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Newsletter Editor

Business Office

• D.F. Branagan Dept. Geology & Geophysics The University of Sydney NSW. 2006

Laurel Tuckwell 10th floor Challis House Martin Place, SYDNEY. (02) 231 4696

(02) 692 2358

President's Page As the new Executive settles in, the Journal has been our major concern.

On behalf of the Society I would like to thank Ron Vernon, who retires as Honorary Editor this month, for his sterling service to the Society and to wish him well in his new venture as Editor of the Journal of Metamorphic Petrology.

Following the Council meeting in Canberra, we received an offer from Blackwell Scientific Publishers Pty Ltd to publish our Journal from their Melbourne office. Blackwell is a well known publishing house, and after careful checks with Editors of other Blackwell journals, Executive felt we should accept their offer.

The cost to the Society, although slightly more than our own Journal at present, can be met by the already agreed subscription for 1984 and the cost to us will reduce if Blackwell is successful in increasing sales through their advertizing facilities. We have circulated information to all Divisions and Specialist Groups with a motion to accept this offer, and the result of a postal vote of Council will shortly be announced.

I regret that such a decision must be made in haste, but the previous Executive has canvassed publication issues for over a year and the time for action is upon us. With the urgent need to find a new Editor and to notify overseas agencies of publication and subscription details for 1984, all must be settled by mid June.

In anticipation of the acceptance of the Blackwell offer, I can comment that a change in publication will reduce the copy editing and technical chores so that the new Editor will be free to pursue a more scientific role. Moreover, the return to quarterly publication will be welcomed by all.

Concomitant with the possible change in publisher, we took up Council's suggestion for a change of name for the journal.

This of course is an emotive issue, and there is an understandable reluctance to change after thirty successful years of the Journal of the Geological Society of Australia . Nevertheless, we believe that a change would be advantageous 1.n that it would give our Journal a more international image that would not only help sell it, but also attract a greater variety of good papers. Personally, I favour a compromise whereby the title clearly indicates the association with the GSA. If the name is to change it is clearly advisable to do. this when and if we initiate new publishing arrangements. There has been talk about the possibility of merging our Journal with other earth science publications; our unilateral action now will not preclude other organizations joining this venture should we and they so wish.

The continued success of the 'Journal', so important to the functioning of the Society, will depend on the increasing support of members and a supply of ~ood papers to the Editor. What about some more offerings in Economic Geology and Geophysics?

My page is spent; as winter draws near may I wish all members a good field season .

M.J. Rickard 2

Newsletter No. 44

The Australian Geologist

23 rd May, 1983

EDITORIAL CONVERTING TO THE PREACHED? The letter in the last issue from Rudi Brunnschweiler commenting on the large number of Australian geologists who have not joined the Society provoked not a single response - in letter form at least.

Perhaps members have preferred to go out amongst their peers armed with membership forms to cajole, entreat or extort membership in return for the many privileges which they will enjoy.

We certainly don't go out of our way to sell the Society and it would be interesting to find out how many non-members attending the Canberra Conference were invited and indeed did join the Society.

A feature of the Pacific Science Congress in Dunedin was the very fine portable display mounted by the Geological Society of New This set out the history of the Society, the contributions Zealand.

Set of its officers, publications, conferences and field trips. up prominently in the foyer of one of the main residential colleges of the conference it attracted much favourable attention from overseas geologists, and would, I am sure, be a telling point in encouraging recent graduates to join and support that Society. We should certainly emulate their example.

Our Society has made a genuine gesture of help to those geologists who are unemployed, by waiving subscriptions for up to two The years, and we should make this known to prospective members. contributions made by the Society to the profits of the 25th I.G.C. were also substantial and young geologists have already benefitted More will do so in the near from this fund for overseas travel.

Again we need to make this matter widely known. future.

Our role must however be seen to be that of a learned society, encouraging excellence in the practice and theory of the geological Aspects of professional training and industrial relasciences. tions belong with other bodies, such as the Institute of Geoscientists, which we have supported since its inception.

At times it may be difficult to discern whether matters of concern to geologists belong in one field or another, and some geologists believe that there is no clear dividing line.

One thing is clear, like the natural environment affairs in the geological professions are never static, and the Society looks Such set for several more years of change under its new executive. change is designed to help the Society to grow and to pass on its Is the geologist next-door to you a member? gains to members.

Why don't you invite him to join?

W.R. BROWNE MEDAL The W.R. Browne medal is awarded annually for distinguished contribution to the geological sciences in Australia and is the Society's highest award. At the General Meeting held during th e 6th Geological Convention, the Medal for 1983 was presented to Professor S.W. Carey.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Sir: In Newsletter No. 43 our president remarked that he was disappointed by the poor support for the excursions held in conjunction with the Geological Convention in Canberra.

Clearly the cost must have been the main reason for lack of support.

For such a down to earth· subject as geology the prices of these field trips were pretty sky-high.

Even in the healthiest of economies it would be outrageous to pay such amounts of money.

Hundreds of dollars for a few days in the bush!

It just blows my mind.

I have a fairly fertile imagination, yet I can't possibly conceive how I could incur costs of over $300 for a week camping in the bush, paying for transport and food.

Not even if I had chocolate biscuits every day.

Even if the prices could be justified, the excursions were certainly out of the question for students.

Hopefully at future conferences the attendant field trips will cost the participants less astronomical sums of money.

Vince Morand University of Sydney

Sir, With your assistance I want to publicise the research project of Dr. Isabel McBryde of the Australian National University who is studying Aboriginal exchange systems in the Lake Eyre/Cooper Basin supported by an ARGS grant. An important part of this exchange was trading of hard rock axes from Queensland. Work has already started on petrographic descriptions of these artefacts in Museum collections, and I am engaged on this research as a consultant. However to determine the sources for these axes in Museum collections we need to locate and sample quarry sites.

We would greatly appreciate information on the exact locations of Aboriginal quarries and the nature of the material worked.

I therefore ask geoscientists who have worked in the Mt. Isa- Cloncurry area for information on the position of Aboriginal artefact quarries, particularly hard rock outcrops worked for axe stone.

Dr. McBryde may be contacted at the Department of Prehistory and Anthropology, The Faculties, Australian National University, PO Box 4, Canberra ACT 2600.

Alan Watchman Belconnen 4

THE 6TH AUSTRALIAN GEOLOGICAL CONVENTION The weather was kind, and there was a relaxed, indeed happy, atmosphere about the event which took place at the ANU between 20 and 25 February.

Five hundred people came to hear 250 papers read, to take part in lively discussion, and to attend business meetings of specialist groups. With a welcoming buffet on the first evening, a barbecue the following day, and a dinner two days later, it was a full week for everyone.

Although final figures are not yet available, the financial position seems to be assured, and the Society should benefit from a modest profit.

The organising committee was grateful for the support it received from geoscience institution s such as BMR, ANU, CCAE, and the Territories Division of the Society; and from a number of individual volunteers who shared the load of looking after the registrants . And finally to the registrants themselves for corning to the Convention, and for making it a success.

