SA

Title: Three-dimensional seismic imaging of shallow crustal volcanic plumbing systems

Presenter: Simon Holford
When: Wednesday, June 13th, 2018
Time: Drinks and food from 5:30 pm, presentation from 6:15 pm

Cost: Members: free, Non-members $10, Students: free
Where: Coopers Alehouse, 316 Pulteney St, Adelaide.

Abstract:

Developing a clear understanding of the movement of magma through Earth’s crust, where it is temporarily stored, to the surface where it erupts, is a grand challenge in the Earth Sciences. Detailed knowledge of the geometry and connectivity of the conduits and reservoirs (e.g. subsurface sheet intrusions such as sills, laccoliths and dykes) that form sub-volcanic plumbing systems (VPSs) is critical to understanding a range of fundamental, interdisciplinary research problems including continental breakup and the thermomechanical state of the mantle, the physiochemical evolution of magma and the forecasting of volcanic eruption dynamics. Addressing these problems is challenging because active VPSs are generally inaccessible. VPSs are traditionally viewed as comprising vertically stacked magma reservoirs linked by dykes, such that eruption sites of directly overlie the sources of melt generation in the upper mantle or lower crust. This presentation will show how the application of three-dimensional (3D) seismic reflection technology to permit the study of ancient, buried VPSs offshore Scotland and in the Great Australian Bight in unprecedented scale and detail, has challenged the traditional view of VPSs, suggesting that in certain cases, VPSs can be dominated by extensive, interconnected sill complexes that facilitate lateral upper crustal magma transport over distances of tens of km, in some cases leading to voluminous volcanic eruptions. It will also show how 3D seismic analysis of VPSs can help reduce exploration risk in energy-rich sedimentary basins.

Biography:

Simon Holford is an Associate Professor of Petroleum Geoscience at the Australian School of Petroleum. Prior to commencing an academic role at the University of Adelaide, Simon was an ARC Australian Postdoctoral Fellow. With Ros King, he jointly leads the Stress, Structure and Seismic Research Group. Simon has published over 80 papers on various aspects of sedimentary basin tectonics and petroleum geoscience. He is a past president of the SA/NT branch of the Petroleum Exploration Society of Australia.

Talk abstract

The marine seismic industry is constantly striving for greater efficiency in acquiring seismic data: the quicker a survey area can be acquired, the more competitive the cost to the customer. But acquiring large surveys with unconventional spreads can impose limitations on the recorded data, so that certain geophysical requirements for the exploration or development objectives may be compromised. This is especially the case in shallow water areas, where traditionally the width of the streamer spread is restricted in order to image the shallow section.

We will look at some modern acquisition approaches for towed streamer seismic currently offered in the industry; these are very different ideas, but each aims to provide increased cross-line density or improved acquisition efficiency, or indeed, both.

In particular, we will look at the use of multiple sources instead of the conventional dual-source configuration, the use of the cross-line component in multi-sensor recording, an approach based on compressive sensing, and an imaging approach that exploits free surface multiples to provide greater illumination of the near surface. For each

of these approaches we look at its value proposition and ask how well it stacks up to its promise, and what are, if any, the associated limitations and concerns regarding the resulting “data quality”?

Speaker biography

Maz Farouki has a BSc degree in physics from Manchester University and more than 40 years of industry experience with seismic contractors, mostly on overseas assignments. He has lived and worked in the United Kingdom, Zaire, Pakistan, Algeria, Egypt, the United States Australia, Norway, Singapore and Malaysia, holding technical and management positions in data processing, imaging, and marine geophysics. Most of his tenure has been with two employers: the Seismograph Service Companies from the late 1970s and Petroleum GeoServices (PGS) from the 1990s. For a number of years he specialized in velocity model building and depth imaging at a time when the discipline was in its infancy in the industry. His current position is geophysical advisor for PGS Asia Pacific Marine Contract based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He is an active member of SEG and EAGE and has received ‘best paper’ awards at industry regional conferences and workshops.

More information

The SA-NT branch advises that their  next event is the Annual Student Pizza Night, which will be jointly held with the Adelaide University Geological Society. Each year we hold this event at the University of Adelaide with the aim to promote the opportunities and benefits of studying geophysics to undergraduate students. We will have industry professionals giving talks on their careers followed with pizza and drinks with a chance for industry professionals and students to network. We hope as many members as possible can make it to chat with the students and share their own experiences.

