coal on 3 January and possible glimpses of <strong>the</strong> Dry Valleys.They moved fur<strong>the</strong>r to Cape Roberts, pressed on to ButterPo<strong>in</strong>t, and were close to Blue Glacier when Terra Nova came <strong>in</strong>tosight on 20 January but could not get <strong>in</strong> until 15 February. Theywere back at Cape Evans 1 0 days later. The group now settleddown for ano<strong>the</strong>r w<strong>in</strong>ter with major questions about <strong>the</strong>expeditions of Scott and Campbell.<strong>Geological</strong> results of <strong>the</strong>Western PartiesAlthough responsibilities were divided along <strong>the</strong> l<strong>in</strong>es <strong>in</strong>published reports, <strong>the</strong>re was considerable collaboration. Taylor’swork is primarily physiographic and he compared <strong>the</strong> generalfeatures of Australia and <strong>Antarctic</strong>a (while not accept<strong>in</strong>gWegener’s concept of cont<strong>in</strong>ental drift). He noted that<strong>Antarctic</strong>a was much warmer dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Mesozoic and even<strong>early</strong> Tertiary, commented <strong>in</strong> detail on surface features of <strong>the</strong> iceand land, discussed <strong>the</strong> evolution of <strong>the</strong> current icesheet, andspeculated on variation on precipitation with latitude. Allbeautifully illustrated!A major result was recognition that T aylor Valley also wasdry, hence Dry V alleys. A stake placed <strong>in</strong> Ferrar Glacier was remeasuredby Scott six months later to show that it had moved9 m <strong>in</strong> that time. A s<strong>in</strong>gle stake established on Mackay Glaciermoved about 1 m/day.Pann<strong>in</strong>g for gold was unsuccessful.Debenham summarised <strong>the</strong> geological history of <strong>the</strong> region <strong>in</strong>quite modern terms. He noted <strong>the</strong> Precambrian basement ofschists and gneisses that represent <strong>the</strong> remnants of sedimentsand granites, from which metamorphism had destroyed anyevidence of fossil life (‘life of <strong>the</strong> lower forms’). This basementwas compared with that of Australia and Canada. After a longperiod with no record, Cambrian limestone with corals andarchaeocyathids was laid down, <strong>the</strong> limestone also modified byfault<strong>in</strong>g and some ‘re-cementation’. This sequence was <strong>in</strong>trudedby a variety of granites. Later came <strong>the</strong> ‘Beacon Sandstone’ andDebenham speculated that it was of late Palaeozoic or Mesozoicage and described its characteristics. It was, <strong>in</strong> turn, <strong>in</strong>truded bywhat Debenham termed <strong>the</strong> McMurdo Sill, now <strong>the</strong> JurassicFerrar Dolerite. The f<strong>in</strong>al episode <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> mid-T ertiary has beenABOVE: Area mapped by Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Party at Terra Nova Bay. Image courtesyPatrick Quilty.LEFT: Details of site at Cape Adare. Image courtesy Patrick Quilty.22 | TAG December 2011
Terra Nova arrived on 3 January 19 12 and deposited <strong>the</strong>mfive days later <strong>in</strong> Terra Nova Bay with rations for <strong>the</strong> six weeksof geological mapp<strong>in</strong>g. The ship was to return hav<strong>in</strong>g retrieved<strong>the</strong> Second W estern Party under Debenham. So much for <strong>the</strong>plan!Priestly with Campbell headed up <strong>the</strong> (now) Priestley Glacierand discovered large pieces of T riassic fossil wood related toAraucaria. This was <strong>the</strong> first discovery of fossil wood <strong>in</strong> this partof <strong>Antarctic</strong>a and told of times when <strong>Antarctic</strong>a was not so icecovered— and <strong>the</strong>y knew it. They returned to <strong>the</strong> land<strong>in</strong>g siteon 6 February and explored while wait<strong>in</strong>g for Terra Nova. Herewere abundant young mar<strong>in</strong>e fossils that Priestley recognised asevidence of land ris<strong>in</strong>g.The ship did not arrive! By mid-March, it was clear that <strong>the</strong>ywere to survive a second w<strong>in</strong>ter with only <strong>the</strong>ir field gear andone month’s rations. They had to live off <strong>the</strong> land.Ascent of Mt Erebus by Debenham and Priestley. Image courtesyPatrick Quilty.major fault<strong>in</strong>g (‘fur<strong>the</strong>r shr<strong>in</strong>kage of an even k<strong>in</strong>d’) to cause <strong>the</strong>Ross Sea region to be down-dropped and <strong>the</strong> T ransantarcticMounta<strong>in</strong>s up-lifted, and all associated with extensivevolcanism that is now <strong>in</strong> its dy<strong>in</strong>g phase.The proximity to <strong>the</strong> South Magnetic P ole meant thatcompasses were very slow and unreliable, and <strong>the</strong>y noted <strong>the</strong>earlier attempt to reach <strong>the</strong> Pole.While T aylor rejected cont<strong>in</strong>ental drift, Debenhamcommented on <strong>the</strong> value of fossils found by <strong>the</strong> South Pole Partyon ‘<strong>the</strong> nature of <strong>the</strong> former union between <strong>Antarctic</strong>a andAustralasia’.The Nor<strong>the</strong>rn (Eastern) Party—PriestleyPriestley’s story is a classic. He was a member of <strong>the</strong> EasternParty under Victor Campbell, which was to study Edward VIILand. The party departed McMurdo Sound on 29 January 19 11,but it could not reach its goal and became <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn P arty.On <strong>the</strong> way back to McMurdo Sound, it encounteredAmundsen’s party. At McMurdo Sound, a message was left forScott, <strong>the</strong>y deposited horses, and sailed north, to spend 19 11at Cape Adare where <strong>the</strong>y were to work west to Cape North(180 km). The country beat <strong>the</strong>m. Campbell established <strong>the</strong> baseadjacent to Borchgrev<strong>in</strong>k’ s (1899) site and its dilapidatedrema<strong>in</strong>s stand, <strong>in</strong> contrast to <strong>the</strong> Borchgrev<strong>in</strong>k Hut.They took as many opportunities as <strong>the</strong>y could for fieldworkand had many short excursions. Priestley was editor of avolume ( Adélie Mail or Adélie Annual) which was neverpublished.Inexpressible IslandOn 18 March <strong>the</strong>y moved <strong>in</strong>to an ice cave 2.7 x 4 x 1.6 m andlived <strong>in</strong> it for 7½ months! Space does not permit <strong>the</strong> story to betold.Campbell drew a l<strong>in</strong>e down <strong>the</strong> middle between ‘officers’and ‘men’ and conducted <strong>in</strong>spections weekly . T oilet facilitieswere primitive to say <strong>the</strong> least and <strong>the</strong> cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g scourge ofdiarrhoea and lack of bladder control are subjects of ongo<strong>in</strong>gcomment.The greatest resource was seal, which provided both meat(and once 36 fish), and blubber for many functions. Read<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><strong>the</strong> gloom was an even<strong>in</strong>g occurrence with David Copperfield<strong>the</strong> most popular, and with 64 chapters, enough for two months.Day after dreary day!In <strong>the</strong> ice cave, <strong>the</strong>y wore one set of clo<strong>the</strong>s and saved a changefor <strong>the</strong> day <strong>the</strong>y would leave, which was not until 30 September,when <strong>the</strong>y set out for <strong>the</strong> 230-mile journey ‘home’ with so manyquestions. Fitness? State of <strong>the</strong> Drygalski Ice Tongue? Will <strong>the</strong>rebe anyone at Cape Evans? Scott? What happened to <strong>the</strong> TerraNova? The party under Debenham?The Drygalski Ice T ongue proved to be only a m<strong>in</strong>or<strong>in</strong>convenience. Near <strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rn edge of <strong>the</strong> Ice T ongue, <strong>the</strong>ysaw Mt Erebus — a most hearten<strong>in</strong>g sight.On 26 October <strong>the</strong>y reached Depot Island, collected samplesleft <strong>the</strong>re by Edgeworth David <strong>in</strong> 1908–1909 and felt aconnection with o<strong>the</strong>r humans. The week 27 October –2 November was excellent under good conditions and morale.They came across a depot left by Debenham’ s P arty andluxuriated on cocoa or tea, sugar , biscuit and butter but notobacco. There was a letter from T aylor, but it was 1 0 monthsold. They missed one major depot but found ano<strong>the</strong>r at CapeBernacchi and gorged <strong>the</strong>mselves aga<strong>in</strong>. Still no tobacco!TAG December 2011|23
Frank Debenham on <strong>the</strong> left, <strong>the</strong> Norwegian Tryggve Gran <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> middle and Griffith Taylor on<strong>the</strong> right, <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir cubicle at Cape Evans.At Butter P o<strong>in</strong>t, less than 40 km from Cape Evans, <strong>the</strong>ydecided to go first to Hut Po<strong>in</strong>t and set out on 3 November, afterano<strong>the</strong>r massive feed. No one was at Hut Po<strong>in</strong>t but <strong>the</strong>re was aletter say<strong>in</strong>g that a party had left to search for <strong>the</strong> overdueSouth Pole party. Different food and tobacco!On 7 November <strong>the</strong>y made <strong>the</strong> last leg to Cape Evans to f<strong>in</strong>da fire blaz<strong>in</strong>g but no one home. Later <strong>the</strong>re was a great meal anda bath while all <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r news took time to s<strong>in</strong>k <strong>in</strong>. TheNor<strong>the</strong>rn Party had returned safely.The second ascent of ErebusMt Erebus had been climbed by Edgeworth David and o<strong>the</strong>rs <strong>in</strong>1908 but Debenham and Priestly decided to do it aga<strong>in</strong>depart<strong>in</strong>g Cape Royds on 4 December 19 12. The route was alittle different from that chosen earlier and <strong>in</strong>cluded a visit toDemetri’s P eak where <strong>the</strong>y found basalt <strong>in</strong>stead of <strong>the</strong>ubiquitous kenyte. They surveyed carefully , collected pumice,made more comments on geomorphology and history , notedPele’s Hairs and documented a brief sharp eruption and wereback at Cape Royds on 16 December.ConclusionsGeologists on Scott’s f<strong>in</strong>al expedition made major contributionsto our knowledge of <strong>the</strong> Ross Sea region and established <strong>the</strong>modern stratigraphic order . The <strong>in</strong>sights <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> evolution of<strong>the</strong> region are very modern and have been subject to <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gref<strong>in</strong>ement s<strong>in</strong>ce. Nomenclature has changed but <strong>the</strong>y laid <strong>the</strong>foundation.24 | TAG December 2011
Worth not<strong>in</strong>g.One odd feature of this triumvirate is that <strong>the</strong>y were closefriends <strong>in</strong> Brita<strong>in</strong> before go<strong>in</strong>g south, and went on to greatcareers. T aylor married Priestley’ s sister . The Canadianphysicist/glaciologist Sir Charles ‘Silas’ Wright married ano<strong>the</strong>rPriestley sister.Priestley became University of Melbourne’ s first paidvice-chancellor before mov<strong>in</strong>g as vice-chancellor to <strong>the</strong>University of Birm<strong>in</strong>gham. He had a dist<strong>in</strong>guished career <strong>in</strong>education, military and <strong>the</strong> community.[In <strong>the</strong> <strong>early</strong> 1990s, I received a call from Bob Krummel,curator <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Geology Department, University of Melbourne. Hehad discovered <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> basement, a box of photographic glassplates with what seemed <strong>Antarctic</strong> images. Whose could <strong>the</strong>ybe? I discussed <strong>the</strong>m with Dr Des Lugg at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Antarctic</strong> Divisionand we decided <strong>the</strong>y were Priestley’s. Prof. Chris Wilsonpublished a note about <strong>the</strong>m <strong>in</strong> <strong>Australian</strong> Geographic (No. 42,1996). The current (new) director of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Australian</strong> <strong>Antarctic</strong>Division, Dr Tony Flem<strong>in</strong>g, is Priestley’s grandson.]Frank Debenham had a dist<strong>in</strong>guished military career , wasfirst director of <strong>the</strong> Scott Polar Research Institute, prolific writer,editor of Bell<strong>in</strong>gshausen’ s two volume diaries and a strongsupporter of John Rymill’ s British Graham Land Expedition of1934–37.Griffith T aylor went on to an illustrious, highly prolificacademic career, ma<strong>in</strong>ly <strong>in</strong> Canada, but ‘retired’ to Australia. Hehad controversial views on race and disagreed with <strong>the</strong> conceptof cont<strong>in</strong>ental drift.PATRICK G. QUILTY AM100 years of <strong>Australian</strong> <strong>Antarctic</strong> ExpeditionsHeritage expeditions‘Mawson centennial’ expedition1–27 December 2011An <strong>Australian</strong> geographic society expedition with heritageexpeditions to Mawson’s Huts.Aurora expeditions centenary voyage2–27 December 2011Step onto <strong>the</strong> ‘Great White’ cont<strong>in</strong>ent <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> footsteps of SirDouglas Mawson, one of <strong>the</strong> greatest <strong>Antarctic</strong> explorers ofour time. Two commemorative voyages with AuroraExpeditions will retrace <strong>the</strong> steps of Mawson’ s historicAustralasian <strong>Antarctic</strong> Expedition celebrat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> centenary ofhis famous departure.F<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Antarctic</strong>a:Mapp<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Last Cont<strong>in</strong>ent3 December – 19 February 2012<strong>Antarctic</strong>a has always been <strong>the</strong> subject of much speculation,<strong>the</strong> idea of an unknown sou<strong>the</strong>rn land began with <strong>the</strong> ancientGreeks. They believed that <strong>the</strong> Earth was a sphere and that asou<strong>the</strong>rn land mass 'Antarcktikos' must exist as acounterweight to balance <strong>the</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>rn world which laybeneath <strong>the</strong> constellation 'Arktos', <strong>the</strong> Bear. In <strong>the</strong> 21stcentury, seven countries, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Australia, claim territory <strong>in</strong><strong>Antarctic</strong>a, all of <strong>the</strong>se countries have put <strong>the</strong>ir claims to oneside and cooperate with o<strong>the</strong>r countries <strong>in</strong> study<strong>in</strong>g andconserv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Antarctic</strong>a for <strong>the</strong> benefit of <strong>the</strong> world. <strong>Antarctic</strong>ais now recognised as a key <strong>in</strong>dicator <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> debate over globalwarm<strong>in</strong>g.The exhibition will showcase <strong>the</strong> magnificent collection ofrare maps and charts held by <strong>the</strong> State Library of NSW ,accompanied by rare published accounts and orig<strong>in</strong>al sketchesfrom <strong>Antarctic</strong>a exploration by Cook, D’Urville, <strong>the</strong> UnitedState Explor<strong>in</strong>g Expeditions and <strong>the</strong> Australasian <strong>Antarctic</strong>Expedition.International Polar HeritageCommittee (IPHC) meet<strong>in</strong>g and openconference9–11 March 2012Conservation Challenges, Solutions and CollaborationOpportunities <strong>in</strong> Uncontrolled EnvironmentsMore <strong>in</strong>formation on <strong>the</strong> conference, visit <strong>the</strong> website:www.polarheritage.com/<strong>in</strong>dex.cfm/Hobart2012<strong>Australian</strong> Academy of Science 2012Symposium4 May 2012In 2012 <strong>the</strong> <strong>Australian</strong> Academy of Science will commemorate<strong>the</strong> <strong>Australian</strong> <strong>Antarctic</strong> Expedition’s centenary with a ScienceSymposium highlight<strong>in</strong>g developments <strong>in</strong> modern <strong>Antarctic</strong>Science. The Symposium, <strong>Antarctic</strong> Science: from Mawson'sExpedition to Today celebrates <strong>the</strong> 100th anniversary ofMawson's expedition to <strong>Antarctic</strong>a.More <strong>in</strong>formation contact: savita.khiani@science.org.auStay <strong>in</strong> touch with all <strong>the</strong> activitiesdur<strong>in</strong>g 100 years of <strong>Australian</strong> <strong>Antarctic</strong>Expeditionswww.//centenary.antarctica.gov.au/eventsTAG December 2011|25
Young Earth Science NewsIn <strong>the</strong> news this issue:■ Top young Earth Scientists■ 5th International EarthScience Olympiad (IESO)Top young Earth ScientistsIn this issue of TAG, we profile two YoungEarth Scientists, Adrian Pittari, University ofWaikato and Erich Fitzgerald, MuseumVictoria.Adrian PittariDepartment of Earth and Ocean Sciences,University of WaikatoTAG: What sparked off your <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> EarthScience?AP: I never really grew out of a childhood<strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> fossils, planets and generalscience. I belonged to a local ‘Rockhound’club <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> mid years of secondary schooland discovered that <strong>the</strong>re was no need totravel too far to f<strong>in</strong>d amaz<strong>in</strong>g rocks andfossils. From this time I had def<strong>in</strong>ite careeraspirations to be a geologist.TAG: Who or what has <strong>in</strong>fluenced <strong>the</strong>direction of your career/research?AP: Apart from my older bro<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>re arevery few <strong>scientists</strong> <strong>in</strong> my family, althoughmy parents have always encouraged me tofollow my <strong>in</strong>terests. My undergraduate yearsand honours research at <strong>the</strong> University ofMelbourne were very memorable andmy enthusiasm for Earth Science wasma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed. However, <strong>the</strong> biggest turn<strong>in</strong>gpo<strong>in</strong>t was when I discovered volcanologyat Monash whilst attend<strong>in</strong>g a volcanic shortcoursefor students to <strong>the</strong> south coast ofNSW led by my future PhD supervisor, RayCas. Ray was a key mentor <strong>in</strong> guid<strong>in</strong>g my<strong>early</strong> research career and gett<strong>in</strong>g meestablished amongst <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternationalvolcanological community.TAG: Where was your best field trip experienceand why?AP: This was probably my first 3-month PhDfield season <strong>in</strong> Tenerife, which <strong>in</strong>cluded astopover <strong>in</strong> Italy. It was my first time overseasand was a steep learn<strong>in</strong>g curve frommany perspectives. I saw and climbed myfirst active volcano (Stromboli), visiteddeposits of <strong>the</strong> 79-AD Vesuvius eruption atHerculaneum, and <strong>the</strong>n went on to visit <strong>the</strong>diverse and spectacular volcanic features onTenerife. Wander<strong>in</strong>g around <strong>the</strong> islandmapp<strong>in</strong>g and collect<strong>in</strong>g field data from anextensive ignimbrite has burnt a last<strong>in</strong>gmemory on my m<strong>in</strong>d and formed <strong>the</strong>foundation for many of <strong>the</strong> field applicationsI use now.TAG: Where would you like to go with EarthScience <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> future?AP: I now have a permanent lectureship at<strong>the</strong> University of Waikato, New Zealand,where I am learn<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> local geology anddevelop<strong>in</strong>g postgraduate research programs.Volcanology <strong>in</strong> New Zealand has applications<strong>in</strong> geohazard research and <strong>in</strong> resources(eg geo<strong>the</strong>rmal energy) and <strong>the</strong>se will<strong>in</strong>fluence my research direction <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> future.TAG: How or why is Earth Science importantto society?AP: 1.We are now liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a time with an<strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g need to know more about ourplanet. Many of us are actively <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong>research, management and provid<strong>in</strong>g adviceon Earth’s future resources, hazards andenvironment.2. Regularly we teach and <strong>in</strong>spire youth andwider public about <strong>the</strong> dynamic processesand natural wonders of <strong>the</strong> Earth, so that<strong>the</strong>y may make <strong>in</strong>formed decisions andactions on Earth’s future resources, hazardsand environment.3. Our advice is critical to public authoritiesand <strong>the</strong> community dur<strong>in</strong>g times of naturaldisaster.TAG: Got anyth<strong>in</strong>g else to say? Here’s yourchance!AP: I am also <strong>in</strong>volved with <strong>the</strong> Geoscience<strong>Society</strong> of New Zealand and would like to seecloser ties with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Geological</strong> <strong>Society</strong> ofAustralia <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> future. Both countries havedist<strong>in</strong>ct, but complementary, geologicalsett<strong>in</strong>gs; one is young with active geologicalprocesses at <strong>the</strong> edge of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Australian</strong> Plate,<strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r is old, and conta<strong>in</strong>s much of <strong>the</strong>long history of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Australian</strong> Plate.Erich MG FitzgeraldHarold Mitchell Fellow (VertebratePalaeontology), Museum VictoriaResearch Associate, SmithsonianInstitutionTAG: What sparked off your <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong>Earth Science?EF: For as long as I can remember I havehad a passion for nature, especiallypalaeontology. As a child, palaeontologyreadily appealed to me because it comb<strong>in</strong>edmy three favorite th<strong>in</strong>gs: rocks, animals andevolution! When grow<strong>in</strong>g up I was fortunateto have an understand<strong>in</strong>g family and parentsthat fostered my <strong>in</strong>terests, never dissuad<strong>in</strong>gme from my fanatical quest to f<strong>in</strong>d outeveryth<strong>in</strong>g I could about <strong>the</strong> orig<strong>in</strong>s of life.One question has always fired my curiosityand still does today: how did <strong>the</strong> organismsand environments we see around us nowcome to be as <strong>the</strong>y are? If I were to name<strong>the</strong> one th<strong>in</strong>g that sparked my serious<strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> Earth Science it would have to bemy copy of an illustrated edition of Darw<strong>in</strong>’ sOrig<strong>in</strong> of Species that I read multiple timesbetween <strong>the</strong> ages of seven and 13. I wouldspend hours por<strong>in</strong>g over Darw<strong>in</strong>’s observationson <strong>the</strong> geology and fossil record ofSouth America, supplemented with <strong>the</strong>editor’s discussion of <strong>the</strong> formation of <strong>the</strong>Isthmus of Panama and its impact on <strong>the</strong>evolution of <strong>the</strong> American mammal fauna. Irecall how stirr<strong>in</strong>g it was to contemplate <strong>the</strong>immense scale of such tectonic forces and<strong>the</strong>ir role <strong>in</strong> shap<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> evolution of life.That copy of <strong>the</strong> Orig<strong>in</strong> still resides on mybookshelf.TAG: Who or what has <strong>in</strong>fluenced <strong>the</strong>direction of your career/research?EF: When I was eight years old I visited aMuseum of Victoria open day at <strong>the</strong> grandold museum build<strong>in</strong>g on Russell Street. Myimag<strong>in</strong>ation was captured by <strong>the</strong> ‘back ofhouse’ offices and labs of <strong>the</strong> palaeontologydepartment. There I met <strong>the</strong> curator ofvertebrate palaeontology, Thomas Rich. I waskeen to learn more about <strong>the</strong> evolution ofmammals; not d<strong>in</strong>osaurs like most o<strong>the</strong>r kids.Dr Rich suggested I visit <strong>the</strong> MonashUniversity sciences library and f<strong>in</strong>d journalarticles by palaeontologists whose names Ino longer remember. With this advice from a26 | TAG December 2011