Seventh Australian Geological Convention The N.S.W. Divisional Committee has accepted an invitation to act as host of the next G.S.A. Convention in Sydney.

It is tentatively scheduled to be held from 27 August to 2 September 1984.

Australian Coal Geology Volume 4 Parts 1 and 2 The above volume, being the Proceedings of the Symposium: Coal Resources; Origin, Exploration and Utilization in Australia, is presently available.

Copies are available from the GSA Business Manager, Sydney, or (over the counter) from J. W. Beeston, 24th Floor, Mineral House, Brisbane.

Price is $30-00, the volume includes 49 papers.

Field Conference 1983 The Queensland Division Field Conference for 1983 will be held in the Biloela-Mou ra-Theodore -Cracow areas from Friday afternoon the 10th June to Monday 13th June (Queen's Birthday long week-end.

It is planned to concentrate on the Permian, economic geology andstratigraph y of the area.

The coal mine at Moura and trial cut at Theodore will be visited.

The cost of the Field Conference (including guide book, bus travel, hotel/motel accommodati on and meals) will be $155 from Brisbane.

Registrants joinging the field conference at Biloela will be required to pay $125.

Further enquiries may be made by ringing S. Parfrey (07)224 4929 or D. Trezise (07)224 6993 ABSTRACTS No. 9 - Sixth Australian Geological Convention, Canberra 1983.

LITHOSPHERE DYNAMICS AND EVOLUTION OF CONTINENTAL CRUST Price:

$13.50 (includes surface mail postage)

Contact the Sydney Office

5

THE SOCIETY HAS TWO NEW HONORARY MEMBERS - DAVID BROWN AND BERYL NASHAR The 1983 Council received nominations for Honorary Membership for Emeritus Professor David A Brown and Emeritus Professor B Nashar.

These nominations were carried with acclamation at the General Meeting of the Society on 24 February 1983. Honorary Membership is bestowed upon those members who have served both the Society and the earth sciences with dedication and distinction, and the rules permit no more than fifteen Honorary Members.

David Brown's greatest contribution to the Society undoubtedly has been his two terms of Honorary Editor - in the periods 1964 to 1969, and 1976 to 1978. The former term was immediately followed by his Presidency of the Society. Concurrently with those pressing duties in the late 1960s and early 1970s he was also able to successfully serve as President of Section C of ANZAAS and Dean of Faculty of Science at the Australian National University. He is well known for his co-authorship of the text book Geological Evolution of Australia and New Zealand, and has published extensively on his Perhaps speciality - Polyzoa from the Pacific and Antarctic region. his greatest contribution to modern geology is his work with E Irving plotting the distribution of labrinthodonts as a function of Palaeolatitude, published in 1964. It formed an important part of the evidence supporting continental drift. He later e x tended this work to all the late Palaeozoic and Triassic terrestrial vertebrates.

More recently David Brown has served the geosciences in Australia and overseas by his numerous translations of Russian literature.

Beryl Nashar has played a major role in fostering the development of the Hunter Valley Branch of the Society, the only Branch which She has has been continuously active since the society's foundation. served many terms as Branch Chairman of the New South Wales Division.

Her appointment as Head of the School of Geology at Newcastle University College, and then as Foundation Professor of Geology upon the inauguration of the University of Newcastle spanned a vital period which saw her charged with a task of successfully building up a geology department from very small beginnings . On being called to serve as Dean of the Faculty of Science, she achieved the distinction of becoming the first woman in Australia to act in the capacity of Her publications, starting with those under Dean of any faculty. her maiden name of Beryl Scott, have ranged over several fields, but have concentrated on her main interests of investigating the mineralogy, petrology and genetic relations of the Carboniferous and Permian volcanic associations of eastern New South Wales, and the conditions of formation of secondary minerals in basic lavas. Two books written by her - "Geology of the Hunter Valley" and "Geology of the Sydney Basin" - have aimed to excite an interest in geology in students and the intelligent layman. Throughout her career, Beryl Nasher has been untiring in her efforts to advance the cause of women in the earth sciences. She retired as an Emeritus Professor in 1980.

6

STATIGRAPHIC NOMENCLATURE The Stratigr aphic Nomencl ature Committe e has at various times called for comment on drafts of the proposed "Field Geologis t ' s Guide to Lithostr atigraph ic Nomencl ature in Australi a ". Many have been received and duly consider ed . At its last meeting, in February 1983 , the Committe e realised that there was still consider able division of opinion on the nomencl ature of igneous and metamor phic rock units, and decided to defer publicat ion of this section of the Guide pending further consider ation .

A new approach to igneous and metamorp hic rock unit nomencl ature which had been presente d in the Draft North American Stratigr aphic Code of 1981 was discusse d at the February Committe e meeting . The complete Code, now finalise d is to be publishe d in the May 1983 volume of the Bulletin of the American Associat ion of Petroleu m Geologi sts. The Committe e has obtained permissi on to publish the igneous and metamorp hic section of the Code in order to stimulat e comment amongst Australi an geologis ts .

This e x tract is presente d below . You are invited to study it and consider to what e x tent this approach could be applied in the nomencl ature of igneous and metamorp hic rock units in Australi a . Please submit your comments to Mr J. Brownlow , of the NSW Subcomm ittee, whose address is Geologic al Survey of NSW, Departme nt of Mineral Resource s, GPO Box 5288, Sydney, NSW , 2001 .

H. R . E . Staines Convener Stratigr aphic Nomencl ature Committe e EXTRACT FROM NORTH AMERICAN STRATIGRAPHIC CODE By North American Commiss ion on Stratigr aphic Nomencl ature

1983 Publishe d b y The Ame rica n Associat ion of Petroleum Geologi sts P . O. Box 979 Tu l sa , Ok lahoma 7 4101, U. S.A .

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Figure 3.--LITHODE MIC AND LITHOSTRATIGRAPHIC UNITS. A lithodeme (upper case) of gneiss (A) contains an intrusion (B) that was deformed with the gneiss. A and B may be treated jointly as a complex. A younger granite pluton (C) is cut by a dike of syenite (D), that is cut in turn by unconformit y I. All the foregoing are in fault contact with a structural complex (E). A volcanic complex (G) cuts unconformit y I and is built upon it. Laterally equivalent volcanic strata in orderly, mappable succession (h) are treated as lithostratig raphic units (lower case). A gabbro feeder to the volcanic complex, where surrounded by gneiss (G') is readily distinguish ed as a separate lithodeme, and named as a gabbro or an intrusion. All the foregoing are overlain, at unconformit y II, by sedimentary rocks (j) divided into lithostratig raphic units.

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Nature and Boundaries Article 31.--Nature of Lithodemic Units. A lithodemic / unit is a defined body of predominantly intrusive, highly deformed, and/or highly metamorphosed rock, distinguished and delimited on the basis of rock characteristi cs. In contrast to lithostratigra phic units, a lithodemic unit generally does not conform to the Law of Superposition . Its contacts with other rock units may be sedimentary, extrusive, intrusive, tectonic, or metamorphic (Fig. 3).