This year we will be joined by Josh Sage, Geoscientist at Beach Energy and former geology & geophysics student at the University of Adelaide, and Nick Jervis-Bardy, a graduate geophysicist at Heathgate. This represents a fantastic chance for students to hear about the breadth of opportunities that our industry can offer them and a great opportunity to network with industry and government geophysicists. The ASEG SA/NT Branch is very thankful for Josh and Nick for agreeing to join us.

Title: Annual Student Pizza Night
When: Tuesday 17th April 2017
Time: Food, Drinks and Presentations from 6 pm
Where: Sprigg Room, Upstairs in the western end of the Mawson Laboratories, University of Adelaide, corner of Frome Rd and Victoria Dr.

DATA VISUALISATION & INTEGRATION: AN UNDERGRADUATE PERSPECTIVE ON THE FRANK ARNOTT AWARD
Mike Reiger, Larissa Collins, Ben Kay, Angus Nixon, Sarah McDonald, Teagan Romyn, Kiryeong Lee, Melissa Stinear, Racheal Mahlknecht, Jianan Chen, Jamieson Woolcock

School of Physical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia

Over the summer of 2016/17, a team of students from the University of Adelaide were brought together to develop a unique proposal for the Frank Arnott Geophysical Challenge (http://www.frankarnottaward.com), with a focus on data integration and visualisation.

Geoscientific data is critical to exploration success, yet as projects move deeper under cover it is more critical than ever to maximise the value of existing data. Our challenge was to develop a means of integrating and manipulating the data to provide a clearer picture to better tell the story of the geological structures of the Gawler Craton. For this we used  Wavelet Transformations to alter 2D geophysical datasets into 3D datasets using the Poisson Wavelet and to work out the Fractal Dimensions. Subsequently we were tasked with  developing an innovative method of visualising that data to give a unique experience and improve interaction and comprehension of the data. This was achieved by interactively projecting data onto a 3D surface to be able to locate areas of interest and see through the subsurface to better understand the geology.

Ultimately the aim of this project is to lend itself to the exploration industry and examine new ways to approach the challenges faced by geoscientists today and tomorrow. We developed a simple method of data integration and visualisation that uses all open source programs and accessible materials.

Drinks and food from 5:30 pm, in the upstairs bar
Presentations beginning at 6:15 pm
Members: free, Non-members $10, Students: $2

Big Issues and Ideas in Geoscience is designed to highlight the fundamental role that Geoscience has as a major field of science throughout the Asia Pacific Region. The Convention (AGCC 2018) will be the largest Geoscience event to be held in Australasia since 2012, with delegates from all branches of Geoscience plus experts in mining, energy, engineering, environment and other disciplines interested in resource development expected to attend.

AGCC 2018 is supported by all eight Member Organisations of the Australian Geoscience Council, and is proudly sponsored by Geoscience Australia.

Please click here for the AGCC 2018 First Circular

BUSINESS MEETINGS AT AGCC 2018

All AGC Member Organisations, special interest groups, standing committees and other Geoscience-related bodies are invited to conduct their business meetings at the Convention and take advantage of the synergies and networking opportunities offered by such a large event.

AGCC 2018 will incorporate the GSA's Australian Earth Science Convention for 2018 and the 2018 Australian University Geoscience Education Network (AUGEN) meeting. 

If you are interested in proposing a business meeting, please click here

CONNECT WITH US
• Join our mailing list
• AGCC 2018 website
• AGCC 2018 First Circular

The SA Branch is holding a Melbourne Cup Luncheon on Tuesday 7 November

The luncheon will be held in the Hindmarsh Room, Crowne Plaza at 16 Hindmarsh Square, Adelaide between 12:00 and 17:00.

Beer, wine, champagne, cider & soft drinks fo 4 hours.
Come in your racing attire - Prizes for best dressed

Menu
Entree:

• Burratina, organic spelt, asparagus, toasted pumpkin seed salad., with basil pesto.

Main: (alternate drop of)

• Grain-fed beef sirloin with wild mushroom ragout, herb roasted new potato and shiraz glaze.
• Marinaded roast chicken breast with cauliflower almond puree, heirloom carrots and pancetta.

Cost

$70 per person for ASEG members & partners

$90 per person for non ASEG members

$50 per person for students (either ASEG member or non-member)

$700 for a table of 10

The ASEG's website is only able to accept payment from ASEG members.

Non-members and students must contact aseg.mlbcup@gmail.com for payment.