Erich Fitzgerald with a blue whale model at <strong>the</strong>American Museum of Natural History, New York.Photo courtesy Erich Fitzgerald.‘real palaeontologist’, my parents (patiently)agreed one weekend to take me to <strong>the</strong>university and track down <strong>the</strong> articles.Follow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> visit I returned home withphotocopies of several articles from learnedjournals. I don’t recall understand<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>text, but hav<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> technical illustrations offossil bones and tooth anatomy was likebe<strong>in</strong>g granted access to ano<strong>the</strong>r world.I was hooked, and decided <strong>the</strong>re and <strong>the</strong>nat <strong>the</strong> age of 8 to become a vertebratepalaeontologist.TAG: Where was your best field tripexperience and why?EF: Without a doubt <strong>the</strong> Galapagos Islands(Ecuador), which I visited as a PhD studentwhile attend<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> World Summit onEvolution <strong>in</strong> 2005. To explore <strong>the</strong> ruggedvolcanic terra<strong>in</strong> and see mar<strong>in</strong>e iguanas,giant tortoises, Darw<strong>in</strong>’s f<strong>in</strong>ches and o<strong>the</strong>rmarvels of nature—it was like my illustratedOrig<strong>in</strong> of Species come to life. It was an awe<strong>in</strong>spir<strong>in</strong>gexperience to stand on <strong>the</strong> beachwhere Darw<strong>in</strong> first made landfall <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>Galapagos. I hope to return <strong>the</strong>re one day.TAG: In a few words describe yourcareer/research area.EF: I am a vertebrate palaeontologist, whichmeans I study <strong>the</strong> fossil record and evolutionof animals with backbones, like us!My primary area of expertise and research<strong>in</strong>terest is <strong>the</strong> evolution of mar<strong>in</strong>e mammals:whales, dolph<strong>in</strong>s, seals and dugongs.I studied undergraduate Earth Sciences andzoology at <strong>the</strong> University of Melbourne,followed by a PhD <strong>in</strong> Earth Sciences(palaeontology) at Monash University wheremy advisors were Patricia Vickers-Rich andThomas Rich. Immediately after my PhDI was awarded a prestigious SmithsonianInstitution Fellowship to undertake postdoctoralresearch <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Department ofVertebrate Zoology at <strong>the</strong> United StatesNational Museum of Natural History.I returned to Australia <strong>in</strong> 2009 to take up<strong>the</strong> Harold Mitchell Fellowship at MuseumVictoria <strong>in</strong> Melbourne.TAG: Where would you like to go with EarthScience <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> future? What’s your dream job?EF: I am seek<strong>in</strong>g to uncover <strong>the</strong>evolutionary history of mar<strong>in</strong>e vertebrates,especially whales, <strong>in</strong> <strong>Australian</strong> seas over <strong>the</strong>last 65 million years. Until now, no <strong>Australian</strong>palaeontologist has dedicated <strong>the</strong>mselves tothis pursuit. Consequently, we know verylittle about <strong>the</strong> details of this aspect of ourfossil record. It’s a wide open field.Fortunately, sou<strong>the</strong>rn Australia <strong>in</strong> particularis endowed with an excellent record ofCenozoic mar<strong>in</strong>e sediments so <strong>the</strong>re is nopractical limit, <strong>in</strong> terms of outcrop, toexploration for fossils. In addition, <strong>the</strong>re arethousands of mar<strong>in</strong>e vertebrate fossilsalready <strong>in</strong> museum collections, so we knowthat such fossils occur here <strong>in</strong> abundance.We’re at <strong>the</strong> bottom of a steep learn<strong>in</strong>gcurve, so <strong>the</strong>re are many fundamentaldiscoveries to make <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> com<strong>in</strong>g years.I hope to contribute to <strong>the</strong>se discoveriesthrough a research curatorial position ata museum where I can also help tra<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>next generation of <strong>Australian</strong> vertebratepalaeontologists.Editor’s note: Erich Fitzgerald has just beenappo<strong>in</strong>ted Senior Curator <strong>in</strong> InvertebratePalaeontology at Museum Victoria.5th International EarthScience Olympiad –Modena, Italy5 – 14 September 2011A student perspectiveThe first <strong>Australian</strong> team to participate <strong>in</strong><strong>the</strong> International Earth Science Olympiad(IESO).Students: Eilidh Cassidy, MehreenQayyum, Jack Beard, Nichola Dart (Year 11students from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Australian</strong> Science andMa<strong>the</strong>matics School, Adelaide, SouthAustralia)Mentors: Bronte Nicholls (<strong>Australian</strong>Science and Ma<strong>the</strong>matics School), Ian Clark –University of South AustraliaSponsors: <strong>Australian</strong> Geoscience Council,<strong>Geological</strong> <strong>Society</strong> of Australia, <strong>Australian</strong><strong>Society</strong> of Exploration Geophysicists,Petroleum Exploration <strong>Society</strong> of Australia,Beach Energy, Pep<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>i M<strong>in</strong>erals, <strong>Geological</strong><strong>Society</strong> of Australia – SA Division, Fl<strong>in</strong>dersUniversity, University of South Australia.AwardsIndividual competitionBronze medal — Jack BeardInternational Team Field InvestigationMost Creative InvestigationW<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g team member: Jack BeardBest PresentationW<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g team member: Eilidh CassidyIn September 2011, four students from <strong>the</strong><strong>Australian</strong> Science and Ma<strong>the</strong>matics Schoolwere selected to travel to Italy <strong>in</strong> order tocompete <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> International Earth ScienceOlympiad. It was an opportunity for<strong>in</strong>dividuals with a passion for Earth Scienceto come toge<strong>the</strong>r from a vast selection ofcountries across <strong>the</strong> globe to share ourknowledge and ideas on <strong>the</strong> Earth Sciences.Prepar<strong>in</strong>g for <strong>the</strong> IESO was a jo<strong>in</strong>t effort byeveryone <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> team. We had regular teammeet<strong>in</strong>gs over <strong>the</strong> course of <strong>the</strong> school yearand worked through <strong>the</strong> syllabus provided by<strong>the</strong> organizers. Work<strong>in</strong>g toge<strong>the</strong>r as a teamwas a great way to learn new, complextopics. Work<strong>in</strong>g with our peers was possibly<strong>the</strong> greatest contributor to <strong>the</strong> success of <strong>the</strong>TAG December 2011|27
team <strong>in</strong> Italy, because we were alreadyaccustomed to work<strong>in</strong>g through problemswith like-m<strong>in</strong>ded students.Eilidh: For me, I felt one of <strong>the</strong> mostbeneficial experiences I had at <strong>the</strong> Olympiadwas <strong>the</strong> International Team FieldInvestigation. I found it was one of thoseonce-<strong>in</strong>-a-lifetime opportunities that reallyhad an impact on your perspective oflearn<strong>in</strong>g. The ITFI was based <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Alps’ V alled’Aosta region where we were split <strong>in</strong>toteams (not based on country). Unfortunately,one of <strong>the</strong> team members, Nichola Dart,became ill and was unable to participate <strong>in</strong>most of <strong>the</strong> event.I stayed <strong>in</strong> a place called Sa<strong>in</strong>t Bar<strong>the</strong>lemy,where <strong>the</strong> topic <strong>the</strong> team was <strong>in</strong>vestigat<strong>in</strong>gwas Astronomy. The problem my team wasgiven to <strong>in</strong>vestigate was to determ<strong>in</strong>e <strong>the</strong>ris<strong>in</strong>g time of a star, Algenib, and I mustadmit I wasn’t quite sure if this was someth<strong>in</strong>gthat would <strong>in</strong>terest me.However, my view quickly changed and I left<strong>the</strong>re with a completely different attitudeand a new love and <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> Astronomy.In order to f<strong>in</strong>d <strong>the</strong> ris<strong>in</strong>g time we firstly hadto design our own <strong>in</strong>struments as a team,which <strong>the</strong>n allowed us to measure <strong>the</strong> peakof a mounta<strong>in</strong> where we could calculateangular distance and <strong>the</strong>n eventuallydeterm<strong>in</strong>e when <strong>the</strong> star would be visible.We had to present our f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs to a largeaudience, an experience which happened tobe exhilarat<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>in</strong>timidat<strong>in</strong>g at <strong>the</strong> sametime. However, my team and I worked hardand put toge<strong>the</strong>r a PowerPo<strong>in</strong>t presentationand <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> end we must have donesometh<strong>in</strong>g right as we came away on <strong>the</strong>presentation night with <strong>the</strong> Best PresentationAward.The Olympiad itself was any geologist’sdream and although <strong>the</strong> exams <strong>the</strong>mselveswere very difficult, we took it as a learn<strong>in</strong>gexperience. I can probably speak for bothmyself and my team when I say thatattend<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> IESO changed all of us <strong>in</strong> termsof our confidence and our passion for EarthScience and although we didn’t come homewith gold medals, it was a valuable learn<strong>in</strong>gexperience. If Australia sends a team <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>future, <strong>the</strong>y can learn from our journey andmaybe one day Australia will do EarthScience proud and come home with thatgold medal.Mehreen: I expected <strong>the</strong> IESO to be verydiscipl<strong>in</strong>ed and thought that <strong>the</strong> team workreferred to <strong>the</strong> country teams. However, <strong>the</strong>Olympiad was def<strong>in</strong>itely not what I expected.It was more competitive and covered EarthSciences of all spheres to a greater extentthan what we had studied. Despite this, <strong>the</strong>atmosphere of <strong>the</strong> Olympiad was friendly,supportive and encourag<strong>in</strong>g. We studied hard<strong>the</strong> last few nights <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> lead up to <strong>the</strong>exam to maximise our marks. There werealso a few practical exam<strong>in</strong>ations, but <strong>the</strong>sewere made considerably easier as <strong>the</strong> guidesshowed us how to use <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>strumentswe needed for <strong>the</strong> practical before <strong>the</strong>exam<strong>in</strong>ations. I th<strong>in</strong>k as a team we did wellaccord<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> amount of knowledge wehad <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> topics be<strong>in</strong>g exam<strong>in</strong>ed.Overall, I th<strong>in</strong>k be<strong>in</strong>g a participant of <strong>the</strong>IESO was a good experience and I was ableto learn a lot from it. W e learned how tocommunicate and <strong>in</strong>teract with people ofmany nationalities, religious and culturalbackgrounds and languages, as well asexplore, develop and present ideas to achievea common goal. Many of <strong>the</strong> presentation,cultural and Earth Science skills I havelearned will help me <strong>in</strong> future studies <strong>in</strong>school and beyond.Jack: One of <strong>the</strong> highlights of <strong>the</strong> trip was<strong>the</strong> International Team Field Investigation(ITFI). I stayed <strong>in</strong> a place called La Thuile, asmall village near <strong>the</strong> French–Swiss border at<strong>the</strong> base of Mt Blanc — Mehreen and I were<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> same group but different teams.Our task was to map <strong>the</strong> occurrence ofgypsum <strong>in</strong> a valley near <strong>the</strong> village and whatimplications it had on <strong>the</strong> community (suchas s<strong>in</strong>k holes and <strong>the</strong> ability for <strong>in</strong>comethrough m<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g).The team on arrival at Modena University student accommodation.From left: Mehreen Qayyum, Nichola Dart, Jack Beard and Eilidh Cassidy.Image courtesy Bronte Nicholls.IESO Open<strong>in</strong>g ceremony – flag bearers from each of <strong>the</strong> 26 participat<strong>in</strong>gcountries. Image courtesy Eilidh Cassidy.28 | TAG December 2011
This was one of <strong>the</strong> highlights as we reallygot to know many team members from o<strong>the</strong>rcountries around <strong>the</strong> globe. After 24 hoursof hard work, we f<strong>in</strong>ally presented our f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gsto an audience of 200 o<strong>the</strong>rs. Here <strong>the</strong>team I was <strong>in</strong> won <strong>the</strong> Most Creativity showndur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> ITFI award.The IESO will have a huge <strong>in</strong>fluence on me <strong>in</strong><strong>the</strong> future. I will never get <strong>the</strong> opportunity toparticipate <strong>in</strong> such an event aga<strong>in</strong>, so thistruly was a once-<strong>in</strong>-a-lifetime opportunity.Not only has it shaped <strong>the</strong> way I will look atmy career plans, it has also had an impact on<strong>the</strong> way I <strong>in</strong>teract with o<strong>the</strong>rs, for example,my peers at school and <strong>in</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r situations.For fur<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong>formation about <strong>the</strong> 5th IESOvisit http://www.ieso2011.unimore.it/JACK BEARD, MEHREEN QAYYUM,EILIDH CASSIDY AND NICHOLA DARTEDITED BY BRONTE NICHOLLS<strong>Australian</strong> Science and Ma<strong>the</strong>matics SchoolFl<strong>in</strong>ders University, Bedford Park, SABronte.nicholls@fl<strong>in</strong>ders.edu.auSummary of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Australian</strong> team IESOand extension activitiesDateStudents5 Sept Arrival & Registration, welcome d<strong>in</strong>ner6 Open<strong>in</strong>g ceremony, Excursion: Salse di Nirano7 Excursion: Venice – Hydrosphere practical exam8 Written exam – all topicsExcursion: Civil Protection Centre of Modena9 Geosphere, atmosphere and astronomy practical exam,Excursion: Villa Sorra10 Excursion: Valle d’Aosta International Field Trip Investigation11 Excursion: Valle d’Aosta International Field Trip Investigation12 Local school visit. Plenary conference, Terramare di Montale13 Modena city centre. Award ceremony and Farewell party14 Departure15 <strong>Australian</strong> team post-Olympiad tour to <strong>the</strong> Bay of Naples20 and Rome22 Return to AdelaideThe <strong>Australian</strong> team dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Hydrosphere practicalexam<strong>in</strong>ation <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Venice Lagoon. From left – Mehreen Qayyum,Jack Beard, Eilidh Cassidy. Image courtesy Jack Beard.The team enjoy<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> steep climb to <strong>the</strong> summit of Vesuvius – part of <strong>the</strong> post-Olympiad tour to sou<strong>the</strong>rn Italy. From <strong>the</strong> left, EIlidh Cassidy, Mehreen Qayyum,Jack Beard. Image courtesy Bronte Nicholls.TAG December 2011|29
FeaturePlanetary Drill<strong>in</strong>gWhy Drill?Drill<strong>in</strong>g is widely used <strong>in</strong> soil science, resource exploration andextraction, stratigraphy and geophysics. W e drill for manyreasons – to test subsurface targets, sample below <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>fluence ofsurface processes, validate geophysics, and determ<strong>in</strong>e o<strong>the</strong>rwise<strong>in</strong>accessible stratigraphy. Substrates range from unconsolidated topartially consolidated materials, rocks, and ice.Drill<strong>in</strong>g is similarly important <strong>in</strong> planetary exploration andencounters a similar range of target materials. The reasons for drill<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>to planetary surfaces are much <strong>the</strong> same as those on Earth.However, compared to terrestrial drill<strong>in</strong>g, which typically occurs todepths of a few metres to several kilometres, historic planetarydrill<strong>in</strong>g has been on a very small scale, a few centimetres to a fewmetres at most.Planetary drill<strong>in</strong>g has a number of constra<strong>in</strong>ts compared todrill<strong>in</strong>g on Earth. These <strong>in</strong>clude limited power and mass,<strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>ability to use drill<strong>in</strong>g fluids, <strong>the</strong> difficulties of samplecollection and handl<strong>in</strong>g, unpredictability of surface properties, and, <strong>in</strong>many cases, limited time for operations. Unmanned drill<strong>in</strong>g requiressignificant automation because <strong>the</strong> latency (communications delay ,up to 40 m<strong>in</strong>utes for two-way communications <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> case of Mars)prevents direct control. Drill<strong>in</strong>g with direct human presence(ie astronauts) of course does not suffer from this last problem,demonstrated by <strong>the</strong> success of Apollo astronauts <strong>in</strong> drill<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>the</strong>Moon to depths of up to 3 m. O<strong>the</strong>r constra<strong>in</strong>ts still apply , andastronaut-operated drill<strong>in</strong>g must also deal with <strong>the</strong> need to becarried out whilst wear<strong>in</strong>g a space suit. Despite <strong>the</strong>se limitations,autonomous drill<strong>in</strong>g has occurred on both <strong>the</strong> Moon and V enus and,<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> next decade, may be attempted on both Mars and on Mars’ slarger and <strong>in</strong>nermost moon, Phobos.Historic drill<strong>in</strong>g – ApolloThe first holes drilled elsewhere <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> solar system were <strong>the</strong> hammercores, collected by all <strong>the</strong> crews, that reached a depth of up to 70 cm<strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> lunar regolith. Much more sophisticated drill<strong>in</strong>g was carriedout dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> later Apollo 15, 16 and 17 missions to <strong>the</strong> Hadley ,Descartes Highlands and T aurus–Littrow regions, respectively . Thiswas carried out us<strong>in</strong>g an electrically-powered hollow-stem rotarypercussive auger that retrieved regolith cores up to 3 m long (Figure1) us<strong>in</strong>g multiple flights. The regolith proved easy to drill, althoughextract<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> core was sometime extremely difficult, especially <strong>the</strong>first Apollo 15 core. The drill was also used to <strong>in</strong>sert heat-flowprobes; this was done on Apollos 15, 16 and 17, with <strong>the</strong> last twodesigns modified to deal with problems encountered on Apollo 15.Historic drill<strong>in</strong>g – LunaAutomated planetary drill<strong>in</strong>g was developed <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> former SovietUnion. They were first flown to <strong>the</strong> Moon as part of an unmannedsample return campaign. The <strong>in</strong>genious system consisted of ahollow-stem auger that stored <strong>the</strong> regolith core <strong>in</strong> a flexible tube.This was coiled up and placed <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> Earth-return capsule. The firstsuccess came <strong>in</strong> 1970, when Luna 16 landed at Mare Fercunditatis,retrieved a short core and blasted off on <strong>the</strong> return journey , allperformed autonomously <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> darkness of <strong>the</strong> lunar night. O<strong>the</strong>rmissions followed: Luna 20 to <strong>the</strong> Apollonius highlands <strong>in</strong> 1972 andLuna 24 which landed at Mare Crisium <strong>in</strong> 1976, <strong>the</strong> last return<strong>in</strong>g acore 1.6 m long.Historic drill<strong>in</strong>g – VeneraSmall hollow-stem augers were also used on V enus; 30-cm coreswere drilled by Venera 14 and 15 <strong>in</strong> 1982 and <strong>the</strong> samples transferredto an on-board XRF system, show<strong>in</strong>g that <strong>the</strong> surface rocks at NavkaPlanitia were of basaltic and alkali basaltic composition. Ano<strong>the</strong>rautonomous drill<strong>in</strong>g program was successfully undertaken by <strong>the</strong>VEGA 2 lander <strong>in</strong> 1985, show<strong>in</strong>g that <strong>the</strong> rocks at <strong>the</strong> land<strong>in</strong>g site <strong>in</strong>Aphrodite Montes were also basaltic <strong>in</strong> composition. Successfulas <strong>the</strong>se missions were, <strong>the</strong>y also <strong>in</strong>dicate <strong>the</strong> difficultiesassociated with such autonomous operations. Luna 23 was unable toretrieve its core sample before runn<strong>in</strong>g out of power; V enera 11 and12 were unable to transfer samples from <strong>the</strong> corer to <strong>the</strong> analyticalchamber, and unexpected turbulence triggered VEGA 1’ s drill<strong>in</strong>gprogram before land<strong>in</strong>g.Such failures of complex and tightly constra<strong>in</strong>ed experimentaland analytical systems are common <strong>in</strong> unmanned space missionswhen <strong>the</strong>y encounter situations outside <strong>the</strong>ir design parameters.Similar problems were encountered by <strong>the</strong> US Vik<strong>in</strong>g and Phoenixmissions with <strong>the</strong>ir complex on-board laboratories. These issues area major challenge for <strong>the</strong> development of sophisticated unmannedFIGURE 1: Earth trials of <strong>the</strong> Apollo hollow-stem auger drill used to core up to3 m of regolith. Image courtesy NASA.30 | TAG December 2011