Remarks. (a) Recognition and definition.--L ithodemic units are defined and recognized by observable rock characteristi cs. They are the practical units of general geological work in terranes in which rocks generally lack primary stratificatio n; in such terranes they serve as the foundation for studying, describing, and delineating lithology, local and regional structure, economic resources, and geologic history. (b) Type and reference localities.--T he definition of a lithodemic unit should be based on as full a knowledge as possible of its lateral and vertical _/ From the Greek demas, -os:

"living body, frame".

8

variations and its contact relationships. For purposes of nomenclatural stability, a type locality and, wherever appropriate, reference localities should be designated. (c) Independence from inferred geologic history.--Concepts based on inferred geologic history properly play no part in the definition of a lithodemic unit.

Nevertheless, where two rock masses are lithically similar but display objective structural relations that preclude the possibility of their being even broadly of the same age, they should be assigned to different lithodemic units . (d) Use of "zone".--As applied to the designation of lithodemic units, the term "zone" is informal. Examples are: "Mineralized zone", "contact zone:, and "pegmatitic zone".

Article 32.--Boundaries. Boundaries of lithodemic units are placed at positions of lithic change. They may be placed at clearly distinguished contacts or within zones of gradation. Boundaries, both vertical and lateral, are based on the lithic criteria that provide the greatest unity and practical utility . Contacts with other lithodemic and lithostratigraphic units may be depositional, intrusive, metamorphic, or tectonic.

Remark. (a) Boundaries within gradational zones.--Where a lithodemic unit changes through gradation into, or intertongues with, a rock-mass with markedly different characteristics, it is usually desirable to propose a new unit.

It may be necessary to draw an arbitrary boundary within the zone of gradation. Where the area of intergradation or intertonguing is sufficiently extensive, the rocks of mixed character may constitute a third unit.

Ranks of Lithodemic Units Article 33.--Lithodeme. The lithodeme is the fundamental unit in lithodemic classification. A lithodeme is a body of intrusive, pervasively deformed, or highly metamorphosed rock, generally non-tabular and lacking primary depositional structures, and characterized by lithic homogeneity.

It is mappable at the Earth's surface and traceable in the subsurface. For cartographic and hierarchical purposes, it is comparable to a formation (see Table 2) .

Remarks. (a) Content.--A lithodeme should possess distinctive lithic features and some degree of internal lithic homogeneity.

It may consist of (i) rock of one type, (ii) a mixture of rocks of two or more types, or (iii) extreme heterogeneity of composition, which may constitute in itself a form of unity when compared to adjoining rock-masses (see also "complex", Article 37). (b) Lithic characteristics.--Distinctive lithic characteristics may include mineralogy, textural features such as grain-size, and structural features such as schistose or gneissic structure. A unit distinguishable from its neighbors only by means of chemical analysis is informal. (c) Mappability.--Practicability of surface or subsurface mapping is an essential characteristic of a lithodeme (see Article 24d) .

Article 34.--Division of lithodemes. are informal.

Units below the rank of lithodeme

Article 35.--Suite. A suite (metamorphic suite, intrusive suite , plutonic suite) is the lithodemic unit next higher in rank t o lith ode me .

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It

comprises two or more associated lithodemes of the same class (e . g . , plutonic, metamorphic). For cartographic and hierarchical purposes, suite is comparable to group (see Table 2).

Remarks . (a) Purpose.--Suites are recognized for the purpose of expressing the natural relations of associated lithodemes having significant lithic features in common , and of depicting geology at compilation scales too small to allow delineation of individual lithodemes. Ideally, a suite consists entirely of named lithodemes, but may contain both named and unnamed units. (b) Change in component units.--The named and unnamed units constituting a suite may change from place to place, so long as the original sense of natural relations and of common lithic features is not violated . (c) Change in rank.--Traced laterally, a suite may lose all of its formally named divisions but remain a recognizable, mappable entity . Under such circumstances, it may be treated as a lithodeme but retain the same name. Conversely, when a previously established lithodeme is divided into two or more mappable divisions, it may be desirable to raise its rank to suite, retaining the original geographic component of the name. To avoid confusion, the original name should not be retained for one of the divisions of the original unit (see Article 19g).

Article 36. --Supersuite. A supersuite is the unit next higher in rank to a suite. It comprises two or more suites or complexes having a degree of natural relationship to one another, either in the vertical or the lateral sense. For cartographic and hierarchical purposes, supersuite is similar in rank to supergroup.

Article 37 . --Complex . An assemblage or mixture of rocks of two or more genetic classes, i.e., igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic, with or without highly complicated structure, may be named a complex. The term "complex" takes the place of the lithic or rank term (for example, Boil Mountain Complex, Franciscan Complex) and, although unranked, commonly is comparable to suite or supersuite and is named in the same manner (Articles 41, 42) .

Remarks. (a) Use of "complex" .--Identification of an assemblage of diverse rocks as a complex is useful where the mapping of each separate lithic component is impractical at ordinary mapping scales. "Complex" is unranked but commonly comparable to suite or supersuite; therefore, the term may be retained if subsequent, detailed mapping distinguishes some or all of the component lithodemes or lithostratigraphic units. (b) Volcanic complex.--Sites of persistent volcanic activity commonly are characterized by a diverse assemblage of ex trusive volcani c rocks, related intrusions, and their weathering products. Such an assemblage may be designated a volcanic complex. (c) Structural complex.--In some terranes, tectonic processes (e.g. shearing, faulting) have produced heterogeneous mixtures or disrupted bodies of rock in which some individual components are too small to be mapped. Where there is no doubt that the mixing or disruption is due to tectonic proces~ such a mixture may be designated as a structural complex, whether it consists of two or more classes of rock , or a single class only. A simpler solution for some mapping purposes is to indicate intense deformation by an overprinted pattern. (d) Misuse of "complex".--Where the rock assemblage to be united under a single, formal name consists of diverse types of a single class of rock, as in

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many terranes that expose a variety of either intrusive igneous or high-grade metamorphic rocks, the term "intrusive suite", "plutonic suite", or "metamorphic suite" should be used, rather than the unmodified term "complex". Exceptions to this rule are the terms structural complex and volcanic complex (see Remarks c and b, above).

Article 38.--Misuse of "Series" for Suite, Complex, or Supersuite. The term "series" has been employed for an assemblage of lithodemes or an assemblage of lithodemes and suites, especially in studies of the Precarnbrian . This practice now is regarded as improper; these assemblages are suites, complexes, or supersuites. The term "series" also has been applied to a sequence of rocks resulting from a succession of eruptions or intrusions.

In these cases a different term should be used; "group" should replace "series" for volcanic and low-grade metamorphic rocks, and "intrusive suite" or "plutonic suite" should replace "series" for intrusive rocks of group rank.

Article 39.--General Provisions. The formal name of a lithodemic unit is compound. It consists of a geographic name combined with a descriptive or appropriate rank term. The principles for the selection of the geographic term, concerning suitability, availability, priority, etc., follow those established in Article 7, where the rules for capitalization are also specified.