This course will inspire geoscientists to explore if EM geophysics can be relevant to their problem, build a foundation for choosing an appropriate survey based upon knowledge of physical principles, and set realistic expectations for what information you might be able to extract from a survey based on physical principles.

The course will be hosted by Doug Oldenburg from the Geophysical Inversion Facility at UBC.

This course is run over two days.

Day 1 is the DISC Course

Day 2 is the DISC Lab which is non-compulsory.

Both days are covered in the price for the DISC Lab, catering is provided both days.

You can also register for the course here.

More details are here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is covered on the second day - DISC Lab?

A. The DISC Lab is designed for a smaller group of geoscientists. We ask participants to provide informal 5 min lightning talks about problems of local interest. We will then work as a group to break down the problems in terms of the 7-Step Framework introduced in the DISC course (Day 1). If participants agree, their talks and results from discussions will be uploaded to the web. By capturing these problems and state-of-progress onto the web, we hope to promote interaction between geoscientists worldwide. Tutorials on simulations and inversions are also available upon request.

Q. Is the second day compulsory, who should attend the DISC Lab?

A. The DISC Lab is non-compulsory, it is available to any persons registered for the DISC course. The LAB is designed for a smaller group of geoscientists, only those interested in working though specific EM/IP problems should attend.

Q. Do I need to be an SEG member to register?

A. No, however you will need to create an SEG profile in order to register. Use the link provided, create a username and password and follow the prompts to pay for the course registration.

Q. Do I get the SEG Member discount as an ASEG Member?

A. No, the discounted rate only applies to SEG Members.

The ASEG SA/NT branch invites you to our upcoming April Technical Evening, a presentation by Prof Richard Hillis, CEO DET CRC, titled A Technology-Enabled Revolution in Mineral Exploration:  ‘Prospecting Drilling.’  

The Deep Exploration Technologies Cooperative Research Centre (DET CRC) is a $155M research initiative aimed to address declining success in mineral exploration beneath barren cover.  This presentation will focus on DET CRC’s coiled tubing (CT) drilling and real-time sensing projects and their potential to enable a revolutionary new approach to mineral exploration beneath barren cover, i.e. ‘prospecting drilling’:  extensive, continuous drilling programs that map mineral systems beneath cover, enabling progressive vectoring towards deposits.  The presentation will provide an update on recent trials of the CT drilling rig and on a bid for new CRC, MinEx CRC that is being developed.

Presenter: Professor Richard Hillis

When: Wednesday 26th of April 2017

Time: Drinks and food from 5:30 pm, presentation from 6:15 pm

Where: Coopers Alehouse, 316 Pulteney St, Adelaide

Cost: Members: free, Non-members $10, Students: $2

This looks to be a really interesting presentation on the tools needed for next steps following geophysical interpretation and prospect identification in the mineral exploration chain. Cheaper, faster and deeper drilling and real time analysis, with the aim to discover and appraise new mineral deposits under ever increasing cover thicknesses.  We are very much looking forward to it.

Please Click here for event flyer

For more details contact Josh Sage: joshua.sage@beachenergy.com.au

The March for Science is a global event bringing together people from all walks of life who say we need more evidence and reason in our political process. We champion the public discovery, distribution, and understanding of scientific knowledge as crucial to the freedom, success, health, and safety of life on this planet.

We are a nonpartisan group, marching to promote stable public science funding, open communication of science, evidence-based policy, and greater scientific literacy and education in critical thinking.

All people who value the role of science in society are encouraged to take part in the March for Science.

More details, including specifics for your capital city, at the March for Science.

The Australian Geoscience Council will be hosting their 2018 Convention at the Adelaide Convention Centre, 14-18 October.

AGCC 2018 will be the largest Geoscience event to be held in The Asia Pacific Region since 2012. It features a wide-ranging scientific program and will examine and address current and emerging issues that effect geoscientists and our society. Based around five Technical themes it will cover big issues and ideas concerning energy security options & markets in a clean world, resource-driven development, Geoscience education & socialisation, emerging technologies, and smoothing the impact of boom/bust commodity cycles

Abstract Submissions open: 14 October 2017

Abstract Deadline: 16 June 2018

Keynote plenary sessions at the AGCC will address the major issues that impact Geoscience, such as Earth’s past and future climate; life origins and evolution; future resource security; geohazard risk and mitigation; and the future role of Geoscience in our society.

The Convention Website contains more details.