spacecraft for planetary surface exploration and <strong>the</strong> proven ability ofastronauts to cope with such unexpected challenges rema<strong>in</strong>s one of<strong>the</strong> great arguments for direct human presence <strong>in</strong> planetaryexploration.Future drill<strong>in</strong>gTwo more attempts at planetary drill<strong>in</strong>g will be made <strong>in</strong> 20 11 with<strong>the</strong> launch of NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) and <strong>the</strong> RussianPhobos Grunt (Phobos Soil) missions. If both of <strong>the</strong>se highlyambitious and very complex missions succeed <strong>the</strong>y will drill <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong>surface of Mars and Phobos, respectively . MSL will drill shortdistances (50 cm) <strong>in</strong>to surface rocks with a rotary-percussive drill and<strong>the</strong>n transfer <strong>the</strong> sample to a complex on-board laboratory that cancarry out 74 sample analyses with a mass spectrometer , XRF andXRD. Phobos Grunt will drill up to 2-m <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> regolith of Phobosus<strong>in</strong>g a hollow-stem auger derived from that used <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Lunaprogram and <strong>the</strong>n load <strong>the</strong> sample <strong>in</strong>to an Earth-return capsule.However, it will be a long and difficult road for both <strong>the</strong>se missionsbefore <strong>the</strong>y achieve success.The European Space Agency plans to land a rotary-percussivedrill on comet Churyumov–Gerasimenko. This drill is carried by asmall lander which is part of <strong>the</strong> Rosetta mission. The spacecraft waslaunched <strong>in</strong> 2004 and will arrive <strong>in</strong> 20 14. The system is expected tobe able to drill through icy regolith to a depth of 20–30 cm, <strong>the</strong>samples will be studied for evolved gases and by spectroscopy . ESAalso <strong>in</strong>tends to land a hollow-stem rotary auger with a 2-m depthcapability on Mars before <strong>the</strong> end of this decade with <strong>the</strong> ExoMarsrover mission. The ExoMars drill is designed for soil, ra<strong>the</strong>r than rock.Samples from <strong>the</strong> drill will be analysed on-board by a batteryof <strong>in</strong>struments <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g laser Raman, XRD, XRF and biomarkerdetectors. Downhole spectroscopy and imag<strong>in</strong>g will also be carriedout. However <strong>the</strong> ExoMars mission has suffered from technicalissues, delays, cost overruns, and frequent rescop<strong>in</strong>g. It rema<strong>in</strong>s to beseen whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> mission will actually fly . If it does it will be by far<strong>the</strong> most ambitious unmanned-drill<strong>in</strong>g mission ever undertaken.Research <strong>in</strong>to future planetary drill<strong>in</strong>g technologies is ongo<strong>in</strong>g,particularly of automated systems. Objectives under study <strong>in</strong>cludesampl<strong>in</strong>g subsurface ice on <strong>the</strong> Moon and Mars, emplacement ofgeophysical <strong>in</strong>struments such as heatflow probes, and stratigraphiccores for return to Earth. One of <strong>the</strong> challenges is design<strong>in</strong>g smalldrills to cope with very different materials, for example a drill for useon an unmanned Mars lander such as ExoMars or MSL will have tobe able to drill fresh and altered basalt, sulfate-rich sediments, shalesand sandstones. Experience with one prototype autonomous drill fordeeper (several metres) drill<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Utah, <strong>the</strong> MARTE drill, showed thatwhile sandstone and siltstone were drilled with few difficulties(Figure 3), softer shale proved much more difficult. O<strong>the</strong>r majorchallenges lie <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> areas of automation <strong>in</strong> fault diagnosis andrectification, add<strong>in</strong>g and remov<strong>in</strong>g drill rods, and sample extractionand handl<strong>in</strong>g, all while work<strong>in</strong>g with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> previously mentionedconstra<strong>in</strong>ts.While <strong>the</strong>re are no specific plans for astronauts to return to <strong>the</strong>Moon or go on Mars and Near-Earth Asteroids, drill<strong>in</strong>g is assumed tobe part of <strong>the</strong> mission requirements (Figure 4). Astronaut-operateddrills have <strong>the</strong> advantage of <strong>the</strong> more generous marg<strong>in</strong>s of crewedmissions, especially power, <strong>the</strong> availability of compressed air to cool<strong>the</strong> bit and remove cutt<strong>in</strong>gs (at least on Mars) and <strong>the</strong> ability of <strong>the</strong>operators to deal with problems on <strong>the</strong> spot <strong>in</strong> real time, ra<strong>the</strong>r thanremotely over a long time lag. Such immediacy was <strong>the</strong> key to <strong>the</strong>retrieval of <strong>the</strong> Apollo 15 core by Dave Scott and Jim Irw<strong>in</strong> after itjammed, a task probably beyond <strong>the</strong> capability of any automated orremotely-operated systems <strong>the</strong>n or s<strong>in</strong>ce. Challenges for designers ofastronaut-operated drills <strong>in</strong>clude <strong>the</strong> human <strong>in</strong>terface ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>gsample cleanl<strong>in</strong>ess and sterility dur<strong>in</strong>g extraction, and ensur<strong>in</strong>gefficient operation whilst wear<strong>in</strong>g space suits, <strong>in</strong> particular <strong>the</strong>gloves.Whe<strong>the</strong>r automated or operated directly by astronauts, planetarydrill<strong>in</strong>g should have an <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g future.JON CLARKEMars <strong>Society</strong> AustraliaFIGURE 3: MARTE robotic hollow-stem auger set up at <strong>the</strong> Mars DesertResearch Station <strong>in</strong> Utah.FIGURE 4: Hand drill be<strong>in</strong>g tested <strong>in</strong> <strong>Antarctic</strong>a by a researcher wear<strong>in</strong>g<strong>the</strong> University of North Dakota’s NDX-1 prototype suit. (Image courtesyJon Rask.TAG December 2011|31
Special ReportEducat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> educators with NASA Spaceward Bound.NASA Spaceward Bound is all about gett<strong>in</strong>g <strong>scientists</strong>,eng<strong>in</strong>eers and teachers work<strong>in</strong>g toge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong> au<strong>the</strong>nticspace-science projects <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> field. It is through <strong>the</strong>exploration of scientifically <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g and remote and extremelocations that NASA is build<strong>in</strong>g up a repertoire of skills andknowledge to advance to <strong>the</strong> next excit<strong>in</strong>g chapter of spaceexploration.NASA Spaceward Bound has been operat<strong>in</strong>g s<strong>in</strong>ce 2006,with 18 expeditions hav<strong>in</strong>g occurred under <strong>the</strong> leadership ofChristopher P McKay, NASA planetary scientist. After sign<strong>in</strong>g amemorandum of understand<strong>in</strong>g with Mars <strong>Society</strong> Australia <strong>in</strong>July 200 7, two of <strong>the</strong>se expeditions have been conducted<strong>in</strong> Australia. In 2009 a team of 30 <strong>in</strong>dividuals traversed <strong>the</strong>nor<strong>the</strong>rn Fl<strong>in</strong>ders Ranges and earlier this year a group of 23members travelled to <strong>the</strong> Pilbara and o<strong>the</strong>r sites of geologicaland astrobiological <strong>in</strong>terest throughout Western Australia.So why remote and extreme locations?NASA and worldwide planetary <strong>scientists</strong> are <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> conduct<strong>in</strong>gfield trials for hardware. Equipment that will one dayplay a part <strong>in</strong> off-world missions, such as latest generationspace suits, rovers or analytical <strong>in</strong>struments need to be tested <strong>in</strong><strong>the</strong> harsh reality of <strong>the</strong> field. Can <strong>the</strong>y do <strong>the</strong> job <strong>the</strong>y weredesigned for?Many remote locations, particularly where NASA SpacewardBound has ventured, such as <strong>the</strong> Atacama, Mojave and Namibdeserts, <strong>the</strong> Arctic, as well as locations <strong>in</strong> Australia, have beenchosen for specific scientific reasons. Expedition team membersare <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> conduct<strong>in</strong>g research on life on <strong>the</strong> edge — aridlocations, hypersal<strong>in</strong>e conditions, temperature extremes, lownutrients, areas of exposed high radiation, areas that will allowus to understand how life can exist and flourish <strong>in</strong> harshenvironments — lead<strong>in</strong>g to a greater understand<strong>in</strong>g of where wecame from and of <strong>in</strong>terest to everyone on a NASA SpacewardBound expedition. Is <strong>the</strong>re life elsewhere out <strong>the</strong>re?The most recent expedition saw 23 people, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g fiveteachers, traverse remote Western Australia <strong>in</strong> a quest to betteridentify and understand stromatolites.Why stromatolites?It is believed that <strong>the</strong> <strong>early</strong> conditions of <strong>the</strong> Earth and Marswere similar . In fact, 3–4 billion years ago Mars may haveactually been a better, more stable (less plate tectonic/volcanicactivity, and as Earth is closer to <strong>the</strong> Sun, more susceptible tobombardment from all <strong>the</strong> objects float<strong>in</strong>g about) location forlife to start. So it is proposed that if conditions were similar on<strong>the</strong> two planets, <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong>re could have been an opportunityfor life to start on Mars. There could be a second place <strong>in</strong> oursolar system where life may have started. This means thatNASA Spaceward Bound expedition members trial <strong>the</strong> NDX-1 spacesuit andits effectiveness as a field tool, at all times be<strong>in</strong>g monitored and recorded.Image courtesy Matt Reyes, Social Media Coord<strong>in</strong>ator NASA SpacewardBound.<strong>scientists</strong> need to understand how and where <strong>the</strong>se objects formand eng<strong>in</strong>eers need to understand how to build devices that areable to traverse <strong>the</strong> terra<strong>in</strong> and be able to identify <strong>the</strong>sestructures on future Mars missions.What we see when we look at stromatolites are <strong>the</strong> earliestexamples of what we understand as life. It was <strong>the</strong> first timethat organic chemicals came toge<strong>the</strong>r and created someth<strong>in</strong>gthat digested, excreted, reproduced, respired, responded, etc, socyanobacteria are quite special, especially when for survival,with safety <strong>in</strong> numbers, <strong>the</strong>y accumulated toge<strong>the</strong>r and formednetworks that used <strong>the</strong>ir surround<strong>in</strong>gs to establish a permanentfoothold.So if we go back <strong>in</strong> time to visit <strong>the</strong> <strong>early</strong> Earth, it was quitedifferent to now. Far more landmass, less soil (not enough timeyet for wea<strong>the</strong>r<strong>in</strong>g and erosion processes), more impacts fromspace (as <strong>the</strong> solar system was yet to be stable and <strong>the</strong>re was alot more debris about) and <strong>the</strong> atmosphere was different. Ifwe consider <strong>the</strong> <strong>early</strong> Archean, it is believed that <strong>the</strong> Earth’ satmosphere was almost ‘alien-like’ with significant amounts ofgases such as methane and ammonia (from volcanoes from <strong>the</strong><strong>early</strong> turbulent Earth), which are quite toxic substances. Throughchemical processes, via lightn<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>the</strong> methane reacted andcarbon dioxide was produced over a few hundred million years.This was important as it is <strong>the</strong> CO 2 that was be<strong>in</strong>g usedby <strong>the</strong> earliest bacteria and as a by-product of photosyn<strong>the</strong>siscreated <strong>the</strong> oxygen that we all know, love and cherish today. Inaddition, as <strong>the</strong>se stromatolites are found at <strong>the</strong> water’ s edge,<strong>the</strong> O 2 was released <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> water.32 | TAG December 2011
With <strong>the</strong> large amount of iron <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> water, it freely reactedto form iron oxide, layers of which eventually settled at <strong>the</strong>bottom of <strong>the</strong> Earth’s oceans and are now uncovered around <strong>the</strong>world, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Pilbara, as banded iron formation. As<strong>the</strong> iron levels <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> ocean were depleted, this free oxygeneventually made its way up <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> atmosphere, help<strong>in</strong>g tomake it hospitable for life.So I can understand <strong>the</strong> science<strong>in</strong>terest, but why teachers?It is apparent from ongo<strong>in</strong>g worldwide statistics that <strong>the</strong>re is adecl<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g rate of students tak<strong>in</strong>g up <strong>the</strong> science challenge. Thenumber of students enroll<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> tertiary science courses isdropp<strong>in</strong>g, fuelled by lower numbers of students sitt<strong>in</strong>g physics,chemistry and even biology at senior-school level. Where aretomorrow’s <strong>scientists</strong> and eng<strong>in</strong>eers go<strong>in</strong>g to come from if ourdraw area at Years 11, 12 and beyond is already deplet<strong>in</strong>g?Researchers, educationalists and those with a vested<strong>in</strong>terest (some may argue all of humanity) <strong>in</strong> reta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and<strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>se science numbers are exam<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g ways to attract<strong>the</strong> attention of students before <strong>the</strong>y make those importantdecisions. A variety of new programmes, excursion activities,websites and <strong>the</strong> like have been created to grab <strong>the</strong> wander<strong>in</strong>geye of <strong>the</strong> modern teenager , <strong>the</strong> group that is exposed to somany diverse distractions <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> global community . Many of<strong>the</strong>se programmes are highly successful — feedback at <strong>the</strong> endof sessions is very positive, students are <strong>in</strong>vigorated — so whereare <strong>the</strong>y when <strong>the</strong>y get to <strong>the</strong> senior years? Why are we notgett<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m <strong>in</strong>to science?NASA Spaceward Bound has fostered a different approach,with teachers directly <strong>in</strong>volved with <strong>the</strong> science as it is happen<strong>in</strong>g.The process of NASA Spaceward Bound is to encouragemotivated teachers (sometimes self-nom<strong>in</strong>ated, o<strong>the</strong>r times byan association or even through an application process such asconducted by Mars <strong>Society</strong> Australia for <strong>Australian</strong> expeditions)to have a hands-on field science experience. For some teachers,this may be <strong>the</strong>ir first out-of-class experience; for o<strong>the</strong>rs it maybe a chance to see what o<strong>the</strong>r science discipl<strong>in</strong>es do.The first step after secur<strong>in</strong>g a place is to be <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> rangeof web-based tutorials and discussions. These chats provide allteam members (not just <strong>the</strong> teachers) with an opportunity tomeet and greet, and <strong>the</strong>n to beg<strong>in</strong> to understand <strong>the</strong> process of<strong>the</strong> expedition.The attend<strong>in</strong>g teachers have <strong>the</strong> opportunity to ga<strong>in</strong>additional background knowledge through separate onl<strong>in</strong>eresources to br<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m up to speed with <strong>the</strong> science that hasbeen or may be conducted and where it all fits <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> bigpicture. Each of <strong>the</strong> <strong>scientists</strong> <strong>in</strong>volved contributes materials,slideshows and background read<strong>in</strong>g that sets <strong>the</strong> scene for <strong>the</strong>expedition. As well as live broadcasts, <strong>the</strong>se resources areavailable to expedition members via <strong>the</strong> website at any time andare often referred to throughout <strong>the</strong> experience and after ,especially when putt<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to classroom context.Once <strong>the</strong> expedition beg<strong>in</strong>s, teachers are not merely fieldlaboratory assistants, <strong>the</strong>y are an <strong>in</strong>tegral part of <strong>the</strong> research.Through daily team and science meet<strong>in</strong>gs, all members areencouraged to contribute ideas on scientific processes, methodsfor data collections and propos<strong>in</strong>g hypo<strong>the</strong>ses of <strong>the</strong> relatedscience. When <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> field, teachers are receiv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>structionsabout <strong>the</strong> science, often on a one-to-one basis, enhanc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>irscientific understand<strong>in</strong>g. Throughout <strong>the</strong> expedition, teachersare encouraged to record <strong>the</strong>ir experiences and share <strong>the</strong>sethoughts with o<strong>the</strong>r teachers present, as throughout <strong>the</strong>expedition each <strong>in</strong>dividual will have a chance to experience aslittle or as much science as <strong>the</strong>y feel is relevant to <strong>the</strong>m.Mark Gargano be<strong>in</strong>g suited-up <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> University of North Dakota spacesuit<strong>in</strong> preparation for field trials, someth<strong>in</strong>g that all members had <strong>the</strong>opportunity to experience. Image courtesy Ken Silburn, Mars <strong>Society</strong>Australia.Dur<strong>in</strong>g NASA Spaceward Bound Pilbara, which ran from10 to 21 July, <strong>the</strong> ma<strong>in</strong> focus was <strong>the</strong> search for life on <strong>the</strong> <strong>early</strong>Earth. Members had a chance to understand <strong>the</strong> 3.4-billionyear-oldstructures <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Pilbara (~1500 km north of P erth),exam<strong>in</strong>e <strong>the</strong> connection to liv<strong>in</strong>g stromatolite examples aroundShark Bay, with <strong>the</strong> opportunity to ‘swim with <strong>the</strong> stromatolites’and to get up close and personal at Carbla Po<strong>in</strong>t (~850 km northof P erth). Then to see an additional site of stromatoliteformation <strong>in</strong> a hypersal<strong>in</strong>e environment at Lake Thetis, nearCervates (~160 km north of Perth), giv<strong>in</strong>g a number of contextsfor team members from all persuasions to question <strong>the</strong>formation processes. It is clear to everyone that stromatolites donot form everywhere. Is it <strong>the</strong> sal<strong>in</strong>ity levels, <strong>the</strong> temperature,<strong>the</strong> lack of predators, currents and wave action?TAG December 2011|33