Article 40.--Lithodeme Names. The name of a lithodeme combines a geographic term with a lithic or descriptive term, e.g., Killarney Granite, Adamant Pluton, Manhattan Schist, Skaergaard Intrusion, Duluth Gabbro. The term formation should not be used.

Remarks. (a) Lithic term.--The lithic term should be a common and familiar term, such as schist, gneiss, gabbro. Specialized terms and terms not widely used, such as websterite and jacupirangite, and compound terms, such as graphitic schist and augen gneiss, should be avoided. (b) Intrusive and plutonic rocks.--Because many bodies of intrusive rock range in composition from place to place and are difficult to characteri ze with a single lithic term, and because many bodies of plutonic rock are considered not to be intrusions, latitude is allowed in the choice of a lithic or descriptive term. Thus, the descriptive term should preferably be compositional (e.g., gabbro, granodiorite), but may, if necessary, denote form (e.g., dike, sill), or be neutral (e.g., intrusion, pluton_/). In any event specialized compositional terms not widely used are to be avoided, as are form terms that are not widely used, such as bysmalith and chonolith. Terms implying genesis should be avoided as much as possible, because interpretations of genesis may change.

Article 41.--Suite Names. The name of a suite combines a geographic term, the term "suite", and an adjective denoting the fundamental character of the suite; for example, Idaho Springs Metamorphic Suite, Tuolurnne Intrus ive Suite, Cassiar Plutonic Sui te. The geographic name of a suite may not b e the same as that of a component lithodeme (see Article 19f). Intrusive assemblages, however, may share the same geographic name if an intrusive lithodeme is representative of the suite.

Article 42.--Supersuite Names. The name of a supersuite combines a geographic term with the term "supersuite".

_/ Pluton - a mappable body of p lutonic rock .

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Four Tune Smiles This notice must be important. I have received four (no, at la st count six) copies. Don't say we aren't trying to help.

APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS 25TH INTERNATIONAL GEOLOGICAL CONGRESS FUND Income from this Fund is to be devoted to support of scientific meetings other than internation al congresses, and to public lectures to be held in Australia in the subject area of Earth Sciences.

In 1984 special funds will be available to assist young promising geologists to attend the 27th Internation al Geological Congress in Moscow.

The Australian Academy of Science's National Committee for Solid-Earth Sciences will meet in late August 1983 to disburse funds for use during the calendar year l984.

Organisatio ns, institution s and individuals are invited to submit application s for grants for use in 1984.

Information should be supplied on the particular scientific meeting or activity to be supported and a brief description of the role of the scientist(s ) for whom a grant is sought.

In the case of public lectures, details of the proposed speaker, who should be from overseas, the topic for presentatio n and the proposed venues should be given.

During the past year grants provided travel support to geologists attending the 6th Australian Geological Convention and contributed towards the costs of speakers invited to the Symposium on Evolution and Biogeograph y of Early Vertebrates and to the Third Biennial Conference of the Australian Society of Exploration Geophysici sts.

The Academy wishes to encourage young geologists to contribute to the developmen t of the geology in Australia. This year a significant proportion of the funds available will be to assist promising young geologists to attend the IGC meeting in Moscow.

Further information on the format application s should take is available from the Executive Secretary, Australian Academy of Science, PO Box 783, Canberra City, ACT , 2601.

Application s should be received by l August 1983.

Congratula tions to Ken(ton) Stewart Wall CAMPBELL, elected F.A.A. in April .

His 9itation reads: "Dr Campbell is a geologist of breadth and distinction .

His work over 25 years in palaeontolo gy and stratigraph y in Australia and the United States is unparallele d and has gained him wide recognition.

He has served as President of the Association of Australian Palaeontolo gists and was the Clarke Memorial Lecturer of the Royal Society of NSW in 1975.

Since 1964 he has been a Reader in Palaeontolo gy in the Department of Geology at the Australian National University and has played a vital role in training the next generation of Australian geologists. "

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Volcanology in the Western Pacific In conjunction with the "XVth Pacific Science Congress", Unesco organized a "Meeting on Training and Research in Volcanology in the Western Pacific", in Dunedin, New Zealand, on 5 and 6 February, 1983, in collaboration with the New Zealand Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and the New Zealand Sub-Committee for Volcanology.

Twenty-one specialists took part in the meeting; they were from: Australia, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand (12), Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the United States of America, and UNESCO (2).

The meeting reviewed the progress in the development of the proposal for a regional project in volcanology since the Unescosponsored mission of May-June, 1982 (see "Australian Geologist" No. 39, June 1982), and made suggestions for the modification of the proposed gathered in Dunedin, a revised project proposal for training and research in volcanology in the Western Pacific has been made.

This document has been sent to the National Commissions for co-operation with Unesco of the countries directly concerned by the proposed project (i.e. Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, New Zealand and Australia). The UNESCO Regional Office for Science and Technology for south-east Asia is requesting the governments of these countries to consider this project proposal with a view towards official government endorsement vis a vis the United Nations Development Programme. If at least two governments in the region officially express their endorsement to the UNDP, the UNDP will evaluate the project proposal for approval under its Inter-country Programme.

A.

pevelopment Objectives

The ultimate aims of this project are: first, to reduce the loss of human life, and damage to buildings, public works, farmlands, and recreation areas by having staff who are better able to predict volcanic activity and thus warn populations and take other measures for the protection of property and lands.

Second, to economically exploit the products of volcanic phenomena, such as geothermal energy and mineral deposits.

Third, to further an understanding of the process governing the evolution of the earth's crust.

B.

Immediate Objectives

The immediate aims of the project are: to train personnel in volcanology; to improve monitoring methods and instruments on active volcanoes; to provide specialist services in times of volcanic crisis; to improve the collection and dissemination of data on volcanoes and their activity; to promote research on specific areas of volcanology in the Western Pacific; to improve regional and global co-operation in volcanology.

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C.

Special Consideration

The Western Pacific region covers the convergent boundaries of three of the Earth's major lithospheric plates, and is therefore characterised by extremely high concentration s of volcanoes and high frequencies of earthquakes. The region includes 11 countries and one territory (Table 1) that between them account for about one-third of the total number of volcanoes on the Earth's surface (excluding deep-sea submarine volcanoes). The volcanoes are predominantly of the explosive type, and have caused tens of thousands of casualties during the last 100 years, as well as considerable damage and destruction to property and agricultural areas.

For these reasons, nations in the region, through organizations such as the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior (IAVCEI), the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG), and UNESCO, have expressed the need for greater efforts in training of personnel, research and surveillance of volcanoes, and in the provision of equipment (Table 1) .

Geoscientist"s interested in this project should contact: Mr EL Fisher Secretary Australian National Commission for Unesco Department of Education Woden A.C.T. 2606 - Australia for further information.

The Fifth Regional Congress on Geology, Mineral and Energy Resources of Southeast Asia, GEOSEA V, will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, April 1984.

