GEMOC ARC National Key Centre

   

Is GEMOC making a difference?

 

Highlights of research program outcomes:

• Unique methodology for geochemical imaging of the lithosphere (4-D Lithosphere Mapping) developed to maturity
• New understanding of lithosphere formation mechanisms and changes through time
• Unique methodologies developed for dating and fingerprinting regional crust and mantle events developed for testing mantle - crust coupling through Earth s history - also a key to new exploration methods (see Taking the Pulse of the Earth” and other Research Highlights)
• Integration of petrological, geochemical and tectonic syntheses with geophysical data is revealing a unique image of the deep Earth (see Lithosphere Mapping beneath the North American Plate” Research Highlight).  This is emphasised by this year s cover image.

Highlights of technology development outcomes:

• Focus on in situ analysis of important elements to parts per billion
• Unique method (in situ Re-Os) to date mantle events
• Unique method to track crustal histories (U-Pb dating and Lu-Hf and trace-element fingerprinting of zircons, rutiles): Terranechron
• Delivery of rapid, cost-effective and user-friendly new methodologies and software in geochemical analysis

Highlights of teaching outcomes:

• Industry-standard training with development of new degree programs (eg Exploration Geoscience, Environmental Geoscience, Marine Geoscience)
• Hands-on undergraduate training in use of state-of-the-art techniques (GIS databases, imaging, geochemical techniques, geophysical measurements) with industry-standard instrumentation
• Vigorous postgraduate group with active international postgraduate exchange programs: (eg Nanjing University, University Jean-Monnet (St Etienne), University of Clermont-Ferrand, University of Oslo, University of Siena, Université Paris 7
• Short-course programs for end-user information and technology exchange

Highlights of industry interaction outcomes:

• Changing the mineral exploration paradigm by delivering new concepts for exploration globally and in Australia derived from basic research and technology development
• Development of active partnerships in strategic and applied research with industry (exploration companies and technology manufacturers)
• Development of value-added consultancies and collaborative research programs using GEMOC s geochemical technologies and database

Other sections of this report provide the details of performance indicators and GEMOC s visiblity