<strong>the</strong>se types of questions. Some may f<strong>in</strong>d it daunt<strong>in</strong>g that <strong>the</strong>world experts do not appear to be able to put <strong>the</strong> wholestromatolite jigsaw toge<strong>the</strong>r , but I th<strong>in</strong>k it is quite excit<strong>in</strong>g tosee <strong>scientists</strong> discuss <strong>the</strong> processes, <strong>the</strong> factors and hypo<strong>the</strong>sesand that we are all help<strong>in</strong>g to research exactly what is this f<strong>in</strong>alelusive piece of <strong>the</strong> puzzle. These are also some of <strong>the</strong> powerfulmessages that can be taken back to <strong>the</strong> classroom; science is anongo<strong>in</strong>g area of study: we do not know everyth<strong>in</strong>g, and everyonecan contribute, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g today’s teachers and students.A benefit of be<strong>in</strong>g a teacher on a NASA Spaceward Bound isto develop some resources that can be taken back to <strong>the</strong> classroomand used, hopefully shar<strong>in</strong>g this with o<strong>the</strong>r teachers <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>This is why NASA Spaceward Bound is here — to answerschool and even with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> district. TJan<strong>in</strong>e Slocombe, a teacher from South Australia be<strong>in</strong>g filmed and<strong>in</strong>terviewed by a television news team. Just one of <strong>the</strong> many additionalexperiences that occur dur<strong>in</strong>g a NASA Spaceward Bound expedition. Imagecourtesy Mark Gargano, Mars <strong>Society</strong> Australia.MARK GARGANO, Education DirectorSwimm<strong>in</strong>g with <strong>the</strong> Stromatolites at Shark Bay. A fairly tough research Mars <strong>Society</strong> Australia www.marssociety.org.au/opportunity! Image courtesy Simon George, Macquarie University. Mark.gargano@curt<strong>in</strong>.edu.auNASA Spaceward Bound Australiaspaceward – www.bound.nasa.gov/<strong>in</strong>dex.html34 | TAG December 2011eachers <strong>the</strong>refore havea tremendous opportunity to develop resource sheets,<strong>in</strong>vestigations, projects or research assignments by be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>field and hav<strong>in</strong>g world experts assist with provid<strong>in</strong>g an overviewof knowledge. In addition, to take back a range of images to<strong>the</strong>ir students, that show <strong>the</strong> teacher test<strong>in</strong>g spacesuits, swimm<strong>in</strong>gwith stromatolites, us<strong>in</strong>g high-tech hardware; all this hasa certa<strong>in</strong> reality value that is hard to def<strong>in</strong>e. All of a suddenstudents realise <strong>the</strong>ir teacher is more than just a teacher; what<strong>the</strong>y are talk<strong>in</strong>g about <strong>the</strong>y have actually done and now we arego<strong>in</strong>g to be do<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> same!Teachers have <strong>the</strong> chance of go<strong>in</strong>g back <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong>ir classrooms<strong>the</strong> week after a NASA Spaceward Bound with freshclassroom ideas and materials from cutt<strong>in</strong>g-edge scienceprojects. Discussions could be centred around <strong>the</strong> latesttechnology that <strong>the</strong>y have just used, that is be<strong>in</strong>g used toidentify trace elements, remotely identify cave features,develop<strong>in</strong>g remote vehicles, conduct<strong>in</strong>g field science <strong>in</strong> spacesuits, or even <strong>the</strong> actual science, exam<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g rocks and m<strong>in</strong>erals,look<strong>in</strong>g at biological <strong>in</strong>teraction with our environment, identify<strong>in</strong>gmicrobial structures, highlight<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> importance ofstromatolites to understand<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> <strong>early</strong> Earth, and perhaps oursearch for life <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> universe.If you are a teacher or know a teacher that would be<strong>in</strong>terested, upcom<strong>in</strong>g expeditions are listed on <strong>the</strong> NASASpaceward Bound website at www.spacewardbound.nasa.gov/<strong>in</strong>dex.htmlThe next field opportunity is be<strong>in</strong>g conducted <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> MojaveDesert, California from 17 to 25 March 2012, with applications,<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g from <strong>Australian</strong>s, be<strong>in</strong>g called for on <strong>the</strong> Mars <strong>Society</strong>Australia website at; www.marssociety.org.au/AcknowledgementsThis project has been possible through a successful <strong>Australian</strong> ResearchCouncil grant, which br<strong>in</strong>gs toge<strong>the</strong>r Curt<strong>in</strong> University , <strong>the</strong> Universityof Western Australia, <strong>the</strong> Graham (P olly) Farmer Foundation and <strong>the</strong>Gravity Discovery Centre <strong>in</strong>vestigat<strong>in</strong>g issues of student and teacherengagement <strong>in</strong> a range of specialist science programs. An elaborationof <strong>the</strong> GDC Science Education Enrichment project is available at;http://www.seeproject.org.au/
Tech TalkEarthObserverColumbia University(Lamont–Doherty Earth Observatory)Free from <strong>the</strong> iTunes App StoreAccord<strong>in</strong>g to www.<strong>earth</strong>-observer.org ‘EarthObserver App is a mobile application createdat Columbia University <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> City of NewYork specifically for <strong>the</strong> iPhone, iPod touchand iPad…With <strong>the</strong> Earth Observer App we<strong>in</strong>vite you to visit and learn about ourplanet’s terrestrial landscapes, oceans andseas, frozen ice caps, atmosphere and clouds,geologic terra<strong>in</strong>s, topography, nautical charts,natural hazards, human impacts, and manyo<strong>the</strong>r <strong>earth</strong> and environmental science topicsas you travel and explore with your f<strong>in</strong>gertips.’The application consists of a number of mapsgrouped under World (Mercator projection),<strong>Antarctic</strong> and Arctic (polar projection)show<strong>in</strong>g geology, geophysics, ocean floor,natural hazards, and many more categories.Under each category <strong>the</strong>re are variousdetailed maps. For example ocean floor maps<strong>in</strong>clude age of crust, heatflow, seafloorspread<strong>in</strong>grates, sediment thickness, to namea few. In <strong>the</strong> geology maps, <strong>the</strong>re are threegeological maps of Australia: Australia(Formation Ages), Australia (Rock Types) andAustralia and New Zealand, <strong>the</strong> latter show<strong>in</strong>g<strong>the</strong> formation ages and <strong>the</strong> structuralsubdivisions. Click<strong>in</strong>g on a map area shows<strong>in</strong>formation relevant to <strong>the</strong> particular map,eg <strong>the</strong> age of <strong>the</strong> unit (geology maps) oractual sediment thickness (ocean floor maps).A few of <strong>the</strong> maps refer only to <strong>the</strong> US(eg US topographic maps, average size of USfarms), but most cover <strong>the</strong> globe. You canzoom <strong>in</strong> on <strong>the</strong> maps <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> usual iP ad/iPhone way, and you can capture an imageas a jpeg file for subsequent pr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g.The Earth Observer website gives detailed<strong>in</strong>structions as to how <strong>the</strong> get <strong>the</strong> most outof this fasc<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g application—an absolutegift and ‘free’!TONY COCKBAINGot an idea for a geoscience technology review?Please email contributions to tag@gsa.org.auDid you know your Geologist? (From page 11)It is a photo of recently retired Geoscience Australia chief Neil Williams show<strong>in</strong>g one of <strong>the</strong> perils of work<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>the</strong> west coa stof Tasmania (aggressive tiger snakes). The photo was taken at Lake Dora <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> summer of 1969-7 0. Neil was explor<strong>in</strong>g forbase-metal deposits <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> rocks north of Mt. Lyell <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> employ of <strong>the</strong> Mount Lyell M<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and Railway Company .Please send your ‘Know your Geologist’ to tag@gsa.org.auTAG December 2011|35
Cam Bryan’s Geojott<strong>in</strong>gsThe name of <strong>the</strong> roseInever quite understood why Umberto Eco called his bestsell<strong>in</strong>gbook The Name of <strong>the</strong> Rose. My preferred answer isthat ‘a solution by any o<strong>the</strong>r name smells as sweet’ appliesto <strong>the</strong> convoluted dénouement of <strong>the</strong> plot (basically MidsomerMurders <strong>in</strong> a monastery). Whatever: it gives me a snappy titlefor some thoughts on names.We are surrounded by names. Indeed we could not get bywithout <strong>the</strong>m. ‘Hey you!’ is def<strong>in</strong>itely not <strong>the</strong> same as ‘Hello,John’. On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand I prefer ‘a person who sells meat <strong>in</strong> ashop’ to ‘Family Butcher’ which I have always found confus<strong>in</strong>g.The trouble with names is pronounc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m. The TVprogram Dalziel and Pascoe has made us aware of <strong>the</strong>pronunciation ‘DL’ <strong>in</strong>stead of ‘Dal zeal. ’ Global tectonics expertIan Dalziel once told me that he responded to ei<strong>the</strong>rpronunciation! The New South W ales town of Scone alsopresents problems. On my only visit to it I asked how <strong>the</strong> namewas pronounced and was told that Scone could rhyme with‘bon’, ‘stone’ or ‘skoon’. But perhaps <strong>the</strong> prize for pronunciationgoes to Fe<strong>the</strong>rstonehaugh and Cholmondeley , which arepronounced Fanshaw and Chumlee, respectively.Some names have a poetic r<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong>m; o<strong>the</strong>rs do not.I doubt that spell<strong>in</strong>g Death as De’ Ath makes <strong>the</strong> name anyfriendlier. The em<strong>in</strong>ent Swedish glaciologist V alter Schytt (<strong>the</strong>Schytt Glacier <strong>in</strong> <strong>Antarctic</strong>a is named after him) had nomisconceptions as to pronunciation of his name. GeophysicistJohn Jacobs told me that he always pronounced <strong>the</strong> name torhyme with kite: however , at a conference Schytt came up tohim and <strong>in</strong>troduced himself say<strong>in</strong>g ‘I am Shit’! On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rhand, JRR T olkien made an art form out of <strong>in</strong>vent<strong>in</strong>g names.Many of <strong>the</strong>m roll off <strong>the</strong> tongue, like Aragorn, Mordor ,Lothlorien, Gandalf, and are truly poetic.Palaeontologists are keen to give names! Sometimes <strong>the</strong>irnam<strong>in</strong>g conventions leave many of us perplexed. Why give up agood name like Brontosaurus, which we have all heard of, forApatosaurus? The reason<strong>in</strong>g goes like this. Othniel CharlesMarsh, Professor of P aleontology at Y ale University namedApatosaurus ajax <strong>in</strong> 1877. T wo years later he <strong>in</strong>correctlyidentified a larger and more complete specimen as Brontosaurusexcelsus: however, <strong>the</strong> two specimens are of <strong>the</strong> same species;hence <strong>the</strong> name Apatosaurus takes precedence overBrontosaurus. While <strong>the</strong> names of fossils can have <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>gmean<strong>in</strong>gs taken from Lat<strong>in</strong> or Greek roots (and beware <strong>the</strong>scientist who mixes his roots!) — Brontosaurus means ‘thunderlizard’—<strong>the</strong>y can also be taken from o<strong>the</strong>r languages (eg, <strong>the</strong>lobe-f<strong>in</strong>ned fish Tiktaalik from <strong>the</strong> Inuktitut word for afreshwater fish), places (eg <strong>the</strong> Burgess Shale annelid Canadia),people (eg <strong>the</strong> brachiopod Muirwoodia named after HelenMuir-Wood) or even suggested by <strong>the</strong>ir shape (eg <strong>the</strong> foram<strong>in</strong>iferOrbul<strong>in</strong>a, which is a sphere). P erhaps <strong>the</strong> candidate for <strong>in</strong>vent<strong>in</strong>g<strong>the</strong> most <strong>in</strong>trigu<strong>in</strong>g names goes to <strong>the</strong> Argent<strong>in</strong>ian palaeontologistFlorent<strong>in</strong>o Amegh<strong>in</strong>o, who named many genera of South Americanfossil mammals after <strong>the</strong> names of em<strong>in</strong>ent <strong>scientists</strong> us<strong>in</strong>g both<strong>the</strong>ir first name and <strong>the</strong>ir surname: hence, Henricosbornia,Thomashuxleyi, Carolodarw<strong>in</strong>ia and Edwardocopeia.For me, petrology has long been a riddle wrapped <strong>in</strong> amystery <strong>in</strong>side an enigma (to paraphrase W<strong>in</strong>ston Churchill’ scomments about Russia). In my student days it seemed thatpetrologists loved giv<strong>in</strong>g names to rocks, particularly igneousrocks. Nowadays <strong>the</strong> preference is to use a standard set of rocknames (eg granite, basalt) with m<strong>in</strong>eral prefixes. Spoil sports!There is surely someth<strong>in</strong>g romantic <strong>in</strong> read<strong>in</strong>g aboutailsacraigite, conjur<strong>in</strong>g up images of <strong>the</strong> Scottish island AilsaCraig, ra<strong>the</strong>r than riebeckite microgranite. Larvikite is muchmore exotic than ‘a type of monzonite’ — although as students<strong>in</strong> England we called it Montague Burtonite because <strong>the</strong> shopfronts of Montague Burton T ailors were always covered withslabs of larvikite. O<strong>the</strong>r , probably now forgotten, names thatstick <strong>in</strong> my memory are phonolite*, lherzolite*, adamellite,vogesite*, litchfieldite and luxullianite.Petrologists have also delighted <strong>in</strong> nam<strong>in</strong>g igneous<strong>in</strong>trusions accord<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong>ir shape and this has produced aplethora of names, of which batholith, lopolith and laccolith areprobably best known. But <strong>the</strong>re are many o<strong>the</strong>rs <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>gductolith, harpolith, sphenolith, akmolith and ethmolith. Thereis even chonolith for ‘<strong>in</strong>trusive igneous bodies with anonspecific, irregular shape that does not fit <strong>in</strong>to o<strong>the</strong>rcategories of plutonic structure’. However, <strong>the</strong> prize must go to<strong>the</strong> cactolith: ‘a quasi-horizontal chonolith composed ofanastomos<strong>in</strong>g ductoliths, whose distal ends curl like a harpolith,th<strong>in</strong> out like a sphenolith, or bulge discordantly like an akmolithor ethmolith’.Lest I be accused of denigrat<strong>in</strong>g petrological nomenclature, letme f<strong>in</strong>ish with geosyncl<strong>in</strong>es. What a wealth of terms was developedfor <strong>the</strong>se features, which seem to have disappeared from ourvocabulary now that plate tectonics is <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> ascendancy . Just torem<strong>in</strong>d you of some of <strong>the</strong> names: miogeosyncl<strong>in</strong>e, eugeosyncl<strong>in</strong>e,orthogeosyncl<strong>in</strong>e, zeugogeosyncl<strong>in</strong>e, parageosyncl<strong>in</strong>e, exogeosyncl<strong>in</strong>e,taphrogeosyncl<strong>in</strong>e and paraliageosyncl<strong>in</strong>e. Thank yourlucky stars for plate tectonics!As for <strong>the</strong> name of <strong>the</strong> rose? Well you make up your own m<strong>in</strong>d.*Cam, <strong>the</strong>se are approved igneous rock names. (Editor)36 | TAG December 2011
Books for reviewPlease contact <strong>the</strong> <strong>Geological</strong> <strong>Society</strong> ofAustralia Bus<strong>in</strong>ess Office (<strong>in</strong>fo@gsa.org.au)if you would like to review any of <strong>the</strong>follow<strong>in</strong>g publications:New publicationsBurke & Wills: <strong>the</strong> scientific legacy of<strong>the</strong> Victorian explor<strong>in</strong>g expeditionDoug McCann, Bernie Joyceand colleagues have completeda book on <strong>the</strong> Burkeand Wills expedition, review<strong>in</strong>g<strong>the</strong> value of its scientificresults and those of <strong>the</strong> severalrelief expeditions.Burke and Wills left Melbourne on 20 August1860, 150 years ago last year.For more details visit <strong>the</strong> Royal <strong>Society</strong>'sB&W site: http://burkeandwills150.<strong>in</strong>fo/Purchase from:The Royal <strong>Society</strong> of Victoriahttp://www.burkeandwills150.<strong>in</strong>fo/images/bwpdf/bw_book_order_form.pdfCSIRO Publish<strong>in</strong>g:http://www.publish.csiro.au/nid/18/pid/6733.htmVolcanoes of Auckland –<strong>the</strong> essential guideBruce W. Hayward et alPublished 2011246 pagesISBN 978 1 86940 479 6Re-advertisedD<strong>in</strong>osaurs <strong>in</strong> Australia mesozoic lifefrom <strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rn cont<strong>in</strong>entRobert Hamilton-Bruce &Benjam<strong>in</strong> KearPublished April 2011ISBN 9780643100459CSIRO Publish<strong>in</strong>gwww.publish.csiro.aupublish<strong>in</strong>g.sales@csiro.auSeismic reflection process<strong>in</strong>g withspecial reference to anisotropySK UpadhyayISBN: 3-540-40875-4Published 2004600 pagesskues@iitr.ernet.<strong>in</strong>From <strong>the</strong> <strong>Geological</strong> <strong>Society</strong>of LondonThe follow<strong>in</strong>g books are published by <strong>the</strong><strong>Geological</strong> <strong>Society</strong> of London,www.geolsoc.org.uk/bookshop but areavailable from <strong>the</strong> GSA for review, contact<strong>in</strong>fo@gsa.org.auSP337 Petrological evolution of <strong>the</strong>European lithospheric mantleM Coltori, H Downes, M Gregorie &SY O’ReillyPublished 2010, 236 pages, ₤85 (A$127.60),GSA Member price: ₤51 (A$81.35)SP324 Thermochronologicalmethods: from Palaeotemperatureconstra<strong>in</strong>ts to landscape evolutionmodelsF Lisker, B Ventura & UA GlasmacherISBN: 978-1-86239-285-4Published 2009336 pagesPrice: ₤100.00 / $200.00GSA Mem ₤60.00 / $120.00SP313 Underground gas storageDJ Evans & RA ChadwickISBN: 978-1-86239-272-4Published 2009360 pagesPrice: ₤54.00/ $108.00SP308 Geodynamic evolutionof East <strong>Antarctic</strong>aM Satish-Kumar, Y Motoyoshi, Y Osanai,Y Hiroi & K ShiraishiISBN: 978-1-86239-268-7Published 2008464 pagesPrice: ₤60.00 / $120.00SP303 Biogeochemicalcontrols on Palaeoceanographicenvironmental proxiesWEN Aust<strong>in</strong> & RH JamesISBN: 978-1-86239-257-1Published 2008200 pagesPrice: ₤51.00 / $102.00SP293 Metasomatism <strong>in</strong> oceanicand cont<strong>in</strong>ental lithosphericmantleM Coltorti & M GregoireISBN: 978-1-86239-242-7Published 2008368 pagesPrice: ₤54.00/ $108.00SP338 The evolv<strong>in</strong>g cont<strong>in</strong>ents,understand<strong>in</strong>g processes ofcont<strong>in</strong>ental growthTM Kusky, M–G Zhai & W XiaoISBN: 978-1-86239-303-5Published 2010402 pagesSP341 Evolution of <strong>the</strong> levantmarg<strong>in</strong> and Western Arabia platformC Hombery & M BachmannISBN: 978-1-86239-306-6Published 2010326 pagesSP343 D<strong>in</strong>osaurs and o<strong>the</strong>r ext<strong>in</strong>ctsaurians: an historical perspectiveRTJ Moody, E Buffetaut, D Naish &DM MartillISBN: 978-1-86239-311-0Published 2010380 pagesGEOQuiz ANSWERS(From page 10)1 Neoproterozoic supercont<strong>in</strong>ent2 A hypo<strong>the</strong>tical cont<strong>in</strong>ent occupy<strong>in</strong>g partsof <strong>the</strong> Atlantic and Indian Oceans (someauthors have extended it to <strong>the</strong> PacificOcean).3 Palaeozoic microcont<strong>in</strong>ent compris<strong>in</strong>gsouthwest Great Brita<strong>in</strong> and <strong>the</strong> eastern coastof North America.4 Palaeozoic supercont<strong>in</strong>ent made up of<strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Hemisphere cont<strong>in</strong>ents, chieflyLaurentia, Baltica, Siberia, Kazakhstania, and<strong>the</strong> North Ch<strong>in</strong>a and East Ch<strong>in</strong>a cratons.5 Neoproterozoic and Paleozoic oceansituated <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rn hemisphere betweenLaurentia, Baltica and Avalonia.6 A supercont<strong>in</strong>ent that existed <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> LatePrecambrian and gave rise to <strong>the</strong> cont<strong>in</strong>entsof Gondwana, Laurentia, Siberia, and Baltica<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cambrian.7 Neoarchaean supercont<strong>in</strong>ent8 Palaeozoic microcont<strong>in</strong>ent compris<strong>in</strong>gpart of southwest Great Brita<strong>in</strong> and nor<strong>the</strong>rnFrance.9 A hypo<strong>the</strong>tical cont<strong>in</strong>ent that allegedlydisappeared at <strong>the</strong> dawn of human history,located <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Atlantic or Pacific Oceans.10 Probably <strong>the</strong> most wander<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong>hypo<strong>the</strong>tical cont<strong>in</strong>ents, first mentioned byPlato and variously located <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>Mediterranean, Atlantic, <strong>Antarctic</strong>, Caribbean,Pacific and Indian Oceans.TAG December 2011 | 37