For further information, write to

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The Organizing Secretary, GEOSEA V, Geoloaical Society of Malaysia, c/o Dept of Geology, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Telephone:

GEOSEA

~ 03-577036

DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BILATERAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AGREEMENTS 1984 Programme Revised closing date for applications by Australian scientists and technologists for activities between 1 July and 31 December 1984 under the Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement with Mexico is 1 September 1983, a month earlier than previously advised.

Correspondence should be sent to: The Director, International Activities, Department of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 65, BELCONNEN, A.C.T. 2616.

14

TWELFTH INTERNATIONAL SEDIMENTOLOGICAL CONGRESS CANBERRA AUGUST 1986 - "SEDIMENTS DOWN-UNDER" CALL FOR PROPOSALS

The organizing committee of the 12th International Sedimentological Congress is looking for ideas, volunteers and help from the sedimentary community in the organizing and running of this Conference scheduled for the last week in August 1986. in return the We can guarantee plenty of headaches and hassles: rewards should include a great deal of satisfaction and international recognition.

Although early days yet, we solicit ideas, offers for help, comments etc. on the following items: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Technical Sessions Symposia Workshops Excursions

In their infinite wisdom (or foolhardiness) the preparatory committee whilst vying for the Congress to be held in Australia, compiled a list of likely topics and excursions as a guide to the sorts of things that Australia could offer to the international sedimentological community. This list is shown below as a guide; it is not meant to be exhaustive.

In keeping with the theme of Sediments Down-Under the Conference will concern itself not only with depositional, but also with post-depositional environments, tracing the evolution of sediments It is planned to include the through their diagenetic history. following topics in the scientific programme Archean depositional environments Proterozoic depositional environments The role of cyanobacteria in depositional environments Precambrian and Palaeozoic glacigene sedimentation Arid environments - ancient and modern Reef carbonates Low-gradient river systems and their sediments Catastrophism in the sedimentary record Anoxic events The sea-level record The accu_~ulation and diagenesis of organis-rich sediments Volcanogenic sediments Sedimentation in tectonically active areas Iron-rich sediments Shale-hosted base metal deposits Uraniferous sediments Phosphorites Tropical weathering Beach processes and placers 15

Weathering and economic geology Compaction in sediments Coal-depos iting systems Diagenesis in evaporitic sequences Groundwate r, porosity and diagenesis Manganifero us sediments Oil shale environmen ts Mineral and energy resources in sediments The sediments of the Southwest Pacific, Indian and Southern Oceans Local Geological Excursions In addition to the many scenic attractions in the region, Canberra is also ideally situated for short geological excursions.

Depending on demand, these short (one-two day) excursions will be held both before and after the conference and will include 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Yass Basin The Tasman Geosyncline around Canberra The Sydney Basin Glacigene sediments of the NSW south coast Engineering geology of Canberra Sediments of the Eden-Comer ong-Yalwal Rift Zone Surficial materials of the Tarago-Ner riga region Engineering geology of the Snowy Mountain hydroelectric scheme

Major Field Trips Depending on the number of participant s the following one-two week field trips will be organized before or after the Congress 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

The sediments of the South Island of New Zealand Volcanocla stic sequences of the North Island of New Zealand Papua-New Guinea: Huon Peninsula and the Markham Valley Papua-New Guinea: Port Moresby area - Angabanga River Yule Island New Caledonia and Fiji Devonian reefs of the Canning Basin Shark Bay and Lake McLeod The BIF's and associated sediments of the Hammersley Basin Proterozoic sequences of the Flinders Ranges Paleozoic sequences of central Australia (Amadeus Basin) The Tasman Geosyncline Lower Palaeozoic carbonates and phosphorite s of the Georgina Basin Sediment-ho sted mineral deposits of northern Australia (Mount Isa, Duchess, McArthur River, Pine Creek, Groote Eylandt) The Great Barrier Reef 16

16.

17.

The coal resources of Eastern Australia The energy resources of southeastern Australia (Sydney Basin, Gippsland) The coastal environments of southeastern Australia The continental environments of central Australia

18.

19.

If you want to organize a technical session, run a symposium or lead a field excursion let us know.

If you know someone who you feel could do one of these, but is too modest to say so, please let us know.

Comments to Keith Crook, Chairman, Organizing Committee 12th I.S.C . , Department of Geology, ANU, PO Box 4, Canberra ACT 2600.

Postscript - Information Required From Potential Excursion Leaders Please give the title of the excursion, followed by a concise description of the important sedimentological features of the region to be examined. This is most important, as people having perhaps scant knowledge of Australia and the southwest Pacific will need to be convinced that your excursion is one they shouldn't miss.

This synopsis, which will appear in the first circular, may largely determine the number of excursions run.

In addition, try to give the following details: Transport:

bus, plane, 4-wheel drive safari, etc.

Maximum number of participants, duration, distance to be travelled, probable starting and finishing points.

Accommodation: Hotel, motel, chalet, camping. Commercial accommodation is probably preferable unless all equipment for camping can be supplied by excursion leaders.

Cost: Your best estimate; it will obviously depend heavily on the type of accommodation. Production of guidebooks will be the responsibility of excursion leaders, and should also be included in the cost.

Locality map: Sufficient detail to allow us to compile a set of general maps for the first circular.

From Technical Session Convenors Theme:

Title and brief synopsis of symposium/session

Convenor:

Name(s) of possible convenor(s)

Participants:

Names of potential participants 17

INTERNATIONAL GEOLOGICAL CONGRESS, MOSCOW, 4-14 AUGUST 1984 CALL FOR PAPERS Section 4: Sedimentology.

Keith Crook, Co-Convenor of Section 4, advises that abstracts are required They should be typed, camera-ready, in a frame 18cm wide by l Sept. 1983. by 26 cm high, in the following format: AUTHOR'S NAME and institutional affilliation leave 2.5 cm TITLE OF PAPER leave 2.5 cm Body of abstract ....... .

Abstracts should be sent unfolded to : Organising Committee, 27 International Geologicai Congress, Institute of the Lithosphere, USSR Academy of Sciences, 22, Staromonetny, Moscow 109180, USSR o Themes in Sedimentology include: C.04.1.l Hypergenesis (Chemical & Physical Weathering) & Sedimentogenesis (sedimentation, including transportation &depositional processes).

Problems of recent and ancient weathering and the formation of regoliths.

Transportation and accumulation of sediments under various conditions inclBasinal deposituding recent and ancient rivers and underwater currents o Special attention will be paid to processes occurring at the continion. ent-ocean boundary. Chairmen include MoR.Leeder (UK).

C.04 . 1.2 Sedimentological Processes and their Controlling Factors.

Discussion of the genesis of sedimentary rocks and minerals peculiar to specific climatic, geomorphic and geological environments (special attention Characteristics of diagenesis will be paid to processes in arid regions) o The specific character of sedimentand metamorphism of sedimentary rocks o ary processes in production of cover sequences on continents and in oceans.

Chairmen include V.A oGostin (Aust).

C. 04.1.3 Palaeogeographic and Facies Analysis. Facies Models.

Palaeogeography of various stages of geological history of th Earth.

