In 2008, as part of the Australian Government's Onshore Energy Security Program, Geoscience Australia, acquired deep seismic reflection, wide-angle refraction, magnetotelluric (MT) and gravity data along a 250 km east-west transect that crosses several tectonic domain boundaries in the Gawler Craton and also the western boundary of the South Australian Heat Flow Anomaly (SAHFA). Geophysical datasets provide information on the crustal architecture and evolution of this part of the Archean-Proterozoic Gawler Craton. The wide-angle refraction and MT surveys were designed to supplement deep seismic reflection data, with velocity information for the upper crust, and electrical conductivity distribution from surface to the upper mantle. The seismic image of the crust from reflection data shows variable reflectivity along the line. The upper 2 s of data imaged nonreflective crust; the middle to lower part of the crust is more reflective, with strong, east-dipping reflections in the central part of the section.The 2D velocity model derived from wide-angle data shows velocity variations in the upper crust and can be constrained down to a depth of 12 km. The model consists of three layers overlying basement. The mid-crustal basement interpreted from the reflection data, at 6 km in depth in the western part of the transect and shallowing to 1 km depth in the east, is consistent with the velocity model derived from wide-angle and gravity data. MT modelling shows a relatively resistive deep crust across most of the transect, with more conductive crust at the western end, and near the centre. The enhanced conductivity in the central part of the profile is associated with a zone of high reflectivity in the seismic image. Joined interpretation of seismic data supplemented by MT, gravity and geological data improve geological understanding of this region.

The Australian National GNSS Infrastructure consists of the Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) of the Australian Regional GNSS network (ARGN), operated by Geoscience Australia (GA), and the AuScope network operated collaboratively by GA and the State and Territory geodetic agencies. Developed to support the geospatial sector and Earth science applications, this national infrastructure underpins the national datum, the Geocentric Datum of Australia (GDA), and contributes to the Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS) products and services, which includes the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF). To ensure this infrastructure meets needs of its users a quality management system has been developed that includes procedures for site selection, monumentation design, routine data management, and data fitness-for-purpose assessment. This presentation overviews Geoscience Australia's approach to quality management including our approach to monitoring the impact of: equipment configuration change; antenna malfunction; crustal deformation; and processing strategy and modelling changes. Some examples are given based on experience within the Asia Pacific Reference Frame (APREF) community.

Australia is a large continent with a relatively low population which is highly dependent on the mining, agricultural and transport industries for economic prosperity. These industries are themselves increasingly dependent on having access to high-quality geodetic infrastructure, especially when seeking operating efficiencies. Australia is also surrounded to the north and east by some of the most seismically active zones in the world, and is geographically isolated by the Indian, Pacific and Southern Oceans. This combination of characteristics creates some interesting challenges for the Australian Government in maintaining, developing and delivering a stable reference frame as a platform upon which a precise positioning capability can be established for science and society more generally. This presentation will detail recent GGOS related efforts in Australia to improve the accuracy of the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF). It will also discuss crustal deformation monitoring programs that allow ITRF based precise positioning services to be used in areas where localized deformation is not detected by existing GGOS infrastructure. Lastly, the presentation will also summarise efforts currently underway to enhance the provision of access to the ITRF anywhere, anytime across the Australian landmass in real time.

The Mount Painter Province is located in the northern Flinders Ranges, South Australia and comprises deformed Proterozoic metasedimentary and igneous rocks.

Description of construction and use of static geological models for use in the evaluation of CO2 storage potential using the Petrel Sub-basin as an example

Aquifer characterisation and groundwater resources of Dili, East Timor

Land cover data are an essential input into a wide array of models including land surface process models and weather/climate models. The Dynamic Land Cover Dataset is the first nationally consistent and thematically comprehensive land cover reference for Australia. It provides a basis for reporting on change and trends in vegetation cover and extent. The Dynamic Land Cover Dataset Version 2 is a suite of of ISO (ISO 19144-2) compliant land cover maps across the Australian landmass. The series of maps presents land cover information for every 250m by 250m area of the country for rolling two year intervals from 2001. Each map has been generated by applying a sophisticated time series analysis technique known as Dynamic Markov Chain modeling to two years of MODIS Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) data. The Dynamic Markov Chain modeling was used to classify each pixel based on the way that pixel has behaved over a two year period. The maps contain 33 land cover classes which reflect the structural character of vegetation, ranging from cultivated and managed land covers (crops and pastures) to natural land covers such as closed forest and open grasslands. The series of maps have been compared with over 30,000 independent ground data points provided by State, Territory and Federal Government agencies. The sequence of maps shows how Australian land cover is changing over time.