Book ReviewsAncient Orogens andModern AnaloguesJB Murphy, JD Keppie and AJ Hynes (Eds)<strong>Geological</strong> <strong>Society</strong> Special Publication327, London, 2009, 496 pagesISBN: 978-1-86239-289-2This recentpublication by The<strong>Geological</strong> <strong>Society</strong>,London,presents a series ofarticles that dealwith aspects ofsubduction, accretionary, collisionand extensional tectonics across awide geographical range from <strong>the</strong>New Zealand to <strong>the</strong> Andes, centraland north Americas, <strong>the</strong> Alp<strong>in</strong>e andPalaeozoic orogenic systems <strong>in</strong>Europe, <strong>the</strong> Urals and to WesternAustralia. A number of papers highlight<strong>the</strong> role of supercont<strong>in</strong>ent(eg Rod<strong>in</strong>ia) assembly and breakup <strong>in</strong>orogenic and rift<strong>in</strong>g processes.Special Publication 327 conta<strong>in</strong>s 18papers and 195 figures <strong>in</strong> 488 pages.Follow<strong>in</strong>g an <strong>in</strong>troduction by <strong>the</strong>editors, <strong>the</strong> book is divided <strong>in</strong>to threesections:1) Mesozoic-Cenozoic orogens(7 papers)2) Palaeozoic/Neoproterozoic orogens(7 papers) and3) Proterozoic orogens (4 papers).Cole JW & Sp<strong>in</strong>ks KD start off <strong>the</strong>first section with a review ofca 18 Ma – present felsic calderavolcanism <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Taupo Volcanic Zone(New Zealand). The authors highlight<strong>the</strong> relationship of calderas withrift<strong>in</strong>g and fault structures. RamosVA & Folguera A illustrate <strong>the</strong>evolution of <strong>the</strong> Andean flat-slabsubduction with time and po<strong>in</strong>t outthat <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> geological record flatslabsubduction is more commonthan previously realised. Indeed, asubstantial part of <strong>the</strong> Andean cont<strong>in</strong>entalmarg<strong>in</strong> was affected by presentand past flat-slab subduction,with volcanic gaps where <strong>the</strong> Nazcaand J Fernández ridges collide with<strong>the</strong> cont<strong>in</strong>ental marg<strong>in</strong>. Fur<strong>the</strong>r to<strong>the</strong> north, Mandujano-Velaquez JJ &Keppie JD report on <strong>the</strong> fold-andthrustbelt formed through <strong>the</strong>collision of <strong>the</strong> Tehuantepec Ridgewith a trench system <strong>in</strong> CentralAmerica (Mexico) as detailed byseismic profiles. The CanadianCordillera is tackled next, by Dostal J,Keppie JD & Ferri F, who, us<strong>in</strong>ggeochemical and Nd–Sr isotopicdata, propose a model of obliqueeastward subduction of <strong>the</strong> CacheCreek terrane. Stampfli GM &Hochard C give a detailed andwell-illustrated account of <strong>the</strong>geodynamic evolution of <strong>the</strong> Alp<strong>in</strong>eorogenic belts <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Mediterraneanregion, <strong>in</strong> a comparatively shortpaper. Still <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Mediterraneanregion, Johnston ST & Mazzoli Sprovide a good overview of <strong>the</strong>palaeogeographic and tectonicevolution of <strong>the</strong> Italian pen<strong>in</strong>sula,def<strong>in</strong>ed by <strong>the</strong> Calabrian Orocl<strong>in</strong>e.The focus is <strong>the</strong> transferred eastwardto <strong>the</strong> Anatolia (Turkey) regionwhere, us<strong>in</strong>g GPS velocity vectorsand seismic tomography, Dilek Y &Sandvol E, discuss <strong>the</strong> Mesozoic toCenozoic geodynamic evolution ofAnatolia, with very <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g modelsshown <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir Figures 8 and 1 0.The second section starts with acomprehensive review of <strong>the</strong> UralianOrogen by Puchkov VN. This orogenextends for more than 4000 km fromNovaya Zemlya <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> north to <strong>the</strong>Tianshan <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> south. Both <strong>the</strong>editors and Puchkov must be creditedfor <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Uralian Orogen, notparticularly well known <strong>in</strong> westernliterature, <strong>in</strong> this book. Ano<strong>the</strong>rwelcome paper is by Hofmann H,L<strong>in</strong>nemann U, Gerdes A, Ullrich B &Schaeur M on <strong>the</strong> Variscan Orogenyand <strong>the</strong> Bohemian Massif; unfortunately,<strong>the</strong>ir Figure 4 is difficult tofollow, because it has 33 boxes as alegend, all expla<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> a very longcaption. Pereira FM, Chichorro M,Williams IS, Silva JB, Fernández C,Díáz-Azpíoz, Apraiz A & Castro Acont<strong>in</strong>ue with <strong>the</strong> Variscan to <strong>the</strong>southwest, <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Iberian Massif,us<strong>in</strong>g U–Pb zircon geochronologyand structural studies to stress <strong>the</strong>importance of extensional transcurrenttectonics <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> f<strong>in</strong>al stage oforogenic processes. The usefulness ofdetrital zircon age data comesthrough very nicely with <strong>the</strong>contribution by Nance BD, Keppie DJ,Miller BV, Murphy JB & Dostal J whoreconstructed <strong>the</strong> palaeogeographyof Mexico between <strong>the</strong> Silurian and<strong>the</strong> Triassic, with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> framework of<strong>the</strong> Rheic Ocean. A long paper, butwell illustrated with catchy figures oftectonic processes, by Van Staal CR,Whalen IB, Valverde-Vaquero P,Zagoreski A & Rogers N, describesaspects of accretion orogenesis of<strong>the</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>rn Appalachian. Equallywell illustrated and presented is <strong>the</strong>contribution by Sánchez-Martínez S,Arenas R, Fernández-Suárez J &Jeffries TE, on how <strong>the</strong> ophiolites ofNW Iberia can be used forreconstruct<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> evolution ofcont<strong>in</strong>ents and oceans, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>Rheic and Iapetus Oceans. Theimportance of <strong>the</strong> Rheic Ocean andresult<strong>in</strong>g ophiolites is taken up aga<strong>in</strong>by Murphy JB, Gutiérrez-Alonso G,Nance RD, Fernández-Suárez J,Keppei JD, Quesada C, Dostal J &Braid JA who document <strong>the</strong>evolution of <strong>the</strong> Variscan Orogen and<strong>the</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>rn Gondwana marg<strong>in</strong>.The last section of this bookbeg<strong>in</strong>s with a paper on a revisedreconstruction of Rod<strong>in</strong>ia us<strong>in</strong>gpalaeomagnetic data, by Evans DAD.Interest<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> this contribution is <strong>the</strong>position of a remnant sea wi<strong>the</strong>vaporite deposits, where sedimenthostedm<strong>in</strong>eral systems may haveformed. Rivers T discusses <strong>the</strong>Grenville Prov<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>in</strong> terms of a hotlong-duration orogen (LHO). Wearrive <strong>in</strong> Western Australia with ashort but reveal<strong>in</strong>g contribution byOcchip<strong>in</strong>ti SA & Reddy SM who usedAr–Ar data to document <strong>the</strong> tectonicrework<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> Capricorn Orogen <strong>in</strong><strong>the</strong> Neoproterozoic. The last paper <strong>in</strong>this book is by Corrigan D, PehrssonS, Wodicka N & De Kemp E, who alsoprovided a short but illum<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>gpaper on <strong>the</strong> geodynamic evolutionof <strong>the</strong> Trans-Hudson Orogen.A very impressive collection ofcontributions by an equally impressivel<strong>in</strong>e-up of authors. Well worth itfor students of orogenic processesand cont<strong>in</strong>ental reconstructions andfor geo<strong>scientists</strong> who would like tolearn more on <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>me exam<strong>in</strong>ed<strong>in</strong> this volume.FRANCO PIRAJNO<strong>Geological</strong> Survey of Western AustraliaSchool of Earth and Environment,University of Western Australiafraco.pirajno@dmp.wa.gov.auEarth Surface Processes,Landforms andSediment DepositsJS Bridge & RV DemiccoCambridge University Press, Cambridge,2008, 815 pagesISBN: 978-0-521-85780-2 hardbackJust glanc<strong>in</strong>g atthis work makesone feel dauntedby <strong>the</strong> huge taskthat must havefaced <strong>the</strong> authors<strong>in</strong> prepar<strong>in</strong>g thiswonderful volume.This weighty tome provides a verycomprehensive overview of <strong>the</strong> discipl<strong>in</strong>arycoverage of sediment-ology.The book explicitly adopts <strong>the</strong> perspectiveof exam<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> depositionalend products ofsedimentation processes with<strong>in</strong> ageomorphological context at a levelof detail not previously attempted(ie <strong>in</strong> terms of <strong>the</strong> level of geomorphologicaldetail provided). Bridgeand Demicco attempt to show <strong>the</strong>clear l<strong>in</strong>kages between sedimentaryenvironments, Earth surface processes(wea<strong>the</strong>r<strong>in</strong>g, erosion, transportation)and resultant facies associations.A central concern is <strong>the</strong> clear <strong>in</strong>terrelationshipof <strong>the</strong>se processes <strong>in</strong>fashion<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> depositional products.Follow<strong>in</strong>g an <strong>in</strong>troduction that setsout <strong>the</strong> broad scope of <strong>the</strong> volume,Chapter 2 presents a generalisedoverview of <strong>the</strong> Earth, partly from aplate-tectonic perspective. Thechapter also exam<strong>in</strong>es <strong>the</strong> physicalattributes and behaviour of <strong>the</strong>atmosphere and hydrosphere, <strong>the</strong>nature of <strong>early</strong> life on <strong>the</strong> planetand <strong>the</strong> evolution of <strong>the</strong> lithosphere,atmosphere, hydrosphere andbiosphere, sett<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> scene for <strong>the</strong>dynamic nature of <strong>the</strong> Earth throughits history. Part 2 of <strong>the</strong> volumeconcentrates on <strong>the</strong> production ofsediment on <strong>the</strong> Earth’s surface.Chapter 3 exam<strong>in</strong>es <strong>the</strong> orig<strong>in</strong> ofterrigenous clastic sediments,<strong>the</strong> nature of wea<strong>the</strong>r<strong>in</strong>g processesand <strong>the</strong> formation of soils. Theproduction of bioclastic sedimentsas well as sediments derived fromwhat has classically been termedchemical processes (eg siliceous,iron, phosphatic sediments) areconsidered <strong>in</strong> Chapter 4. In Part 3,38 | TAG December 2011
<strong>the</strong> fundamentals of fluid flow, sediment transport,erosion and deposition are considered. The natureof unidirectional turbulent flow is exam<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong>Chapter 5 as well as <strong>the</strong> resultant bedforms. Thenature of sediment transport associated withaeolian processes is explored <strong>in</strong> Chapter 6, with<strong>in</strong>both <strong>the</strong> context of resultant sedimentarystructures and at <strong>the</strong> larger scale, <strong>the</strong> nature of<strong>the</strong> physical landscape. Chapter 7 <strong>the</strong>n discussesmultidirectional flow and resultant sedimentarystructures. Sedimentary processes under <strong>the</strong><strong>in</strong>fluence of gravity flows are exam<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong>Chapter 8, followed by volcaniclastic processes(Chapter 9), and ice flow (Chapter 10).Sedimentary structures result<strong>in</strong>g from biologicaland chemical processes are exam<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> Chapter11. Collectively, <strong>the</strong>se <strong>early</strong> chapters provide a verydetailed overview of <strong>the</strong> myriad of sedimentarystructures that form with<strong>in</strong> a diverse range ofsedimentary environments and <strong>the</strong> discussion veryeffectively demonstrates <strong>the</strong> relationship ofspecific features to <strong>the</strong>ir characteristic depositionalenvironments. Post-depositional modification ofsediments <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> context of soft-sedimentdeformation is explored <strong>in</strong> Chapter 12.Contrast<strong>in</strong>g descriptions of depositionalenvironments are covered <strong>in</strong> six chapters <strong>in</strong> P art 4of <strong>the</strong> book. These chapters are excellent <strong>in</strong>describ<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> nuances of sedimentary processeswith<strong>in</strong> a geomorphological context. However, <strong>the</strong>volume does differ somewhat <strong>in</strong> its coverage ofthis topic from previous works <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> sense thatspecific facies models and <strong>the</strong> architecture ofresultant sedimentary successions <strong>in</strong> contrast<strong>in</strong>gdepositional environments seem to be covered<strong>in</strong> less detail. Thus, <strong>the</strong> plethora of verticalstratigraphical profiles of sedimentary faciesassociations seen <strong>in</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r works, are a lesscommonelement of this volume. Part 5 of <strong>the</strong>work presents a very comprehensive overview ofsediment diagenesis, and f<strong>in</strong>ally <strong>in</strong> Part 6, Chapter20 presents an engag<strong>in</strong>g discussion of <strong>the</strong> major<strong>in</strong>fluences on erosion and sedimentation —tectonism, climate and global sea-level changes.This is a particularly valuable discussion thatserves a major <strong>in</strong>tegrative function with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>volume. A disappo<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g element of this chapter,however, is <strong>the</strong> somewhat dismissive treatment ofsequence stratigraphy.The overall production quality of <strong>the</strong> volume isvery good although it is a shame that <strong>the</strong>publishers have relegated <strong>the</strong> only colour photographs<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> volume to four <strong>in</strong>sert pages betweenpages 24 and 25. The l<strong>in</strong>e draw<strong>in</strong>gs are all of veryhigh quality.In summary, this is an excellent purview of <strong>the</strong>nature of <strong>the</strong> discipl<strong>in</strong>e of sedimentology and willbe of wide appeal, both from <strong>the</strong> perspective ofstudents becom<strong>in</strong>g familiar with <strong>the</strong> science for<strong>the</strong> first time, and for professionals from a widerange of backgrounds <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Earth andEnvironmental Sciences. It deserves a place on <strong>the</strong>Earth Science bookshelf next to o<strong>the</strong>r great works<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> field of sedimentology such as <strong>the</strong> classicsby Friedman and Sanders ( Pr<strong>in</strong>ciples ofSedimentology), Walker and James (Facies Models),Blatt, Middleton and Murray ( Orig<strong>in</strong> ofSedimentary Rocks) and Pettijohn (SedimentaryRocks). I highly recommend <strong>the</strong> work.COLIN V MURRAY-WALLACEUniversity of WollongongThe Geology of ThailandMF Ridd, AJ Barber and MJ Crow (Eds)<strong>Geological</strong> <strong>Society</strong> of London, 2011, 626 pagesISBN: 978-1-86239-322-6 (hardback)ISBN: 978-1-86239-319-6 (paperback)Although an excellent andcomprehensive Thai languagesummary of <strong>the</strong> geology ofThailand was compiled by <strong>the</strong>Thai Department of M<strong>in</strong>eralResources (DMR) <strong>in</strong> 2001, it wasnot translated <strong>in</strong>to English.An English-language summary of Thailand’sfasc<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g geology has been needed for manyyears and this is now supplied by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Geological</strong><strong>Society</strong> of London. The volume is 626 pages longand <strong>the</strong> paperback version is a weighty 1.85 kg.It consists of 21 geochronologically arrangedchapters written by 26 authors with a usefulappendix of radiometric dates compiled by one of<strong>the</strong> editors (Michael Crow) plus a simplified,pull-out geological map of Thailand. There are alsoseparate chapters on coal, volcanic rocks andgranitic rocks. Most of <strong>the</strong> authors have writtenextremely good summaries and syn<strong>the</strong>sisedmounta<strong>in</strong>s of often obscurely published andunpublished <strong>in</strong>formation.Christopher Morley, Andrew Racey, John Booth,and Nares Sattayarak utilise a wealth of ma<strong>in</strong>lyunpublished seismic data to produce superbsyn<strong>the</strong>ses of subsurface geology, ‘Tertiary’stratigraphy and petroleum geology <strong>in</strong> Chapters 9,10, and 13. Chris Morley, Punya Charusiri and IanWatk<strong>in</strong>son’s syn<strong>the</strong>sis of <strong>the</strong> structural geology of<strong>the</strong> Cenozoic is a profusely illustrated tour de forcethat should be absorbed by everyone <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong>SE Asian geology. O<strong>the</strong>r highlights are Bent Hansenand Klaus Wemmer’s Chapter 2 on <strong>the</strong> ‘basement’rocks of Thailand; Katsumi Ueno’s and Thas<strong>in</strong>eeCharoentitirat’s Chapter 5 on <strong>the</strong> controversialCarboniferous and Permian sequences; MichaelCrow and Kh<strong>in</strong> Zaw’s Chapter 17 on metalliferousm<strong>in</strong>eral deposits; John Milson’s Chapter 18 onregional geophysics; and Kieren Howard’s f<strong>in</strong>alChapter 21 on <strong>the</strong> fasc<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g subject of tektitesand <strong>the</strong> effects of <strong>the</strong> 800-ka impact event <strong>in</strong>SE Asia. Useful, thought-provok<strong>in</strong>g, summarytectonic papers are provided by <strong>the</strong> editors and byChris Morley and Michael Searle (Chapters 19 and20). All <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r chapters are <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g, wellwritten and well illustrated.The only quibble I have is that <strong>in</strong> Chapter 3, on <strong>the</strong>Lower Palaeozoic, Michael Ridd <strong>in</strong>troduces what heclaims to be a new lithostratigraphic group, <strong>the</strong>Satun Group for <strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rn Thai LowerPalaeozoic. This term was actually proposed byBurton (1974) and its re-<strong>in</strong>troduction along with are-classification of sou<strong>the</strong>rn Thai lithostratigraphicunits is unnecessary and will only cause confusion.Similarly confus<strong>in</strong>g is his use of <strong>the</strong> Nga ChangSupergroup for <strong>the</strong> overly<strong>in</strong>g sequence whichapparently, at least <strong>in</strong> this book (p 36), conta<strong>in</strong>s noconstituent groups and only one formation.Elsewhere <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> volume Ueno and Charoentitiratreview <strong>the</strong> usage of Nga Chang and write (p 115)“These facts <strong>in</strong>cl<strong>in</strong>e us to provisionally regard <strong>the</strong>Nga Chang Group as superfluous.” I agree.The editors must be congratulated for <strong>the</strong>ir hardwork assembl<strong>in</strong>g such an excellent and usefulcompilation and gett<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> disparate group of 26authors to submit and f<strong>in</strong>ish <strong>the</strong>ir articles on time.The list price of <strong>the</strong> hardback edition is £1 00 but<strong>the</strong> paperback version is £50 or £37.50 for Fellowsand for members of o<strong>the</strong>r societies and is anaffordable barga<strong>in</strong> at AU$56 (plus postage). Thisvolume is essential read<strong>in</strong>g for anyone <strong>in</strong>terested<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> geology of SE Asia.CLIVE BURRETTSakon NakhonThailandThe Triassic TimescaleSG Lucas (Ed)<strong>Geological</strong> <strong>Society</strong> Special Publication 334, London,514 pagesPrice £95.00ISBN: 978-1-86239-296-0If <strong>the</strong> time period from 252 to201 million years ago, ie, <strong>the</strong>Triassic, is your ma<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> book published lastyear and edited by SpencerLucas of <strong>the</strong> New MexicoMuseum of Natural History andScience is <strong>the</strong> one for you.Between <strong>the</strong> covers, with a death assemblage ofSpathian ammonoids from <strong>the</strong> USA on <strong>the</strong> frontone, is n<strong>early</strong> everyth<strong>in</strong>g to br<strong>in</strong>g anyone up todate on <strong>early</strong> Mesozoic matters. The post-Permian–Triassic ext<strong>in</strong>ction era was a time offasc<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g struggle through 50 million years torecovery for some but fur<strong>the</strong>r ext<strong>in</strong>ction for o<strong>the</strong>rs;a time affected by <strong>the</strong> f<strong>in</strong>al throws of <strong>the</strong> assemblyof Pangaea and <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>gs of its breakup.The global biodiversity collapse allowed a massiveweed<strong>in</strong>g out lead<strong>in</strong>g to new evolutionary <strong>in</strong>novations.Lucas’ book reviews <strong>the</strong> unfold<strong>in</strong>g of n<strong>early</strong>two centuries of consideration of Triassic eventsand timescale studies and gives us comprehensiveanalyses of radiometric, magneto-, bio- and o<strong>the</strong>rstratigraphic correlations. Data are based onisotopic, mar<strong>in</strong>e and non-mar<strong>in</strong>e studies.There have been several well-organised UNESCO:IUGS International Geoscience Programme projectson <strong>the</strong> Triassic and its boundary problems <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>last decade or so, for <strong>in</strong>stance, IGCP 458Triassic/Jurassic Boundary Events (2001–2005)with leaders J Palfy (Hungary), SP Hesselbo (UK),C McRoberts (USA), and IGCP 467 T riassic time(2002–2006) led by Mike Orchard (Canada), someof whom are authors <strong>in</strong> this new book. In all,23 authors from 10 countries have co-operated toprovide an <strong>in</strong>tegrated approach (palaeontology,stratigraphy, sedimentology, geochemistry,TAG December 2011|39