Chairmen include N. Trauth (France).

C.04 ol.4 The Role of Climate in Sedimentation and Sedimentary Processes o Climatic changes in the history of the Earth and their influence on sedimentThe influence of climate on the various stages of sedimation in general.

Lithological indicators of climate in the geological entary rock formation . history of continents and oceans. Chairmen include ToR. Walker & D. Williams (USA) C. 04 . l o5 Carbonate & Halogenic Deposits Mineralogic and petrographic characteristics of carbonate and halogenic Modern and ancient carbonate deposits and their secondary alteration. and halogenic accumulation and its evolution in the history of the Earth .

Connnercial minerals assCarbonate and halogenic facies and formations o Chairmen include ociated with carbonate, reef and halogenic deposits o CoLoVo Monty (Belgium) .

18

So04 o2ol Sedimentation and Geotectonic Regimes J o Leggett - U.K o) o

(Chairmen include

So04 o2o2 Evolution of Sedimentary Ore Deposits (Chairmen include GoC. Amstutz (Germany) & Po Eo Cloud (USA) o Co06 ol ol Sedimentary Layers in Oceans and Seas: Formation and Structure Types of deposits in different structural and climatic zones of oceans o Peculiarities of sedimentation in early stages of sedimentary cover formation.

Formation of thick sediment piles in oceans and seas o Chairmen include KoAoWo Crook (Aust) & Eo Winterer (USA) o Other Sections include Coal (Larry Harrington) and Phosphorites (Peter Cook) The Australian Academy of Science in Canberra has a few copies of the Second Circular for the Congress o COGS The Consortium for Ocean Geosciences of Australian Universities (COGS) held a business meeting in Canberra on February 25.

Progress reports were presented on the Tripartite South Pacific Marine Geoscience Program, the Australia-Japan cruise to investigate the New Britain Trench, the Advanced Ocean Drilling Program and the marine geoscience workshop in Townsville latter this year associated with WESTPAC III It now seems very likely that the Advanced Ocean Drilling Program will commence in October, 1984 using SEDCO 472 or a similar drilling ship. The proposal for Australian Membership of this new extension of IPOD is still being considered by the Government.

The new COGS executive consists of: Chairman: Dr.Gordon Packham (Syd. Univ.)

Deputy Chairman: Dr. Keith Crook (ANU) Secretary Treasurer: Dr. Jock Keene (Syd. Univ.) and Dr. Vic Gostin (Adelaide Univ.)

Anyone wishing to participate in or receive further information on the above programs should contact Jock Keene, Department o f ~ Geology and Geophysics, University of Sydney, 2006.

GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF NEW ZEALAND The annual conference of the Geological Society of New Zealand will be held at Auckland, 14-18 November 1983 and will coincide with the centenary of the University Geology Department. Further information from the Conference Secretary, A.P. Mason, c/- Department of Geology, University of Auckland, Private Bag, Auckland.

19

BOOK REVIEWS Sedimentary Structures by J.D. Collinson and D.B. Thompson, 1982.

Allen and Unwin, 194p. paperback $24.95.

This book nicely fills a gap in the range of sedimentology text books available.

In ten chapters it deals with the origin and significance of most sedimentary structures as well as outlining what to do in the field and how to do it.

It is not an atlas of sedimentary structures although it is a relatively comprehensive book.

The structures formed in epiclastic sediments are dealt with in detail, however, those found in carbonates and pyroclastic deposits receive scant treatment considering their significance as to processes and their potential importance in resource exploration. For example, the significance of stylolites is dealt with very briefly and there is no mention of fenestrae.

One final criticism is that some of the photos are too small and dark to identify the features illustrated (for example: Figs. 3.4; 6.28) and others lack a scale (for example: Figs. 6.61; 8.5).

In some cases the plates have no explanation other than to ask for an interpretation from the reader.

I feel this is a waste of valuable plates in a book like this.

The references at the end of each chapter are divided into several sub-lists under the headings field experience, laboratory experience, light reading, essential reading, further reading and extra references relating to figure captions.

Despite the drawbacks mentioned above the text is useful as a reference for students and practicing field geologists.

Sedimentology :

Process and Product by M.R. Leeder, 1982.

Allen and Unwin, 344p. paperback $29-95.

This book joins several others published recently to compete for the undergraduate market found in sedimentology courses.

Overall I am impressed with its content and the presentation is well thought out.

The book is divided into 8 Parts with a total of 31 chapters.

The first third of the book deals with the origin of sediment grains, fluid flow and sediment transport, bedforms and sedimentary structures. These topics are well illustrated with photographs and line drawings and the chapter on fluid properties and fluid motion is at a more advanced level. The second third of the book analyses environments and facies.

The introductory chapter deals with tools and data collecting for such analyses but fails to mention seismic stratigraphy. The individual chapters on particular environments are brief but adequate for this level.

The final third of the book covers diagenesis and includes an elementary, but welcome, chapter on hydrocarbons (coal and oil).

It is a pity that most sedimentology texts either ignore the "economic" aspects of sedimentology or isolate them into sections away from where the facies are analysed.

One drawback of the book is the failure to mention volcanogenic sediments and facies.

Despite this I would recommend it for second year level courses and for those geologist~ who may have lost contact with recent thinking in this field.

The book is of manageable size with up-to-date and well sellected references.

J. Keene

Cooke - Ravian Volume of Volcanological Papers Edited b y R . W. Johnson . Geological Survey of Papua New Guinea, Memoir 10 , 1981 , 265 pp . PNG Kina 22 . 00 (Geological Survey of Papua New Guinea , P . O. Box 778 , Port Moresby) .

This handsome volume comprises 25 papers dealing with aspects of the volcanology of a number of volcanoes in Papua New Guinea, especially in the Bismarck v olcanic arc, situated off the north coast of New Guinea, and where 10 of the 14 activ e volcanoes in Papua New Guinea occur .

The volume is dedicated to the memory of Robin Cooke and Elias Ravian , volcanologists of the Geological Survey of Papua New Guinea , who so tragically died on 8 March 1979 while in a vo l canological observation camp on the rim of the inner caldera of Karkar volcano .

The Bismarck volcanic arc is associated with the zone of interaction between the Inda-Australian and Pacific lithospheric plates in a region where two additional small crustal plates have developed.

The eastern part of the arc through New Britain lies above a northerly dipping Benioff zone, but the western part of the arc lacks a well-defined Benioff zone .

Along this arc occur many volcanoes built mainly from lavas and pyroclastics of basaltic to andesitic composition .

Fourteen of the papers in the volume deal with aspects of the geology and eruptive history of particular volcanoes in the Bismarck volcanic arc, including Kadovar, Barn, Manam, Karkar, Long Island, Ritter Island, Langila, Pago and Ulawun.

Four of the papers are concerned with Karkar volcano, and one of these provides a description of the phreatic explosive episode that resulted in the death of Cooke and Ravian .

The papers contain a wealth of new information on these stratovolcanoes, which are a continuing hazard to the populace because of their propensity to erupt explosively .

