Skip Navigation | ANU Home | Search ANU | Directories

RSES SITE SEARCH

Current Research

---

Field-based Research

My Field-based research is about examining interactions between crustal deformation, fluid transport and ore deposition in intrusion-related hydrothermal systems such as Porgera in the western highlands of Papua New Guinea. The research involves investigating how stress changes cause the evolution of fluid networks which control the localisation of ore systems.  Fieldwork involves the mapping of exposures either in the underground mine or the open pit.  Orientated hand specimens are collected and brought back to the laboratory for further detailed examination.

Laboratory-based Research

Once the samples collected in the field are brought back to the laboratory, their microstructure is studied utilising optical microscopy, electron microscopy including secondary electron (SE), orientation contrast (OC) and cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging.  The scanning electron microscope (SEM) with also be used to perform electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis which measures the full crystallographic orientation of each grain and can be used to quantify the internal substructure of grains.

Numerical Modelling

Numerical modelling studies are planned to examine growth, timing and reactivation of fault networks due to stress changes.  With implications for the evolution, modification and development of sustainable fluid pathways/networks for fluid migration.  This work is being undertaken to improve our understanding of localisation of ore systems, based upon field data collection.