geochronology, palaeomagnetism and m<strong>in</strong>eralogy)from <strong>the</strong> basal Triassic to <strong>the</strong> Triassic/Jurassicboundary at a global level. Major mass-ext<strong>in</strong>ctionevents and important volcanic episodes, changes<strong>in</strong> sea level, are considered <strong>in</strong> context ofchronostratigraphy.Lucas himself gives us <strong>the</strong> background to <strong>the</strong>current IUGS standard stratigraphy and chronostratigraphyshow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> German foundation forwork on <strong>the</strong> stages back <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> 18th century , with<strong>the</strong> ‘Trias’ be<strong>in</strong>g co<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 1823 for <strong>the</strong> almost1 km-thick tripartite succession <strong>in</strong> southwesternGermany by m<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g eng<strong>in</strong>eer Friedrich August vonAlberti (1795–1878). Chronostratigraphy gotunderway with work on <strong>the</strong> ammonoids (review byM Bal<strong>in</strong>i et al) <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> 19th century with conodontwork (reviewed by MJ Orchard) provid<strong>in</strong>g a fur<strong>the</strong>rcomprehensive tool for mar<strong>in</strong>e successions <strong>in</strong><strong>the</strong> 20th century. Radiometric and magnetostratigraphieshave been added on dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> lastcentury to give a most ref<strong>in</strong>ed timescale withseven still-debated stages: R Mundil et al <strong>the</strong>nprovide an updated Triassic timescale us<strong>in</strong>g newPb/U and isotope data; MW Hounslow andG Muttoni also give <strong>the</strong> historical underp<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g for<strong>the</strong> still- pioneer<strong>in</strong>g geomagnetic correlations.L Tanner <strong>in</strong>vestigates environmental change via <strong>the</strong>isotope record look<strong>in</strong>g at carbon, oxygen, sulfurand strontium and also looks at cyclostratigraphyespecially Milankovitch frequencies. As noted,biostratigraphy still features strongly, withL O’Dogherty et al consider<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> 30-year historyof radiolarian research and CA Roberts giv<strong>in</strong>g abivalve chronology based on <strong>the</strong> last two decadesof work. Palynology receives two chapters withconcentration on NW Europe by WM Kürchner andW Herngreen, while S Cirelli reviews <strong>the</strong> UpperTriassic – lowermost Jurassic worldwide.Correlation of mar<strong>in</strong>e to non-mar<strong>in</strong>e receivesimportant treatment by H Kozur and RE Weemslook<strong>in</strong>g at <strong>the</strong> chit<strong>in</strong>ous clam shrimp arthropods(conchostracans). Lucas also co-authors chapterson ammonoids (with M Bal<strong>in</strong>i, JF Jenks, &JA Spielmann) but <strong>the</strong> book f<strong>in</strong>ishes with hisspeciality, concentrat<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>the</strong> tetrapod workdone <strong>in</strong> recent decades. Us<strong>in</strong>g footpr<strong>in</strong>ts (withH Kle<strong>in</strong>) as well as dicynodonts and reptiles,<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> oldest d<strong>in</strong>osaurs, <strong>the</strong>y give newcorrelation schemes with five ichno biochrons tocomplement eight Land-Vertebrate faunachrons(LFVs). The latter two chapters make up n<strong>early</strong>one-fifth of <strong>the</strong> book.Australia, which does not have an extensivemar<strong>in</strong>e record on its landmass, does ga<strong>in</strong>recognition especially for <strong>the</strong> palynostratigraphicwork done by Balme, Helby, de Jersey and <strong>the</strong>ircolleagues (p 298–299 <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> chapter by S Cirilli)and its tetrapods (Lucas) although <strong>the</strong> geographicposition (and spell<strong>in</strong>g) of, eg footpr<strong>in</strong>t sites(map p 420), is not accurate, with key T riassic sitesmiss<strong>in</strong>g. Australia has some of <strong>the</strong> oldest recordedd<strong>in</strong>osaurs <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> word, based on tracks(eg, Thulborn <strong>in</strong> Rich & Vickers-Rich 2003); all butone record come from sou<strong>the</strong>astern Queensland.There has been no <strong>Australian</strong> Triassic overviews<strong>in</strong>ce Balme and Foster’s <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> ‘AGSO timescale’(Young & Laurie 1996) as this period was miss<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> last compendium on Australasian faunasand floras (Wright et al 2000) so this book makes amost useful and necessary contribution. TheTriassic Timescale gives a detailed framework for abetter assessment of <strong>the</strong> tim<strong>in</strong>g, duration andtempo of ext<strong>in</strong>ction events as well as isotopeanomalies and global environmental changes.Despite scant mention but at least recognition of<strong>the</strong>ir potential for correlation, what I did miss ismuch mention of <strong>the</strong> fishes. Although not manygroups recovered significantly follow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> P/Text<strong>in</strong>ction, <strong>the</strong> act<strong>in</strong>opterygian (f<strong>in</strong>-rayed bonyfish) and many sharks did, with one importantclade be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> ‘Lazarus’ xenacanths from <strong>the</strong>Sydney Bas<strong>in</strong> that cont<strong>in</strong>ued to survive well <strong>in</strong>to<strong>the</strong> Middle Triassic. The act<strong>in</strong>opterygians went onto be <strong>the</strong> dom<strong>in</strong>ant fishes on Earth. A ‘robust’Triassic microvertebrate scheme is still needed.Never<strong>the</strong>less, Spencer Lucas has done a f<strong>in</strong>e job <strong>in</strong>br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g toge<strong>the</strong>r this volume and as with all GSLproductions it is well produced and reasonablypriced (not least for members of <strong>Geological</strong>Societies who can get <strong>the</strong> discount).REFERENCESRich, TH & Vickers-Rich, P 2003. A Century of<strong>Australian</strong> D<strong>in</strong>osaurs. Queen Victoria Museum andMonash Science Centre, Australia, 124 p.Wright, AJ, Young, GC, Talent, JA & Laurie, JR (eds)2000. Palaeobiogeography of Australasian Faunas andFloras. Association of Australasian PalaeontologistsMemoir 23, 515 p.Young, GC & Laurie, J (eds) 1996. An <strong>Australian</strong>Phanerozoic Timescale. Oxford University Press,Oxford, 279 p (plus box of 12 biostratigraphic charts).SUSAN TURNERBrisbane<strong>Geological</strong> Journeys – a travellers’guide to South Africa’s rocks andlandformsNick Norman and Gav<strong>in</strong> WhitfieldStruick Publishers, Cape Town, 2006, 320 pagesISBN: 978-1-77007-062-2Let me state from <strong>the</strong>beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g that I have not beento South Africa, so I looked atthis book with unbiased eyesabout what <strong>the</strong>re is to see, butI did choose to review thisbook to learn someth<strong>in</strong>g aboutthat nation and its fasc<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g geology.The book has about 320 pages and is wellillustrated throughout with quality colouredimages; <strong>in</strong> fact almost every open<strong>in</strong>g has at leastone colour image, <strong>the</strong> exceptions be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>acknowledgements/preface, four-page glossary,bibliography and five-page <strong>in</strong>dex. The wholesoft-covered text is a visual delight with plenty ofdiagrams, sections and maps expla<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g particularaspects of <strong>the</strong> local geology and captionedphotographs of examples <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> field. Forty-onegeological maps are spread throughout <strong>the</strong> textwith a basic set of colours and symbols relat<strong>in</strong>g to<strong>the</strong> geological key <strong>in</strong>side <strong>the</strong> back cover. Roads,rivers, towns and geographic grid coord<strong>in</strong>atesprovide good reference to locat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> detail.Twenty-four figures are <strong>in</strong>cluded to expla<strong>in</strong>particular geological aspects ei<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong> cross-sectionor block model.The authors have divided <strong>the</strong> text <strong>in</strong>to 18 chapterswhich relate to <strong>the</strong> national roads which radiateout from <strong>the</strong> population centres at Johannesburg,Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban. The text iswritten <strong>in</strong> an easy to read format and uses familiar(to <strong>the</strong> local) landmarks to guide <strong>the</strong> traveller andhighlight geological aspects. After an <strong>in</strong>troductory24 pages cover<strong>in</strong>g background geologicalknowledge, rock-type def<strong>in</strong>itions, plate tectonicsand such, <strong>the</strong> narrative launches <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong>geological guide start<strong>in</strong>g with <strong>the</strong> fasc<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>ggeology of <strong>the</strong> Johannesburg area, focuss<strong>in</strong>g on<strong>the</strong> gold-rich strata and diamond production, butalso <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g descriptions of <strong>the</strong> Archeanbasement of granite and greenstone. A shorthistory of <strong>the</strong> discovery of gold and <strong>the</strong>development of m<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g and extractiontechnologies complements <strong>the</strong> geology.The chapter on Cape Town highlights <strong>the</strong> granitesand deep-wea<strong>the</strong>r<strong>in</strong>g history, has a curiousmention of South Africa’s nuclear-power historyand touches on <strong>the</strong> recent anthropological historyrecorded <strong>in</strong> fossil footpr<strong>in</strong>ts.At Durban <strong>the</strong> dom<strong>in</strong>ant sandstone geologyconta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g sedimentary structures and fossilswould delight any visitor. In addition, geologicalevidence of <strong>the</strong> existence and <strong>the</strong>n breakup ofGondwana is related <strong>in</strong> detailed descriptions. FromJohannesburg to Beitbridge is a trip to <strong>the</strong>Precambrian, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g mafic <strong>in</strong>trusives, granites,greenstones, dolomites and <strong>the</strong> like exposed <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>Bushveld Complex and <strong>the</strong> Karoo Bas<strong>in</strong>. Includedhere is a section on <strong>the</strong> plat<strong>in</strong>um group ofelements, chromium resources and a detaileddescription of <strong>the</strong> mafic complex. On <strong>the</strong>Johannesburg to Cape Town road <strong>the</strong> tower<strong>in</strong>gescarpment known as <strong>the</strong> Great Karoo exemplifiessome of <strong>the</strong> tectonics experienced <strong>in</strong> this region.Inset boxes expla<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> parts of folds and foldtypes which have classic examples <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>La<strong>in</strong>gsburg area. The trip to Port Elizabeth goesthrough spectacular fold belt mounta<strong>in</strong>s, lakedistricts, forests and coastal scenery. While wellvegetated, <strong>the</strong> geology is not hidden, with plentyof examples of coastal processes. This chapter also<strong>in</strong>troduces <strong>the</strong> petroleum exploration of SouthAfrica.Between Pretoria and Skilpadshek <strong>the</strong> significanceof plat<strong>in</strong>um resources is highlighted along with <strong>the</strong>presence of unusual alkal<strong>in</strong>e rocks of <strong>the</strong>Pilanesberg. East of Pretoria on <strong>the</strong> way toKomatipoort, South Africa’s ma<strong>in</strong> coal fields supplynearby power stations, while fur<strong>the</strong>r east, dolomitewas previously m<strong>in</strong>ed to make lime. The route fromCape Town north to Vioolsdrif crosses complicatedstructure and metamorphism result<strong>in</strong>g from tightlyfolded mobile belts. The region also comprisesgranites and South Africa’s oldest copper m<strong>in</strong>esnear Spr<strong>in</strong>gbok.Along <strong>the</strong> N12 from Johannesburg to George <strong>the</strong>route passes more coalfields and <strong>the</strong>Witwatersrand Supergroup, provid<strong>in</strong>g a touch of40 | TAG December 2011
gold from <strong>the</strong> Witwatersrand and <strong>the</strong>n<strong>in</strong>troduction of <strong>the</strong> Kimberley diamonds, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>gsome history of <strong>the</strong> f<strong>in</strong>ds and subsequentdevelopments. Fur<strong>the</strong>r along <strong>the</strong> road <strong>the</strong>re areexamples of glacial tillite from <strong>the</strong> K arooSupergroup. Travers<strong>in</strong>g westward on <strong>the</strong> N14 fromPretoria to Spr<strong>in</strong>gbok <strong>the</strong>re are examples ofperfectly preserved fossils and sedimentarystructures <strong>in</strong> Archean rocks, while fur<strong>the</strong>r along<strong>the</strong> Roar<strong>in</strong>g Dunes of <strong>the</strong> Witsand Nature Reserveand site of <strong>the</strong> massive copper–z<strong>in</strong>c deposits of <strong>the</strong>Aggeney’s district can be found.The f<strong>in</strong>al few chapters highlight specific geologicalfeatures <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Great Escarpment with itsdeeply <strong>in</strong>cised rivers and spectacular geologicalscenery and <strong>the</strong> magnificent mounta<strong>in</strong> scenery of<strong>the</strong> Drakensberg escarpment and <strong>the</strong> Little K aroo.Throughout <strong>the</strong> text, less well known m<strong>in</strong>eralresources of South Africa such as alum<strong>in</strong>ium,titanium, coal, kaol<strong>in</strong>, manganese and andalusiteare <strong>in</strong>serted. As previously mentioned <strong>the</strong> text iswell illustrated and cl<strong>early</strong> written. It would be auseful companion to any traveller (geologist ornot) to South Africa as a general warm up on <strong>the</strong>geology and m<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g history. In addition, anyonewish<strong>in</strong>g to understand geological pr<strong>in</strong>ciples withgood examples of outcrops (South African),explanatory diagrams (well thought out andcolourful) and geological terms cl<strong>early</strong> def<strong>in</strong>edwould f<strong>in</strong>d this text useful.DON CHERRYCoastal Chalk Cliff InstabilityRN Mortimore & A Duperret (Eds)<strong>Geological</strong> <strong>Society</strong> Eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g Geology SpecialPublication 20, London, 2004, 173 pagesISBN 1-86239-150-5Although this publication issome years old, I only receivedit for review earlier this year.Never<strong>the</strong>less it is a very worthwhilepublication with currentrelevance to <strong>Australian</strong>carbonate cliffed coasts.Most of <strong>the</strong> rocky coasts around <strong>the</strong> world aresubject to active erosion processes and <strong>the</strong>consequent cliff retreat and <strong>in</strong>stability pose serioushazards to many coastal communities. This is acollection of 11 multi-authored papers that are <strong>the</strong>results of <strong>the</strong> European funded research programROCC (Risk of Cliff Collapse) presented at aconference <strong>in</strong> 2001. The ROCC program was<strong>in</strong>itiated by a multidiscipl<strong>in</strong>ary UK and Frenchteam concerned with <strong>the</strong> significant cliff collapseissues on <strong>the</strong> chalk coasts on both side of <strong>the</strong>English Channel (La Manche).The book is organised <strong>in</strong> three sections: <strong>the</strong>primary geological controls on chalk cliff<strong>in</strong>stability; <strong>the</strong> specific mar<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong>fluences oncoastal cliff erosion and some specific tools andtechniques useful <strong>in</strong> coastal cliff erosion researchand management. The overall approaches <strong>in</strong>cludestandard geological field mapp<strong>in</strong>g and laboratoryanalysis, geomechanical analyses, numericalmodel<strong>in</strong>g, laboratory flume experiments andmethods for us<strong>in</strong>g historical data and records. Inparticular <strong>the</strong>re is a real attempt to look at a rangeof methods to identify <strong>the</strong> most important factorswhere multiple processes are <strong>in</strong>volved. There arefive papers based on UK data, four on French data,one <strong>the</strong>oretical and one <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g Canadianapproach and paper.The basic geology and range of cliff <strong>in</strong>stabilityhazards are identified for <strong>the</strong> 40 km English coast(Mortimer et al) and <strong>the</strong> 120 km French coast(Duperret et al). Although <strong>the</strong> discussions ofproblems and <strong>the</strong>ir related causes are at differentscales (1:500 and 1:10 000 scales for <strong>the</strong> UKand 1:100 000 for France) <strong>the</strong>y are clear andcomparable. The karstic issues are betterelucidated for <strong>the</strong> French coast. A multi-scaleanalysis of pre-exist<strong>in</strong>g fractures <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> chalk us<strong>in</strong>goblique aerial photographs and fieldwork showsthat <strong>the</strong>re is no clear l<strong>in</strong>k between recent collapseand regional-scale fault<strong>in</strong>g (Genter et al). Mortimeret al’s <strong>in</strong>vestigation of <strong>the</strong> physical properties of<strong>the</strong> chalk itself shows <strong>the</strong> strong stratigraphicaland sedimentological controls on <strong>the</strong> mechanicalperformance of <strong>the</strong> material and mass <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> clifffailures. The mar<strong>in</strong>e parameters <strong>in</strong>fluenc<strong>in</strong>g coastalerosion are discussed <strong>in</strong> three papers: <strong>the</strong> role ofwave-energy dispersion <strong>in</strong>shore (Mitchell & Pope),wave-energy distribution on beaches and cliffbases (Brossard & Duperret) and <strong>the</strong> role of clifffractures with respect to wave-impact-<strong>in</strong>ducedpressure propagation (Wolters & Muller). The rateof abrasion by different fl<strong>in</strong>t gravels was used toestimate residue times of beach materials alongdifferent parts of <strong>the</strong> chalk coastl<strong>in</strong>e (Dornbusch etal). Calculat<strong>in</strong>g cliff-l<strong>in</strong>e retreat is important formanagement and plann<strong>in</strong>g along such coasts.Aerial photogrammetry quantified cliff-l<strong>in</strong>e retreaton <strong>the</strong> French coast over 30 years (Costa et al).Important factors where multiple processes are<strong>in</strong>volved are proposed us<strong>in</strong>g similar cliffs <strong>in</strong> Canada(Daigneault et al.).Good references are provided <strong>in</strong> each article. Thediagrams and photographs are clear and relevantto <strong>the</strong> various articles and <strong>the</strong>re is a functional<strong>in</strong>dex. Overall <strong>the</strong> content despite hav<strong>in</strong>g manyauthors has been well edited and presents as avery usable whole.The relevance of this volume to <strong>Australian</strong> may bequestioned, as we do not have such extensive orsignificant chalk-cliffed coasts as Europe orCanada. However, a great deal of useful understand<strong>in</strong>gof <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>oretical bases for cliff collapse<strong>in</strong> relatively poorly consolidated and highlyvariable limestone sea cliffs is provided. Althoughnot identical, <strong>the</strong> Cretaceous chalk cliffs of Europehave comparable structural and managementchallenges as <strong>the</strong> Tertiary and Quaternary