Of the three papers on Rabaul , one deals with the products of the latest major explosive eruptions , which are shown to be much larger than historical eruptions, and the other two papers are concerned with an aeromagnetic survey of the caldera and some palaeomagnetic measurements on young lavas respectively .

The remaining papers provide information on youthful volcanism at various localities elsewhere in Papua New Guinea, including the Manus Island area, Bougainville and eastern Papua .

Some of the papers make good use of historical records in attempting to reconstruct the earlier volcanic history of particular volcanoes .

Authors of the papers are mainly from the Geological Survey of Papua New Guinea and the Bureau of Mineral Resources, together with some contributions by earth scientists from universities, including Auckland, Macquarie, New South Wales and Papua New Guinea .

Appropriately, Robin Cooke is author or coauthor of nine of the papers , illustrating his involvement and commitment to volcanological studies in Papua New Guinea.

These papers were completed by coauthors or in the case of those for which Cooke is sole author, the editor , R. w. Johnson compiled the papers from notes and drafts of manuscripts .

21

concluded bottom of page 22

SPECIALIST GROUP IN TECTONICS AND STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY 1.

Symposia - Preliminary notice FRACTURES AND THEIR ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE (Convenor: Dr. R. A. Glen) and MODERN AND ANCIENT ACCRETIONARY PRISMS (Convenor: Dr. E. C. Leitch) To be held in Sydney late in February 1984 with a threeday field trip to the New England Fold Belt associated with the latter.

The symposia will feature a number of overseas specialists but there will also be an opportunity for local contributio n.

Contact the Conveners for further early information .

2.

Newsletter - The specialist group newsletter will be published in early October.

Articles, comments, letters etc. relevant to the activities of the Grcup are solicited.

Forward to the Editor: Dr. John Shepherd, ACIRL, PO Box 83, North Ryde, NSW 2118.

Deadline:

3.

30th September

Bermagui Conference - Multiple Deformation Foliation Developmen t, 4-10.2.84 - for details see Australian Geologist No. 43.

we didn't catch the 12th but the BMR Petroleum and Minerals Review Conference will be held 21-22 March 1984, and 13th BMR Symposium - 17-18 April 1984.

The contact person for both conferences is Mrs. E. E. Young, Bureau of Mineral Resources, P.O. Box 378, Canberra, ACT 2601 (telephone: (062) 499623) (Continued from page 21) The volume is well produced on high quality paper with clear diagrams and good use of colour and monochrome photographs , although some of the latter are unfortunate ly printed too dark.

Interestingly, there is also an abstract with each paper in Tok Pisin (New Guinea Pidgin).

Usefulness of the volume would have been enhanced for the general reader by inclusion of a short summary paper on the regional geological setting.

This book is a most appropriate memorial to Cooke and Ravian, and should be of particular interest to those concerned with volcanology and volcanolog ical hazards.

Ian McDougall 22

NEW AUSTRALIAN PALAEONTOLOGICAL SERIES MEMOIRS OF THE ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALASIAN PALAEONTOLOGISTS The Association will publish Memoirs as an irregular companion series to its already-established journal Alcheringa.

These may be major works that are too l o ng for publication in Alcheringa, o r collections of papers from a p articular meeting or on a uniform topic.

The first Memoir is a collection of papers fr om the Dorothy Hill Jubilee Meeting held in Brisbane on the 9th,10th September, 1982. Its contents are: Preface ...... . ....... .. .. ... .. ; . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7 Dorothy Hill .......... .. ....... ... ...... . . .. Bruce Runnegar and John S. Jell ... .. .

9 Early evolution of dipnoan dentitions and a new genus Speonesydrion . ....... . ..... ... ..... .. . K. S. W. Campbell and R. E. Barwick. . . 17 A new diplacanthoid acanthodian from the Late Devonian of Victoria . . ...................... J. A. Long...... . ........... ... .. 51 Structure and function of the exothecal tissue of Somphocyathus coral/oides Taylor and allied regular Archaeocyatha .................. . . ... David I. Gravestock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 The receptaculitid Soanites from the Early Ordovician of China . .. ....... . ........ . ... . . Guo Sheng Zhe: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Middle Cambrian Sphinctozoa (Porifera) from New South Wales .. .... .. . ... ... .. .. ..... .. . John Pickett and Peter A. Jell. . . . . . . . 85 An annotated bibliography and review of Austr'llian fossil sponges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... John Piclrett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Molluscan phylogeny revisited ....... . ... . .. . ... . Bruce Runnegar . . .... .. ....... .. .. 121 Early Ordovician fa unas from the Mount Windsor Subprovince, northeastern Queensland .. ... .... . R. A . Henderson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145 Trilobites and microfossils from the Middle Ordovician of Surprise Bay, southern Tasmania, Australia ... . .. .. : ....... . ......... . ..... .. Clive Surrett, Brian Stail and . . . . . . . . 177 John Laurie Chinese Ordovician trilobites housed in the Smithsonian Institution .. . ............... . .. . W. T. Chang and P.A. Jell .......... 195 Early Devonian echinoderms from Victo ri a (Rhombifera, Blastoidea and Ophiocistioidea) . .. .. Peter A. Jell .. . . .................. 209 Astogeny in the Devonian rugose coral Phillipsastrea nevadensis from northern Canada ... Colin T. Scrutton ..... . .... .. ...... 237 Symbioses of Devonian rugose corals ............. William A. Oliver, Jr ...... . .. ...... 261 Primary biogenic structu·res and diagenetic history of Timorphyllum wanneri (Rugosa), Permian, Timor, Indonesia .... .. ..... . .... .. ... .. .... James E. Sorauf. . .. . ........... .. . 275 Redescription of the Permian aulostegid brachiopod Taeniothaerus subquadratus (Morris 1845), the type species of Taeniothaerus Whitehouse .. . .... . S. M. Parfrey .... .. ... . ........... 289 Permian to Triassic changes in life .... . .. ...... . . J. M. Dickins ..... .. .. . ... . ... . .. . 297 Regeneration of calcification in the Adeonidae (Bryozoa: Cheilostomata) ........ . .......... . . R. E. Wass . ... .... .......... . . .. . 305 The Devonian miospore genus Geminospora Balme 1962: a reappra isal based upon topotypic G. lemurata (type species) ............ . ... .. . .... Geoffrey Playford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311 Jugasporites Leschik 1956, a Late Palaeozoic operculate pollen genus ... . ................ . . C . B. Foster ......... .. ........... 327 Eocene pollen of probable proteaceous affinity from the Yaamba Basin, central Queerisland .... .. Murray J. Dudgeon .. . ... . ... . .. ... 339 A new plant genus, possibly a marattialean fern, from the Middle Triassic of eastern Aus trali a .. . . . John A . Webb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363

23

Mero. Ass. Australas . Palaeonto ls. No. 1 Dorothy Hill Jubilee Memoir Price $20 Subsequen t Memoirs will include --- Archaeocy atha from lower parts of the Lower Cambrian carbonate sequence in South Australia D. I. Gravestoc k Mesozoic dinoflage llate biostratig raphy of Australia R. Helby, A. Partridge , L. Stover et al .

