Hyperspectral images from the Eastern Fold Belt of the Mount Isa Inlier, released by the collaborative Queensland NGMM project between GSQ and CSIRO, were validated as new tool for the detection of IOCG related alteration. High resolution of mineral maps derived from hyperspectral imaging (4.5m/pixel) enables the recognition of various types of hydrothermal alteration patterns and the localisation of fluid pathways. Groundtruthing of a suite of mineral maps was conducted in 2007. Though sample analyses in the lab is still in process, but some preliminary results already show some promising features. In summary hyperspectral images provide a powerful tool for the recognition of various hydrothermal alteration patterns and could be used in combination with other geophysical remote sensing data, such as radiometrics and magnetics. Limitations of this technique are defined by unsatisfactory coverage of mineral maps, man made features, river systems and distribution and composition of debris. A good knowledge of the local geology is necessary to extract the full information provided by the mineral maps. Calibration of ASTER data with the hyperspectral data can hopefully extend interpretation made from the HyMap data into adjacent areas, which are only covered by ASTER. 60pp final report and databases.

This map shows the boundaries of the Maritime Security Zones for each port for the purpose of the Maritime Transport & Office Security Act 2003. 7 Sheets (Colour) December 2009 Not for sale or public distribution Contact Manager LOSAMBA project

An igneous zircon reference material (OG1) was characterised for U-Pb isotopes by ID-TIMS, and utilised to evaluate SIMS (SHRIMP) instrumental mass fractionation (IMF) of radiogenic Pb isotopes (207Pb*/206Pb*). The TIMS 207Pb*/206Pb* reference value for OG1 was 0.29907 ± 0.00011 (95% confidence limit), 3465.4 ± 0.6 Ma. The high 207Pb* (~ 30 -g g-1), negligible common Pb, and isotopic homogeneity permitted precise (± 1-2) 207Pb*/206Pb* measurements within the analytical sessions. External reproducibility of mean 207Pb*/206Pb* ratios between sessions was demonstrated for one instrument, yielding a mean IMF of +0.87 ± 0.49. The mean 207Pb*/206Pb* ratios between instruments were dispersed beyond uncertainties, with session IMF values from +3.6 ± 1.7- to -2.4 ± 1.3, and a grand mean IMF value (twenty-six sessions) of +0.70 ± 0.52, indicating a tendency towards elevated 207Pb*/206Pb*. The specific causes of variability in IMF are unclear, but generally reflect subtle differences in analytical conditions. The common practice in SIMS of assuming that IMF for Pb+ is insignificant could result in systematic age biases and underestimated uncertainties, of critical importance for precise correlation of Precambrian events. Nevertheless, a zircon RM such as OG1 can be readily incorporated into routine dating to improve 207Pb*/206Pb* accuracy and external reproducibility.

Summary of GA's plans for marine seismic and reconnaissance surveys off southwestern Australia in 2008/09 as part of the Offshore Energy Security Program

Hot Rock geothermal exploration in Australia is significantly different to methods used for conventional geothermal plays elsewhere in the world. Hot Rock geothermal plays in the most essential form comprise a heat source and insulating layer. In Australia, high-heat producing granites (HHPG) are the presumed heat source, while low-conductivity sedimentary rocks provide the insulator necessary to create an accumulation of heat and elevated temperatures. It is presumed that other elements of a geothermal play can be introduced, such as using hydrofracturing or chemical treatment to achieve the required permeability, or the injection of circulation water.

A ~400 km long deep crustal reflection seismic survey was carried out in Central Victoria, Australia, in 2006. It has provided information on crustal architecture across the western Lachlan Orogen and has greatly added to the understanding of the tectonic evolution. The east-dipping Moyston Fault is confirmed as the suture between the Delamerian and Western Lachlan orogens and is shown to extend down to Moho. The Avoca Fault, which is the boundary between the Stawell and Bendigo zones, is a west-dipping listric fault that intersects the Moyston Fault at a depth of about 22 km, forming a V-shaped geometry. Both the Stawell and Bendigo structural zones can be broadly divided into a lower crustal region of interlayered and imbricated metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks and an upper crustal region of tightly-folded metasedimentary rocks. The Stawell Zone was probably part of a Cambrian accretionary system along the eastern Gondwana margin and mafic rocks may have been partly consumed by Cambrian subduction. Much of the Early Cambrian oceanic crust beneath the Bendigo Zone has not been subducted but is preserved as a crustal-scale imbricate thrust stack. The seismic data have shown that the 'thin-skinned' structural model appears to be valid for much of the Melbourne Zone whereas the Stawell and Bendigo zones have a 'thick-skinned' structural style. Internal faults in the Stawell and Bendigo zones are mostly west-dipping listric faults, which extend from the surface, with listric geometries, to near the base of the crust. The Heathcote Fault Zone, which forms the boundary between the Bendigo and Melbourne zones, extends to at least 20 km, and possibly to the Moho. A striking feature in the seismic data is the markedly different seismic character of the mid to lower crust of the younger Melbourne Zone. The deep seismic reflection data for the Melbourne have revealed a multilayered crustal structure that supports the Selwyn Block model.

This map shows the boundary of the Maritime Security Zones for each port for the purpose of the Maritime Transport & Office Security Act 2003. 6 sheets (Colour) September 2009 Not for sale or public distribution Contact Manager LOSAMBA project, PMD

Overview of the Deep Crustal Seismic surveys conducted by Geoscience Australia and funded through the Onshore Energy Security Program since it's commencement in 2006 to September 2009.

This map shows the area of the Eastern South Australia Trawl Closure within the Commonwealth Trawl Sector (also known as the South East Trawl Fishery (SETF)) of the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery. Modified from GeoCat 68492 (2008) as per the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery (Closures) Direction No. 1 2009 - Schedule 22. Produced for the Australian Fisheries Management Authority. Not for public sale or distribution by GA.

Map showing Australia's Maritime Jurisdiction in the Torres Strait on a blue imagery background made from data collected from research vessels and/or derived from satellite imagery. Additional information includes the Special Quarantine Zone for the Australia Quarantine Inspection Service.