limestonecliffs of sou<strong>the</strong>rn Australia. The PortCampbell and Warrnambool area (Victoria), <strong>the</strong>Eyre Pen<strong>in</strong>sula (SA) and <strong>the</strong> Nullarbor Bunda Cliffs(SA/WA), <strong>the</strong> Quaternary dune calcarenites of CapeLeeuw<strong>in</strong> (WA) and <strong>the</strong> Zuytdorp Cliffs south ofShark Bay (WA) are some examples where similarissues arise. These poorly consolidated, highlypermeable, highly porous limestones <strong>in</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rnand western Australia are subjected to stormy seasand have major road and o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong>frastructure closeby. The <strong>in</strong>sights this volume gives <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong>understand<strong>in</strong>g of such cliff processes andgeohazards recommend it to any geotechnicaleng<strong>in</strong>eer or eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g geologist <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> suchareas of Australia. The ROCC team is to becongratulated on this work and its publication.SUSAN WHITELatrobe UniversityGuide to New South WalesKarst and CavesDepartment of Environment, Climate Change and W aterNSW, Sydney, 2010, 40 pagesISBN: 978-1-74232-547-7Also available as a pdf athttp://www.environment.nsw. gov.au/resources/geodiversity/10104nswkarstcaveguide.pdfThis handsomely produced40-page booklet has beendeveloped by <strong>the</strong> Department’sKarst and Geodiversity Unit. As<strong>in</strong>dicated by <strong>the</strong> accompany<strong>in</strong>gPublic Relations Story this Unit‘was provided valuable supportby <strong>the</strong> Karst ManagementAdvisory Committee, relevant operational staff andmembers of <strong>the</strong> public, who held knowledge of <strong>the</strong>identified karst environments and geodiversitymore generally’. In o<strong>the</strong>r words it is a committeeeffort. Never<strong>the</strong>less, <strong>the</strong> results are generally good.The Guide is ‘<strong>the</strong> first of a series of <strong>the</strong>matic-basedguides which are likely to be produced by DECCWover <strong>the</strong> next few years’. It beg<strong>in</strong>s with a six page‘Overview’ identify<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> value of karst, <strong>the</strong> roleof topography and mention<strong>in</strong>g cave systemsrelated to <strong>the</strong> variations <strong>in</strong> landscape, <strong>the</strong>importance of preserv<strong>in</strong>g karst and end<strong>in</strong>g with abrief note on ‘responsible cav<strong>in</strong>g’. Then follow, <strong>in</strong>two pages each, highlights, with a geo-tourismfocus, of <strong>the</strong> values, features and locations of 14of <strong>the</strong> State’s more prom<strong>in</strong>ent karst environments.Discussed, briefly, <strong>in</strong> order are: history, geology andgeomorphology, ecology, access and availableservices. F<strong>in</strong>ally, <strong>the</strong>re is a two-page summary of‘lesser’ sites with mention of non-karst caves,notably some of <strong>the</strong> two hundred or so sea caves,mostly developed <strong>in</strong> sandstones by erosion ofdykes, faults, etc.While vertebrate fossils occurr<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> cavesediments are mentioned, <strong>the</strong> fossils which helpto date <strong>the</strong> karst-bear<strong>in</strong>g limestones have beenignored, although <strong>the</strong> geological ages of <strong>the</strong>various limestone bodies are given, sometimes <strong>in</strong>numerical form (millions of years) or as geologicalperiod ages. The Bungonia karst gets considerablemention of various stratigraphic units, somewhatout of tune with <strong>the</strong> less detailed descriptions ofo<strong>the</strong>r areas. Reference to Jenolan (p 6) as ‘said tohave <strong>the</strong> oldest known caves open to <strong>the</strong> surface’might be clear to o<strong>the</strong>rs, but not to me. A map of<strong>the</strong> eastern part of <strong>the</strong> state shows <strong>the</strong> locationof <strong>the</strong> 14 areas described, and <strong>the</strong> booklet isTAG December 2011|41
illustrated with numerous f<strong>in</strong>e colour photos,although one might ask what is <strong>the</strong> ‘caveresearch’ be<strong>in</strong>g recorded <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> photo on p 5.The volume, accord<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> accompany<strong>in</strong>g PR‘blurb’ has ‘a strong educative component, andis likely to be of benefit to schools, tertiary<strong>in</strong>stitutions and special <strong>in</strong>terest groups, as an<strong>in</strong>troduction to karst localities’. A list of e-mailaddresses and web sites at <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong>booklet offers <strong>the</strong> opportunity to obta<strong>in</strong> fur<strong>the</strong>r<strong>in</strong>formation.While <strong>the</strong> attractively presented <strong>in</strong>formation isgenerally accurate for such an <strong>in</strong>troductory textit is a pity that <strong>the</strong> unnamed ‘authors/editors’have not identified <strong>the</strong> sources of <strong>the</strong> technical<strong>in</strong>formation for <strong>the</strong> geology and ecologysections, which receive no acknowledgement <strong>in</strong><strong>the</strong> booklet, but are referred to <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> PR ‘blurb’only as given <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>troduction above. Briefreferences to fur<strong>the</strong>r read<strong>in</strong>g might also lead<strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>terested reader on an <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>geducational exploratory trail.The volume is presumably free to anyone<strong>in</strong>terested. There are limited hardback copies,which might suit school libraries (if <strong>the</strong>y stillhave any room for books). Contact <strong>the</strong> DECCWpublic website.DAVID BRANAGANUniversity of SydneyNatural Stone Resources forHistorical MonumentsR Přikryl and Á Török (Eds)<strong>Geological</strong> <strong>Society</strong> Special Publication 333, London,2010, 237 pagesISBN: 978-1-86239-291-5This well-edited volume of 21 papers, plus<strong>in</strong>dex, addresses <strong>the</strong> subjects of: (i) technicalevaluation of build<strong>in</strong>g stone, especiallyfollow<strong>in</strong>g subsequent alteration/decay;(ii) assessment of replacement build<strong>in</strong>g stonewhere <strong>the</strong> orig<strong>in</strong>al stone is unavailable; and(iii) establishment of build<strong>in</strong>g-stone databases.The contributors have been sourced exclusivelyfrom countries <strong>in</strong> western and central Europeexcept for two contributions from Japan. Mostof <strong>the</strong> papers were <strong>in</strong>itially presented at specialsessions held at <strong>the</strong> European GeosciencesUnion Conference held <strong>in</strong> Vienna <strong>in</strong> 2006–2008.The first paper <strong>in</strong> this volume provides anessential overview by Editors Richard P řikryl(Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic) andÁkos Török (Budapest University of Technologyand Economics, Budapest, Hungary). It stresses<strong>the</strong> po<strong>in</strong>t that <strong>the</strong> late 20th century has broughtabout <strong>the</strong> closure of many longstand<strong>in</strong>g stonequarries and a lack of available stone for build<strong>in</strong>grestoration.The bulk of <strong>the</strong> volume is a suite of papers thatprovide essential case studies. A discussion ofstone databases <strong>in</strong> Europe concludes <strong>the</strong> book.With case studies, a paper by He<strong>in</strong>er Siedel firstdiscusses alveolar wea<strong>the</strong>r<strong>in</strong>g of sandstone <strong>in</strong>outcrop and <strong>in</strong> build<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> Saxony, Germanyand <strong>the</strong> differ<strong>in</strong>g causes of rock breakdown.Follow<strong>in</strong>g it <strong>the</strong>re are two multi-authoredpapers consider<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> effects of sal<strong>in</strong>ity onFrench limestones. The formation of black crustson French limestone as a consequence ofpollution is <strong>the</strong> subject of ano<strong>the</strong>r paper. The<strong>the</strong>me of salt wea<strong>the</strong>r<strong>in</strong>g or destruction bysal<strong>in</strong>ity is cont<strong>in</strong>ued <strong>in</strong> two papers by fourJapanese researchers <strong>in</strong> Japan where <strong>the</strong>build<strong>in</strong>g stones are predom<strong>in</strong>ately volcanic.A paper by Stephanie Gillhuber and co-workersdeals with stone transformation produced bya fire <strong>in</strong> 1677 on trachyte used <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>construction of <strong>the</strong> Teplá monastery <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>Czech Republic. It reflects on <strong>the</strong> unexpectedenvironments that can subsequently affectnatural stone <strong>in</strong> construction. Then DoloresPereira and her co-workers reveal <strong>the</strong> problemsof <strong>in</strong>itially utilis<strong>in</strong>g poor quality serpent<strong>in</strong>ite <strong>in</strong>Spa<strong>in</strong>. Ultimately a new replacement material isneeded because of <strong>the</strong> poor <strong>in</strong>itial choice ofmaterial.An excellent review paper is provided by MiguelGomez-Heras and co-workers on <strong>the</strong> historicevolution of stone use at Oxford University and<strong>the</strong> surround<strong>in</strong>g City of Oxford <strong>in</strong> England. Thebuild<strong>in</strong>g stone is drawn exclusively from a rangeof regionally sourced Jurassic limestones. Asstated by <strong>the</strong> authors, Oxford provides a f<strong>in</strong>eexample of <strong>the</strong> ‘historical evolution of <strong>the</strong>criteria applied to stone selection’ and ‘<strong>the</strong>complexities of stone decay <strong>in</strong> response to <strong>the</strong>availability of stone’.The search for an alternative stone where <strong>the</strong>orig<strong>in</strong>al is no longer available is featured <strong>in</strong> apaper by Timo Nijland on <strong>the</strong> Römer tuff, abuild<strong>in</strong>g stone that was once sourced fromGermany for extensive use <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Ne<strong>the</strong>rlands.Today replacement volcanic material is be<strong>in</strong>gsourced with variable success from sou<strong>the</strong>rnItaly. The exam<strong>in</strong>ation of Italian stone iscont<strong>in</strong>ued with a review of marble characteristicsfrom <strong>the</strong> Apulian and Campanian regions ofsou<strong>the</strong>rn Italy. Regional stone studies are alsoprovided from Portugal, Slovakia, NE Ireland andwestern Austria.F<strong>in</strong>ally <strong>the</strong>re are three papers that exam<strong>in</strong>e build<strong>in</strong>g-stonedatabases both past and present. Ofgreat historical <strong>in</strong>terest here is <strong>the</strong> 19th centuryCorsi collection of build<strong>in</strong>g stone that has beenhoused at Oxford University s<strong>in</strong>ce 1827. Its 1 000polished samples were considered <strong>the</strong> def<strong>in</strong>itivecollection of build<strong>in</strong>g stones <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>early</strong> 19thcentury. Today, as author Lisa Clark expla<strong>in</strong>s,recent provenance studies on heritage stone leadto <strong>the</strong> collection hav<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g value <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><strong>early</strong> 21st century.Just as important is <strong>the</strong> modern electronic databasethat is be<strong>in</strong>g created today <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> CzechRepublic. As discussed by Hana Kampfová andRichard Přikryl, it is designed for more than65 000 records with <strong>the</strong> possibility of fur<strong>the</strong>rexpansion. There is also <strong>the</strong> beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g of asimilar database <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Friuli–Venezia Giuliaregion of north-eastern Italy as expla<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong>ano<strong>the</strong>r paper by Ana Francipane.From an <strong>Australian</strong> perspective this volume providesa suite of well-written case histories thatcan be utilised <strong>in</strong> Australia when consider<strong>in</strong>g<strong>the</strong> degradation of build<strong>in</strong>g stone <strong>in</strong> heritageconstruction. The establishment of and/or participation<strong>in</strong> a build<strong>in</strong>g-stone database is alsoan <strong>in</strong>itiative where <strong>Australian</strong> geologists couldprofitably consider participation. This book ishighly recommended.BARRY COOPERUniversity of South AustraliaA guide for m<strong>in</strong>eral explorationthrough <strong>the</strong> regolith <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>Cobar Region, Lachlan Orogen,New South WalesKen McQueenThe CRC LEME Legacy—Explorers’ Guide SeriesAlso available from:http://crcleme.org.au/Pubs/cobar.htmlHav<strong>in</strong>g worked throughoutAustralia <strong>in</strong> many differentgeological and regoli<strong>the</strong>nvironments, I haveexperienced first-hand <strong>the</strong>major challenges faced whenexplor<strong>in</strong>g through <strong>the</strong>regolith. Ken McQueen’sbook is an important reference to assist withunderstand<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> regolith and some methodologiesthat can be used <strong>in</strong> explor<strong>in</strong>g through<strong>the</strong> regolith particularly <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cobar district.This is an extensive and highly <strong>in</strong>formative bookabout <strong>the</strong> regolith <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cobar district which isvery richly endowed <strong>in</strong> terms of gold and basemetals <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g copper. M<strong>in</strong>es <strong>in</strong> this district<strong>in</strong>clude <strong>the</strong> CSA Copper M<strong>in</strong>e, Endeavour Pb–Znm<strong>in</strong>e and <strong>the</strong> Au–Cu m<strong>in</strong>es just south of <strong>the</strong>Cobar township. Although it is cl<strong>early</strong> evidentthat <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cobar district <strong>the</strong>re is a wide varietyof m<strong>in</strong>eral deposits, many of <strong>the</strong>se depositshave a small target footpr<strong>in</strong>t which makesexploration through <strong>the</strong> regolith critical. Thisbook represents a regolith study conf<strong>in</strong>ed to<strong>the</strong> Cobar district but it is clear that many ofconcepts and pr<strong>in</strong>ciples presented with<strong>in</strong> thispublication can be applied elsewhere with<strong>in</strong>Australia.As cl<strong>early</strong> stated on p 1, this guide is ‘basedon current knowledge and best practice butit is not meant to be a foolproof manual forexploration success’, however <strong>the</strong> A5 or almostpocket size of this guide allows for it to bestored ei<strong>the</strong>r on person or with<strong>in</strong> a vehicleglove-box comfortably and <strong>the</strong>refore could beused as a readily available reference guide forany field geoscientist <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cobar district.The book/guide is subdivided <strong>in</strong>to three parts:(i) <strong>in</strong>troduction and aims of <strong>the</strong> guide;(ii) description of <strong>the</strong> regolith and its varieties;and (iii) challenges of <strong>the</strong> regolith <strong>in</strong> exploration,how <strong>the</strong> nature of <strong>the</strong> regolith can affect<strong>the</strong> exploration strategy with some h<strong>in</strong>ts andsolutions offered and how <strong>the</strong>se problems thatare encountered can be overcome.42 |TAG December 2011
The first part concentrates ondef<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> geology and regolithframework <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cobar district.The second section encompassesdescrib<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> nature and types of<strong>the</strong> regolith (with emphasis onm<strong>in</strong>eral exploration), regolithm<strong>in</strong>eralogy, regolith geochemistry and<strong>the</strong> geophysical characteristics of <strong>the</strong>regolith. Additionally this sectionconta<strong>in</strong>s some methodology aboutmapp<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> regolith and <strong>in</strong>particular <strong>the</strong> importance of alwaysconsider<strong>in</strong>g landforms when mapp<strong>in</strong>g<strong>the</strong> regolith. The last section dealswith detail<strong>in</strong>g some of <strong>the</strong> challengesencountered when explor<strong>in</strong>g through<strong>the</strong> regolith and describes how tosample <strong>the</strong> regolith and whatconstitutes an anomalousgeochemical result.Throughout this publication, <strong>the</strong>important art of description to ageoscientist is exhibited with <strong>the</strong>book’s ma<strong>in</strong> highlight be<strong>in</strong>g KenMcQueen’s ability to describe wha<strong>the</strong> has observed <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> field bothsimply and concisely. Too often, fieldgeo<strong>scientists</strong> f<strong>in</strong>d it difficult todescribe what <strong>the</strong>y see simply.Examples of this clarity are foundwhen describ<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> geology of <strong>the</strong>Cobar district between p 2 and 10and <strong>the</strong> landscape history fromp 11 to 14. Ken McQueen’s <strong>in</strong>timateknowledge, as exemplified by <strong>the</strong>seefficient descriptions of <strong>the</strong> Cobardistrict, is everywhere to be seen <strong>in</strong>this publication.The book is particularly wellillustrated and conta<strong>in</strong>s several clearphotographs. Every opportunity hasbeen afforded to use a photograph,map, profile or diagram to ei<strong>the</strong>rprovide support<strong>in</strong>g evidence for <strong>the</strong>issue be<strong>in</strong>g discussed <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> text or todemonstrate a particular matter. Onem<strong>in</strong>or criticism which probably arisesas a direct result of <strong>the</strong> size of <strong>the</strong>publication (A5) is that a smallnumber of <strong>the</strong> illustrations areprobably a little undersized and someof <strong>the</strong> diagrams are a little ‘busy’.There are numerous examples shown<strong>in</strong> this book that can be used <strong>in</strong>practice but specifically what I foundvery useful is summaris<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>methodology <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> mapp<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>regolith, which dealt with <strong>the</strong> use ofnomenclature and convention and <strong>the</strong>sort of f<strong>in</strong>al result that field mappersshould aspire to. Additionally, I found<strong>the</strong> geophysical characteristics of <strong>the</strong>regolith, when apply<strong>in</strong>g various geophysicaltechniques, were summarisedeffectively.Arguably, <strong>the</strong> most practical part ofthis book is where <strong>the</strong> challenges anddifficulties experienced by explorationgeo<strong>scientists</strong> try<strong>in</strong>g to understand <strong>the</strong>regolith <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cobar district arediscussed. Section 3.2 of <strong>the</strong> bookdeals at a practical level with how<strong>the</strong> nature of <strong>the</strong> regolith willdeterm<strong>in</strong>e <strong>the</strong> best explorationmethods and sampl<strong>in</strong>g techniques.As well as detail<strong>in</strong>g some solutionsregard<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>se issues, this part alsoattempts to outl<strong>in</strong>e some of <strong>the</strong>m<strong>in</strong>eral exploration opportunities thatcan arise if <strong>the</strong> regolith is understoodbetter. An example of this is T able 6which compares <strong>in</strong> situ versustransported regolith <strong>in</strong> terms ofdist<strong>in</strong>guish<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>se regolith types.Lack of understand<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> regolith,as many field explorationists haveexperienced, has resulted <strong>in</strong> drillholeswhich end with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> regolith. Thishas caused <strong>in</strong> some cases to apremature cessation of explorationprograms and more significantlyto an <strong>in</strong>correct reduction <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>apparent exploration potential ofsome projects.The full suite of sampl<strong>in</strong>g media isdiscussed <strong>in</strong> detail by Ken McQueen<strong>in</strong> this book and it is <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g thatgroundwater, which is often overlookedas a sample, if collectedcorrectly, has some direct potential <strong>in</strong><strong>the</strong> Cobar district as a sampl<strong>in</strong>gmedium <strong>in</strong> exploration. A commonquestion asked by young geo<strong>scientists</strong>when design<strong>in</strong>g exploration programsis what analyses should be selectedfor a sample and which analyticaltechnique should be used. This isdetailed from p 78 to 80. Additionally,<strong>the</strong> book details very simply butcl<strong>early</strong> <strong>in</strong> both text and appendix howto identify a geochemical anomaly.Cl<strong>early</strong>, this book represents a veryuseful guide to understand<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>regolith <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cobar district and <strong>the</strong>implications of this understand<strong>in</strong>gwith respect to m<strong>in</strong>eral exploration.In addition, <strong>the</strong> book conta<strong>in</strong>s acomprehensive glossary and a quickuser guide that acts to optimise <strong>the</strong>overall usability of this publication.The enclosed CD <strong>in</strong>cludes severalappendices as well as severalcase-studies <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cobar district.A CRCLEME Code Breaker aimedfor a geo<strong>scientists</strong> use <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> field,as it is lam<strong>in</strong>ated and pocket size, isano<strong>the</strong>r welcome addition to <strong>the</strong>book.I commend this publication to anyfield geoscientist who works <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>Cobar district or who deals with <strong>the</strong>practical challenges of explor<strong>in</strong>gthrough <strong>the</strong> regolith.PHIL CARRELLOGHD AustraliaTAG December 2011|43