The formation of iron oxide copper-gold (IOCG) deposits requires the conjunction in time and space of four essential components of the ore-forming mineral system: (1) energy source(s) to motivate the flow of hydrothermal fluids; (2) sources of ore components (metals, sulphur) and fluids; (3) favourable 'architecture' of permeable pathways for fluids, and (4) physico-chemical gradient sites for ore deposition. These components have been identified for IOCG systems in northern Queensland and South Australia, focussing on uranium-bearing IOCG deposits, during multidisciplinary studies of the energy potential of these regions. Each of the four system components was mapped using existing and newly acquired geological, geophysical and geochemical data. Using mineral potential modelling based on established approaches, maps of potential for uranium-bearing IOCG deposits (and for other uranium mineral systems) were created for each of the two regions. In north Queensland the under-cover extensions of the IOCG province hosted by the Mt Isa Eastern Succession were identified as highly prospective for IOCG deposits, although the potential for uranium-bearing systems appears to be more limited due to the relatively deep crustal levels of exposure. Potential for Paleozoic IOCG systems was also identified in the Etheridge Province. In South Australia the well known early Mesoproterozoic Olympic IOCG Province in the eastern Gawler Craton is proposed to extend westwards via the Mt Woods Inlier into the Coober Pedy Ridge region. A key result is the identification of IOCG potential in the northern Curnamona Province, of equivalent age and setting to that in the Gawler Craton

Measuring vulnerability to hazards is necessary to understand the true extent of risk. Determining social vulnerability relies on the integration of quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Qualitative approaches explore the capacity of communities to manage risk. Quantitative methods integrate data and analytical processes to develop vulnerability measures. Geoscience Australia (GA) has developed tools for modelling natural hazards and assessing vulnerability, building exposure (NEXIS) and infrastructure resilience (CIPMA). Work on social vulnerability began with the Cities Project in 1996. In 2008 GA developed a new method for assessing social vulnerability, within the Critical Infrastructure Project (CIP). CIP takes an all hazards approach to vulnerability, to include impacts like lifeline disruption. This paper discusses a quantitative method for measuring social vulnerability to hazards. The method uses nationally available data to assess individual communities - relative vulnerability. The method allows for a standard approach to identifying highly vulnerable areas.

A multi-disciplinary, hydrogeological systems mapping approach has been developed to guide development of new geological and hydrogeological conceptual models, and provide a framework for understanding complex hydrogeological and hydrogeochemical processes. Integration of the 3D mapping with hydrochemical and hydrodynamic data provides critical new insights into surface-groundwater interactions and groundwater flow. Using this approach, it has been possible to develop a new understanding of recharge processes, and identify potential recharge and groundwater flow pathways. The new datasets, knowledge and hydrogeological conceptual models provide a reliable basis for the identification, characterisation and initial assessment of groundwater resources and MAR options. To meet the challenge of rapid identification and assessment of potential MAR targets and groundwater resources over the relatively large study area (7,541.5 sq km) within relatively short timeframes (18 months), the only cost-effective method with the ability to resolve key features of the hydrogeological system in the 0-150m depth range was airborne electromagnetics (AEM). The SkyTEM system is a high-resolution helicopter-borne time-domain electromagnetic system, and was developed specifically for high-resolution groundwater and environmental investigations. The SkyTEM survey, validated by borehole and ground geophysics and drilling, successfully delineated the key functional elements of the Darling Floodplain hydrogeological system, and identified potential groundwater resources, zones of river leakage, and a large number of potential MAR targets. The survey revealed significant heterogeneity in the sub-surface electrical conductivity structure, reflecting a complex geology. The survey mapped heterogeneity (and 'holes') within the near-surface aquifers and confining aquitards, while conductivity variations validated by drilling enabled five hydraulic classes (based on grain size) to be mapped within the main aquifers, as well as groundwater salinities. Locally, pump and slug tests, and NMR data were integrated with the AEM data to produce maps of interpreted hydraulic conductivity and aquifer transmissivity. Previously unrecognised faults, and landscape warping and tilting are observed to disrupt hydrostratigraphic units. These data necessitated development of a completely new hydrogeological conceptual model for the study area. This model shows the importance of faulting and erosional 'holes' in aquitards for recharge models. Discrete vertical fault offsets up to 20m produce localised inter-aquifer leakage. Sampling of rainfall, river, lake, groundwater and pore fluids has provided a comprehensive hydrochemical dataset for the alluvial aquifers of the Darling River floodplain. Major ion chemistry highlighted a mixing signature between river waters, the shallow unconfined aquifer and the underlying semi-confined target Calivil aquifer. Hydrochemical analysis including fuzzy-k means (FCM) cluster analysis, integrated with conventional hydrochemical and hydrodynamic analysis also provides invaluable new insights into groundwater processes. Recharge is dominated by river leakage during high flows, when scouring of riverbank mud veneers allows infiltration. In summary, the new hydrogeological conceptual model of the study area has enabled a number of MAR options to be identified and assessed. The integrated, multi-disciplinary approach provides critical insights for developing appropriate conceptual models for groundwater processes and dynamics. This approach provides an invaluable tool for the rapid identification and assessment of MAR options, particularly in shallow sedimentary systems. *Note: corresponding author is Ken Lawrie, as Ross S. Brodie is currently on leave until February.