Geological and geophysical observations of the response of the Earth to naturally applied stresses, which vary widely in intensity and timescale, provide much of the motivation for the Rock Physics Group's work. In the laboratory, ultrasonic wave propagation and lower frequency forced-oscillation methods are used to probe the elastic/anelastic behaviour which determines seismic wave speeds and attenuation. On longer time scales and at higher stresses, the mechanical behaviour of synthetic faults and fault gouge is studied with particular interest in the complex interaction between chemical reaction, crustal deformation and fluid flow. The fact that all but the simplest elastic behaviour of geological materials is controlled by microscopic defects such as dislocations and processes operative at grain boundaries, places a premium on the complementary microstructural studies involving light and electron microscopy.
Members of Rock Physics collaborate widely within RSES and beyond. Natural links with the Seismology Group are based on a common interest in the interpretation of seismological models for the Earth's interior. Preparation of synthetic rock specimens and their precursors and investigations of melt distribution within partially molten upper mantle rocks involve intensive collaboration between the Rock Physics and Petrochemistry and Experimental Petrology Groups under the banner of Earth Materials. The field-based observations of the structures and microstructures in naturally deformed rocks, and fluid-chemical studies by members of the Centre for Advanced Studies of Ore Systems (RSES and Geology Department, Faculty of Science), complement the experimental program in rock deformation.
Profs Ian Jackson and Stephen Cox are the long-term academic staff in Rock Physics. Their successful operation of novel equipment, and the further development and timely exploitation of associated experimental techniques, depend heavily upon the skill and commitment of research support staff Messrs Harri Kokkonen and Craig Saint and Ms. Lara Weston along with the staff of the School's Mechanical and Electronics Workshops. Mrs Kay Provins provides the critical administrative support for Group, including responsibility for website development and maintenance. These staff also support Drs Ulrich Faul, Stephen Micklethwaite and Eric Tenthorey who are engaged in postdoctoral research programs detailed throughout Rock Physics pages. The Group pursues this ambitious research agenda using core funding from RSES boosted by several ARC-funded projects.
Within the wider ANU community, the influence of the Rock Physics Group is felt in a variety of forums. For example, the ANU's flagship TEM which serves the needs of the campus materials science community is housed within the School and operated by John Fitz Gerald and David. Llewellyn on behalf of the ANU Electron Microscope Unit.
The group also is committed to undergraduate and graduate teaching, and for many years has participated in the CSIRO Student Scheme with Canberra secondary schools.
Research topics
Evolution of strength recovery and permeability during fluid-rock rection in experimental fault zones - Eric Tenthorey, Stephen Cox and Hilary Todd
X-ray Microtomography of Porous Media - Eric Tenthorey and Stephen Cox
Enhanced permeability during serpentinite dehydration - Eric Tenthorey and Stephen Cox
Quartz vein Formation - Christopher Hilgers, Eric Tenthorey, Stephen Cox and Janos Urai
High-temperature elastic wave speeds by ultrasonic interferometry - Ian Jackson, Lara Weston and Simon Granville