O B I T U A R I E SJohn Alexander (Lex) Ferguson12 October 1925 – 20 May 2011The only known groupphotograph of notablegeologists who becamefoundation members of<strong>the</strong> GSA was taken at <strong>the</strong>ANZAAS conference <strong>in</strong>Brisbane <strong>in</strong> May 1951.Amongst <strong>the</strong> serried ranksof suited men (and fivewomen), up <strong>the</strong> back on<strong>the</strong> left, appears one‘L. Ferguson’. Known by allas ‘Lex’, John AlexanderFerguson led a remarkable,eclectic life up until hisdeath <strong>in</strong> May, from cancer,<strong>in</strong> his 86th year. When <strong>the</strong> photograph was taken, Lex hadjust completed his PhD at <strong>the</strong> University of Ill<strong>in</strong>ois, study<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>dustrial clays from <strong>the</strong> Brisbane district. His <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> clayshad been sparked by his old Professor at <strong>the</strong> University ofQueensland, W. H. Bryan.Chicago was a long way from Lex’s upbr<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Cooran,near Gympie, where his parents ran a dairy farm. He hadScottish ancestors, with his paternal great-grandfa<strong>the</strong>r<strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> coal m<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g around Maryborough and goldm<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g at Gympie <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1860s, so maybe an <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong>geology was predeterm<strong>in</strong>ed. His boyhood corresponded with<strong>the</strong> 1930s depression, so <strong>in</strong>volved him <strong>in</strong> hard work on <strong>the</strong>farm, but school<strong>in</strong>g was regarded as highly important as well.It was <strong>the</strong>re that his <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> geology was aroused by an<strong>in</strong>fluential teacher. Lex’s considerable academic abilities sawhim matriculate from Gympie High School <strong>in</strong> 1942, fromwhere a Commonwealth Scholarship enabled him to undertakehis university course.Lex graduated with first class honours <strong>in</strong> geology, <strong>the</strong>nobta<strong>in</strong>ed his MSc <strong>in</strong> 1948 with a <strong>the</strong>sis based on geologicalmapp<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> country between Monkland and Cooroy.From 1946 to 1948, Lex had been employed by <strong>the</strong>Queensland Government on a special project mapp<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>Great Artesian Bas<strong>in</strong>. This <strong>in</strong>volved us<strong>in</strong>g data from 10 400bore logs accumulated s<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong> 1870s to map <strong>the</strong> undergroundstructure of <strong>the</strong> aquifers and relate <strong>the</strong>m to <strong>in</strong>takeoutcrops along <strong>the</strong> Great Divid<strong>in</strong>g Range. He was successful<strong>in</strong> w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g a CSIR overseas studentship that took him toChicago for his PhD research.After a few years <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>early</strong> 1950s work<strong>in</strong>g at CSIRO’sDivision of Build<strong>in</strong>g Research <strong>in</strong> Melbourne, Lex spent mostof <strong>the</strong> next decade at academic posts <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA, where hisknowledge of clay m<strong>in</strong>eralogy was highly sought after for <strong>the</strong>ceramics <strong>in</strong>dustry. He took up a position with <strong>the</strong> ArmourResearch Foundation <strong>in</strong> Chicago between 1953 and 1956,44 | TAG December 2011<strong>the</strong>n moved to <strong>the</strong> Mellon Institute of Industrial Research <strong>in</strong>Pittsburgh until 1962, when he returned to Australia to jo<strong>in</strong>Brick and Pipe Industries. Dur<strong>in</strong>g a career of 28 years with thatcompany, Lex served as chief geologist, research team leaderand director, until his retirement <strong>in</strong> 1990. Dur<strong>in</strong>g his time, <strong>the</strong>company became <strong>the</strong> largest brick producer <strong>in</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>asternAustralia, assisted by Lex’s <strong>in</strong>troduction of modernmanufactur<strong>in</strong>g methods. He ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed his <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> clayresearch by <strong>in</strong>vestigat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> many deposits found aroundMelbourne. This, <strong>in</strong> turn, led to an <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> geologicalhistory of <strong>the</strong> Yarra River, a project which he wasn’t able tocomplete, but his assembled notes and maps provide <strong>the</strong> basisfor an <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g and important publication.Lex’s contribution to geology <strong>in</strong> Victoria isn’t measured <strong>in</strong>terms of scholarly publications or conference abstracts,but more by his <strong>in</strong>put <strong>in</strong>to divisional <strong>in</strong>itiatives andadm<strong>in</strong>istration. He served on <strong>the</strong> divisional committee,<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g as Chairman (1973), for several decades, andestablished <strong>the</strong> procedures for <strong>the</strong> Selwyn Medal to recognisedist<strong>in</strong>guished contributors to Victorian geology. He was aregular attendee at monthly divisional meet<strong>in</strong>gs andsymposia, and also participated <strong>in</strong> <strong>Australian</strong> <strong>Geological</strong>Conventions, <strong>the</strong> last occasion <strong>in</strong> Canberra <strong>in</strong> 2010. Lex wasjo<strong>in</strong>t editor (with <strong>the</strong> late Jack Douglas) of <strong>the</strong> first two volumesof Geology of Victoria (1976 and 1988 respectively) andwas an <strong>in</strong>valuable member of <strong>the</strong> editorial committee for <strong>the</strong>third edition, produced as Special Publication 23 of <strong>the</strong> GSA<strong>in</strong> 2003. Lex assembled both <strong>the</strong> reference list and <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>dexfor SP23, as well as contribut<strong>in</strong>g a section on <strong>in</strong>dustrial clays.Family l<strong>in</strong>ks were a key part of Lex’s life. He had marriedEva Dreikurs, who he met dur<strong>in</strong>g his PhD <strong>in</strong> Ill<strong>in</strong>ois, and <strong>the</strong>yhad four children, who now all live <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> USA with <strong>the</strong>irfamilies. He married his second wife, Rita, who had twochildren, <strong>in</strong> 1970. Lex and Rita have travelled <strong>the</strong> world, notjust to <strong>the</strong> USA for many reunions of <strong>the</strong> two families, butalso to attend conferences and experience <strong>the</strong> wonders ofgeology firsthand. Their last trip was to <strong>the</strong> Hawaiian Islands<strong>in</strong> late 2010, where Lex first felt <strong>the</strong> effects of his illness.I’m sure Lex would be <strong>the</strong> first to agree that his was a lifewell led, with substantial contributions to scientific knowledgeand <strong>in</strong>dustry, balanced by his love of family and hiscommunity activities. He was a real gentleman, whoexpressed his op<strong>in</strong>ions carefully and thoughtfully, and wasalways good company, as I can attest to dur<strong>in</strong>g our regularlunches, with fellow editorial committeeman Peter Forwood,held s<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong> publication of SP23. Lex has left us all <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>geological community with deep regrets at his pass<strong>in</strong>g, butwith great respect and fond memories as a last<strong>in</strong>g testamentto his remarkable and reward<strong>in</strong>g life.BILL BIRCH[I have based this commemoration of Lex on family documents k<strong>in</strong>dlysupplied by Rita Ferguson, as well as on an obituary prepared by hisstepson Mark Patrick and published <strong>in</strong> The Saturday Age (Melbourne) 10September 2011].
Alan Edward Marshall15 October 1938 – 16 July 2011Members of <strong>the</strong> geological community <strong>in</strong> Western Australiawere deeply saddened to learn of <strong>the</strong> death, on 16 July 2011,of Alan Marshall.Alan was born <strong>in</strong> Victoria Park, a sou<strong>the</strong>astern suburb ofPerth. Dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Second World War, his family moved toDarl<strong>in</strong>gton and later to Greenmount, where <strong>the</strong>y lived forsome 30 years. Alan won a scholarship to Perth ModernSchool, matriculat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>re <strong>in</strong> 1955. He enrolled <strong>in</strong> science at<strong>the</strong> University of Western Australia, <strong>in</strong>itially <strong>in</strong>tend<strong>in</strong>g tomajor <strong>in</strong> chemistry. However, after study<strong>in</strong>g geology as one ofhis first-year subjects, he decided that he wouldprefer to become a geologist, especially because he greatlyenjoyed outdoor activities. At various times when work<strong>in</strong>gtowards his degree he obta<strong>in</strong>ed short-term employment with<strong>the</strong> <strong>Geological</strong> Survey of Western Australia and o<strong>the</strong>rorganisations. He <strong>the</strong>n took a year off his studies to work asa field assistant <strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>eral exploration. That experiencere-affirmed his desire to become a geologist, and he went onto earn a first-class Honours degree <strong>in</strong> 1963.After work<strong>in</strong>g for a year with Westfield Canada, Alandecided to seek a PhD <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> United States. He ga<strong>in</strong>eda scholarship to Pr<strong>in</strong>ceton University <strong>in</strong> 1964, and wasawarded his PhD degree <strong>in</strong> 1968 for a <strong>the</strong>sis on <strong>the</strong>Bangemall Bas<strong>in</strong>.On return<strong>in</strong>g to Western Australia, Alan obta<strong>in</strong>edsuccessive appo<strong>in</strong>tments with Westfield M<strong>in</strong>erals, Whim CreekConsolidated and Getty Oil (M<strong>in</strong>erals Division), ris<strong>in</strong>g tobecome Exploration Manager for Getty <strong>in</strong> Western Australia.That company withdrew from exploration <strong>in</strong> Australia <strong>in</strong> 1985,so Alan <strong>the</strong>n set up his own consult<strong>in</strong>g company, Qestore,which changed its name <strong>in</strong> 2001to Xplore Pty Ltd. In <strong>the</strong>consult<strong>in</strong>g bus<strong>in</strong>ess hecompleted many assignmentsfor major explorers, smallcompanies and syndicates,ma<strong>in</strong>ly <strong>in</strong> Western Australiaand <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory. As aresult, Alan became wellknown, highly respected, andwell liked <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Australian</strong>m<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>dustry. He was agifted geologist who believedstrongly <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> benefits to beobta<strong>in</strong>ed ‘on <strong>the</strong> ground’through field geology, andalso from not-for-profit geological research. He was keenly<strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> all aspects of <strong>the</strong> science, and appreciated <strong>the</strong>way <strong>in</strong> which <strong>the</strong> results of geological research can be appliedto exploration techniques. Few geologists had such a broadknowledge of <strong>the</strong> economic geology of Western Australia.In 1976 Alan married an attractive Irish lass, Marie, withwhom he produced two f<strong>in</strong>e boys, Simon and Derek, both ofwhom followed <strong>the</strong>ir fa<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong> becom<strong>in</strong>g geologists. Alan andMarie’s lives changed sadly when he developed symptoms ofa rare bra<strong>in</strong> disorder, frontotemporal dementia. His conditionsteadily deteriorated over several years, reach<strong>in</strong>g a low po<strong>in</strong>tdur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> last six months of his life. Marie showed greatcourage and devotion <strong>in</strong> look<strong>in</strong>g after him at home for mostof that time.Alan will always be remembered as one of Australia’smost-respected and well-liked geologists. He will be sadlymissed by his family and many friends and colleagues.PHILLIP PLAYFORDTAG apologies…TAG 160,p 30-31The two figure captions were transposed.P33The representation of <strong>the</strong> National Geochemical Survey ofAustralia map had legibility issues. A copy of <strong>the</strong> map canbe obta<strong>in</strong>ed from Geoscience Australia: http://ga.gov.au/TAG December 2011|45
Calendar201229 January–3 FebruarySpecialist Group <strong>in</strong> Tectonicsand Structural Geology, Biennial ConferenceCause and effects of deformation <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> lithosphereWaratah Bay, Victoriahttp://www.sgtsg.org.au3–8 FebruarySpecialist Group <strong>in</strong> Tectonics and Structural GeologyPost Conference Field TripDeformation Zones <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Eastern Lachlan Orogenhttp://www.sgtsg.org.au9–11 MarchConservation Challenges, Solutions & CollaborationOpportunities <strong>in</strong> Uncontrolled EnvironmentsInternational Polar Heritage CommitteeTasmanian Museum & Art Gallery Hobart, T asmaniahttp://centenary.antarctica.gov.au/events11–22 March<strong>Australian</strong> Centre For GeomechanicsEnvironmental Geochemistry of M<strong>in</strong>e Site Pollution,An Introduction- Short Courseacg<strong>in</strong>fo@acg.uwa.edu.auwww.acg.uwa.edu.au27–29 March<strong>Australian</strong> Centre For GeomechanicsDeep M<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g 2012 Sixth International Sem<strong>in</strong>aron Deep and High Stress M<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>gacg<strong>in</strong>fo@acg.uwa.edu.auwww.deepm<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g2012.com16–17 JulyCentral <strong>Australian</strong> Bas<strong>in</strong>s Symposium (CABS 3)Petroleum Potential: Conventional and UnconventionalAlice Spr<strong>in</strong>gs, Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory5–10 August34th International <strong>Geological</strong> CongressUn<strong>earth</strong><strong>in</strong>g our Past and FutureBrisbanehttp://www.34igc.org/46 |TAG December 2011
<strong>Geological</strong> <strong>Society</strong> of Australia Inc. Office Bearers 2011/2012MEMBERS OF COUNCILAND EXECUTIVEPresidentBrad Pillans<strong>Australian</strong> National UniversityVice PresidentLaurie HuttonM<strong>in</strong>es & Energy (DEEDI)SecretaryMichelle CooperGeoscience AustraliaTreasurerChris YeatsCSIROEarth Science and Resource Eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>gPast PresidentPeter CawoodUniversity of St AndrewsHon Editor<strong>Australian</strong> Journal of Earth SciencesAnita AndrewCOUNCILLORS OF THEEXECUTIVE DIVISIONIan GrahamUniversity of New South WalesJon HronskyWestern M<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Services, LLCPatrick LyonsL<strong>in</strong>coln M<strong>in</strong>erals LtdKen McQueenUniversity of CanberraMarc Norman<strong>Australian</strong> National UniversityAnna PettsAdelaide UniversityJim RossSTANDING COMMITTEES<strong>Geological</strong> HeritageNational ConvenorMargaret Brocx<strong>Australian</strong> StratigraphyCommissionNational ConvenorCathy BrownSTATE CONVENORSACT, External TerritoriesAlbert BrakelNew South WalesLawrence Sherw<strong>in</strong><strong>Geological</strong> Survey of New South WalesNor<strong>the</strong>rn TerritoryTim MunsonNor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory <strong>Geological</strong> SurveyQueenslandIan Withnall<strong>Geological</strong> Survey of QueenslandSouth AustraliaWayne CowleyPrimary Industries & ResourcesSouth AustraliaTasmaniaStephen ForsythVictoriaFons VandenBergWestern AustraliaRoger Hock<strong>in</strong>g<strong>Geological</strong> Survey of Western AustraliaDIVISIONS ANDBRANCHES<strong>Australian</strong> Capital TerritoryChair: John Rogers<strong>Australian</strong> National UniversitySecretary: Michelle CooperGeoscience AustraliaNew South Waleswww.nsw.gsa.org.auChair: Ian GrahamUniversity of New South WalesSecretary: Dioni CendonANSTONor<strong>the</strong>rn TerritoryChair: Christ<strong>in</strong>e EdgooseNor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory <strong>Geological</strong> SurveySecretary: Jo WhelanNor<strong>the</strong>rn Territory <strong>Geological</strong> SurveyQueenslandwww.qld.gsa.org.auChair: Laurie Hutton<strong>Geological</strong> Survey of QueenslandSecretary: Friedrich von Gniel<strong>in</strong>ski<strong>Geological</strong> Survey of QueenslandSouth Australiawww.sa.gsa.org.auChair: Len AltmanMarden Senior CollegeSecretary: Jim JagoUniversity of South AustraliaTasmaniaChair: Garry DavidsonCODESSecretary: Mark DuffettM<strong>in</strong>eral Resources TasmaniaVictoriawww.vic.gsa.org.auChair: David CantrillRoyal Botanic GardensSecretary: Adele SeymonGeoScience VictoriaWestern Australiawww.wa.gsa.org.auChair: Katy EvansCurt<strong>in</strong> UniversitySecretary: Marcus WilsonIntegra M<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>gBroken Hill BranchChair: Barney Stevens<strong>Geological</strong> Survey of New South WalesSecretary: K<strong>in</strong>gsley MillsHunter Valley BranchChair: John Greenfield<strong>Geological</strong> Survey of New South WalesSecretary: Phil Gilmore<strong>Geological</strong> Survey of New South WalesSPECIALIST GROUPSApplied Geochemistry SpecialistGroup (SGAG)www.sgag.gsa.org.auChair: Louisa LawranceSecretary: Craig RuglessAssociation of AustralasianPalaeontologists (AAP)www.es.mq.edu.au/mucep/aap/<strong>in</strong>dexPresident: Guang R. ShiDeak<strong>in</strong> UniversityVice-President: Alex CookQueensland MuseumSecretary: Elizabeth WeldonDeak<strong>in</strong> UniversityAustralasian Sedimentologists Group(ASG)Chair: Bradley Opdyke<strong>Australian</strong> National UniversitySecretary: Sarah Tynan<strong>Australian</strong> National UniversityCoal Geology (CGG)www.cgg.gsa.org.auChair: James BeestonSecretary: Joan EsterleEarth Sciences History Group (ESHG)www.vic.gsa.org.au/eshg.htmChair: Peter DunnSecretary: John BlockleyEconomic Geology Specialist Groupsgeg.gsa.org.auChair: Frank Bierle<strong>in</strong>Areva NC AustraliaSecretary: Oliver KreuzerRegalpo<strong>in</strong>t Exploration Pty LtdEnvironmental Eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g &Hydrogeology Specialist Group(EEHSG)Chair: Ken LawrieGeoscience AustraliaSecretary: Steven LewisGeoscience AustraliaGeochemistry, M<strong>in</strong>eralogy &Petrology Specialist Group(SGGMP)www.gsa.org.au/specialgroups/sggmp.htmlChair: Hugh O'Neill<strong>Australian</strong> National UniversitySecretary: Greg Yaxley<strong>Australian</strong> National University<strong>Geological</strong> Education (SGE)Chair: Greg McNamaraGeoscience Education & OutreachServicesPlanetary Geoscience SpecialistGroup (SGPG)Chair: Graziella CaprarelliUniversity of TechnologySolid Earth Geophysics SpecialistGroup (SGSEG)www.gsa.org.au/specialgroups/sgseg.htmlChair: Nick Rawl<strong>in</strong>sonGeoscience AustraliaSecretary: Richard Chopp<strong>in</strong>gGeoscience AustraliaTectonics & Structural GeologySpecialist Group (SGTSG)www.sgtsg.gsa.org.auChair: Peter BettsMonash UniversitySecretary: Tim Rawl<strong>in</strong>gVolcanology (LAVA)www.es.mq.edu.au/geology/volcan/hmpg.htmChair: Rick SquireMonash UniversitySecretary: Kar<strong>in</strong> OrthUniversity of TasmaniaTAG December 2011 | 47
Publish<strong>in</strong>g DetailsThe <strong>Australian</strong> Geologist48 | TAG December 2011 Background InformationGENERAL NOTEThe <strong>Australian</strong> Geologist (TAG) is a quarterly member magaz<strong>in</strong>e which <strong>in</strong>cludes society news,conference details, special reports, feature articles, book reviews and o<strong>the</strong>r items of <strong>in</strong>terest to EarthScientists. Each issue has a long shelf-life and is read by more than 3000 geologists, geophysicists,palaeontologists, hydrologists, geochemists, cartographers and geoscience educators from Australia COPYRIGHTand around <strong>the</strong> world.Schedule and Deadl<strong>in</strong>es for 2011/2012I SSUE C OPY F INISHED A RT I NSERTSMarch 2012 28 January 3 February 2 MarchJune 2012 30 April 4 May 29 MaySeptember 2012 30 July 10 August 24 AugustDecember 2011 26 October 2 November 9 NovemberArtworkMaterial can be supplied electronically via Email or mail CD (MAC or PC). 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