Earth sciences

Understanding Earth systems

Research at Macquarie University concentrates on whole earth systems, including fundamental geological processes, geodynamic modelling, atmospheric and climate science, and earth evolution.

Macquarie University has been a leader in earth and planetary sciences research for more than 50 years. Current areas of strength include mantle evolution and organic geochemistry, both areas of interest to mining and petroleum industries.

Areas of specialisation

Facilities

Our facilities include:

• Material Characterisation and Analysis Facility (MCAF)
• Sediment Analysis Laboratory
• Climate Science Laboratory
• Organic Geochemistry Lab

Research highlights

Macquarie’s interdisciplinary approach to studying solid earth science integrates geochemistry, petrology, geophysics and geodynamics and has made the University a world leader in research on the evolution of the lithosphere, the timing of earth events, the nature of the deep earth, and its geodynamics. This delivers a new framework for mineral exploration, linking ore deposits to tectonics, mantle structure and the transport of material and energy.

Understanding deep earth cycles – by researching the impact of melting on the deep earth cycles of carbon, water and nitrogen. The project is key towards determining how key elements are enriched towards economically viable concentrations, with significant implications for the mining industry. Distinguished Professor Stephen Foley's research has shone new light on the process of deep melting, reported in the Nature journal Communications Earth and Environment.

Organic Geochemistry – the Organic Geochemistry Group researches geochemical record of the early evolution of life, petroleum geochemistry, marine geoscience, and the bioremediation of petroleum and fuel spills - among other things.

Industry solutions – TerraneChron® is a unique method of terrane analysis developed by the ARC Centre of Excellence for Core to Crust Fluid Systems (CCFS) and the ARC National Key Centre for Geochemical Evolution and Metallogeny of Continents (GEMOC) to provide rapid, cost-effective characterisation of characterisation of crustal history on regional scales (10-1000 square kilometres). This extensive database (over 32,000 zircon U-Pb and Hf-isotope analyses) in the Macquarie laboratory allows unparalleled contextual information in the interpretations and reports provided to industry.

Commercial innovation – GLITTER is an on-line data-reduction program for Laser Ablation ICPMS analysis developed by the ARC National Key Centre for Geochemical Evolution and Metallogeny of Continents (GEMOC) with input from CSIRO Exploration and Mining, to provide simpler, more consistent and faster reduction of LAM-ICPMS (laser ablation microprobe - inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) data. It has been successfully commercialised and is in use by industries across the world.

Centres of excellence – Macquarie has been home to several key national research centres, including the ARC Centre of Excellence for Core to Crust Fluid Systems (CCFS), directed by Emeritus Professor Sue O'Reilly, and the ARC National Key Centre for Geochemical Evolution and Metallogeny of Continents (GEMOC). Earth sciences at Macquarie is strongly supported by strategic collaboration with industry.

Research news

Read more about the breakthroughs happening in the areas of research relating to earth and planetary sciences.