b'CommitteesASEG newsASEG Research Foundation: Projects supported in 2020As advised in the June issue of PreviewTitle: Comparison, evaluation, anddefine the role played by faults in (PV 206), four applications for ASEGoptimisation of the portable near surfacedetermining trap configuration within Research Foundation grants wereLoupe TEM system for undergroundthe Ceduna Sub-basin. Through detailed successful in 2020. One was for honours,Nickel sulphide detection interpretation of extensive 3D seismic one for masters and two for PhD degrees.Summary: The project aims to determinedata, the expected outcomes of this The total amount committed in this yearsthe Loupe Electromagnetic (EM) Systemsproject include new models for fault round was $46 220. The four successfulability to detect and accurately mapgrowth and the evolution of structural grant applications are summarisednickel sulphides in an underground minedomains, associated workflows for the below. environment. The Loupe EM System willinterpretation of syn-kinematic listric be directly compared to a conventionalfaults, and the identification of trapping RF20M02 fluxgate-surface loop EM survey. Thestructures within the Ceduna sub-basin comparison will be primarily based onthat might be at risk of reactivation.University of WA resulting 1D conductivity models. An Supervisor: Professor Mike Dentith in-depth evaluation of the Loupe EMRF20E03System in a new and potentially high-Student: Natalia Delgado value environment has a potential highFlinders UniversityGrant: $2220, 1 year, MSc value for industry. If successful, the LoupeSupervisor: Dr Ian MoffatSystem could reduce the cost, time and Title: Geophysics in precision agriculture:personnel required for conventionalStudent: Andrew FrostMapping soil properties to guideEM surveys. The Loupe EM System amelioration practices in the WAis expected to accurately detect theGrant: $22 500, 3 years, PhDWheatbelt underground sulfides to a comparable orTitle: Assessing a multi-modal approach better quality than conventional fluxgatein the location of unmarked graves under Summary: Geophysics is increasinglysurface loop EM survey methods. various seasonal conditionsused in precision agriculture to map soil properties to facilitate optimal economicSummary: Australia is a dry continent. and environmental management of theRF20P01 As such, the soil tends to be dry, and this land. New and existing geophysical dataUniversity of Adelaide affects the suitability and effectiveness from a test site near Badgingarra, WAof common geophysical techniques in will be used to map soil properties inSupervisors: Assoc Professor Simonthe location of unmarked graves. This 3D. Methods that will be used includeHolford, Assoc Professor Ros King and Drresearch will focus on the role that soil radiometrics, frequency-domain EM andMark Bunch grain structure and moisture levels play. GPR. The primary aims of the researchThe suitability of the Schmidt (2017) are to determine how to best map clayStudent: Monica Jimenez Lloreda precipitation ratio will be assessed content and depth to hard horizons. Thisfor translation to the dryer Australian information is crucial for determiningGrant: $17 500, 2 Years, PhD conditions, along with grain size and which areas will benefit from tillage toTitle: Controls on gravity-driven normalcomposition being assessed by using counter water repellency of the top soilfault geometry and growth in stackedX-Ray diffraction, and soil permittivity and compaction of the sub-soil. deltaic settings will be explored. Three test sites have been identified, with one test site RF20M03 Summary: The Ceduna Sub-basin is acontaining graves that were dug by superb natural laboratory for studyingthe researcher in the late 1980s, this is Curtin University the evolution of normal faults inbelieved to be a world first.stacked deltaic settings with multiple Supervisor: Professor Brett Harris detachments. This project aims to Student: Fionnuala Campbell increase our understanding of normalDoug Roberts fault growth in deltaic continentalASEG Research Foundation Grant: $4000, 1 year, BSc margin successions, and more clearlyresearch-foundation@aseg.org.au7 PREVIEW OCTOBER 2020'