Series Editor is Dr P . A. Jell, National Museum of Victoria, 285-321 Russell Street, Melbourne , Victoria, 3000, Australia .

Authors intending to submit manuscrip ts for publicati on in the Memoir series should contact the editor at the very earliest stage of preparati on for detailed instructio ns on manuscrip t assembly.

In general, format and style will follow Alchering a.

What is described as 'our long-awaite d remote sensing catalogue, the first of its kind ever published', is available for US$5.00 to cover postage and handling, by either writing or calling: Ryder Geosystems 445 Union, Ste . 304, LAKEWOOD, CO 80228, U.S.A.

SCIENCE RESEARCH IN AUSTRALIA:

Phone:

(303) 988-4853

Who Benefits?

An ANU Public Affairs Con erence will be held at the Coombs Lecture Theatre, Australian National University, June 23 and 24, 1983.

Only $95 . 00.

Enrolment closes Friday , June 10 .

Contact: Conference Officer, Science Research , Centre for Continuing Education, The Australian National Univ~rsity, G.P.O. Box 4, CANBERRA, A.C.T . 2601 .

Cover Photo.

Cracking in greywackes, Split Rock Dam site near Manilla New South Wales. Pattern or chance?

24

SALT LAKES IN ARID AUSTRALIA Studies in hydrology, stratigraphy, and palaeoenvironment 17-18 October,

1983

A workshop organized at the Australian National University under the auspices of the SLEADS (Salt Lakes, Evaporites and Aeolian Deposits) program.

No registration fee!

Persons wishing to present papers are requested to notify the organizers before 26 August 1983.

To enable the volume of abstracts to be distributed at the meeting, the deadline for receipt of abstracts is 30 September 1983.

There will be a one-day excursion near Canberra to Lakes George and Bathurst on Sunday, 16 October 1983.

Interested persons should inform the organizers of their intended participation before 30 September 1983.

Further information can be obtained from A. R. Chivas, Research School of Earth Sciences, A.N.U., G.P.O. Box 4, Canberra, A.C.T. 2601, telephone (062) 493247, or from P. De Deckker, Research School of Pacific Studies, A.N.U. (same postal address), telephone (062) 494312.

Hollow-flight auger at work on the sale crust of Lake Frame.

This drill is owned and operated by the Department of Biogeography and Geomorphology and the Research School of Earth Sciences as partners in the SLEADS program.

--4v--- ~ AUSTRALIAN SOCIETY OF EXPLORATION GEOPHYSICISTS SHORT COURSE MAGNETICS & GRAVITY FOR GEOPHYSICISTS & GEOLOGISTS Science Centre, 35-43 Clarence Street, Sydney, N.S.W. August 22-26, 1983 Instructors: COST: ENQUIRIES:

D.W. Emerson, D.A. Clark

$850 incl. teas, lunches ($750 ASEG members) ·D.W. Emerson, Course Organizer (02 692 2031, 692 2912 25

WORKSHOP ON COAL GEOLOGY IN SOUTHEAST ASIA I.

Place and Date:

II.

Objectives:

Seoul, Korea, October 3-8, 1983 (Mon.-Sat.)

A.

To provide opportunities for both instruction and exchange of ideas.

Instruction will consist of lecture and laboratory format, in addition to a field excursion.

B.

To help resolve some of the problems related to the use of coal resources and exploration.

C.

To promote and strengthen the existing bonds between member countries, and to encourage continued co-operation and exchange.

III.

Participants: Representatives from academia, industry, government plus all other interested geoscientists.

Approximately 50 individuals are expected to attend.

The travel costs for one representative from each developing country will be paid by Unesco funds.

Living expenses in Seoul for all participants will be paid by the supporting organizations.

IV.

Papers: Those invited to present papers should bring sufficient copies to the workshop to be distributed to participants at the time of registration.

Each country representative should be prepared to present country report on coal geology.

V.

Workshop is organized by: Korean National Commission for Unesco, Seoul National University (SNU) Organizing committee: Chairman - Bong Kyun Kim (Seoul National University, S.N.U.) Secretary - Jeong Hwan Kim (Seoul National University, S.N.U.)

Preliminary registration by participants and abstracts of the papers should be received before August 1, 1983.

For further information contact: Dr. Bong Kyun Kim Dept. of Geological Sciences Seoul National University Seoul 151, Korea

26

A Workshop on methods of teaching Earth Science in Asian High Schools is being held 12th-18th July 1983, at Chiangmai, Thailand; organized by the Association of Geoscientists for International Development and the Department of Geological Sciences, Chiangmai University in co-operation with the Canadian Geoscience Council, the Australian Development Assistance Bureau, and Commission on Geology Teaching, International Union of Geological Sciences.

For further information contact: or

Dr. Theerapongs Thanasuthipitak, Dept of Geological Sciences Faculty of Science, Chiangmai University, Chiangmai 50002, Thailand

Dr. Mike Katz, Geology Dept., University of N.S.W.

NEW PUBLICATIONS Report No. 7:

Mineral Exploration Techniques in Tropical Rain Forests Edited by D. J.C. Laming and A. K. Gibbs Price: US$25,00, Developing countries US$12.50

Report No. 8:

Strategies for Small Scale Mining and Mineral Industries Price: US$12.00, Edited by J.M. Neilson.

Developing countries US$6.00

Report No. 9:

Edited by D. C. Turner Geochemistry in Zambia.

Price: US$5.00, Developing countries US$3.00

Course not e s onRock as Construction materials, by P. J. Clutterbuck, Price: US$12.00, Developing countries SU$6.00 O. G. Ingles, C. J. Talbot.

Directory of Geoscience Departments in Universities in Developing Countries, Edited by B. K. Tan and S. Chandra Kumar.

3rd edn, 1983.

Price: US$8.00, Developing countries US$4.00.

Order from:

AGID Headquarters AIT, G. P .O. Box 2754, Bangkok, Thailand.

or

Dr. Mike Katz, Dept Geology, University of New South Wales

A training program for Geoscientists in Development on Applied Quaternary Geology, August 22 - October 15, 1983, sponsored by Association of Geoscientists for International Development (AGID), Netherlands Government, Geological Survey and universities, UNESCO and Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), will be held at the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand.

For details contact:

Dr. Prinya Nutalay a, Course Director, AGID, Asian Institute of Technology, GPO Box 2754, Bangkok 10501, Thailand.

Telex:

84 2 76 TH

27

NEW WORK ON SEDIMENTARY ENVIRONMENTS AND TECTONIC SETTINGS OF THE ADELAIDE SYNCLINE A dynamic two day symposium at the Australian Mineral Foundation, Adelaide, on Friday 9th December and immediately following the symposium "S.A. The Place to Explore".

This is the start of a new generation of thought on the "Geosyncline".

Can you contribute? If you can please contact, The Secretary, AGSETS, C/- S.A. Department of Mines and Energy, Box 151 EASTWOOD POST OFFICE. 5063

A REUNION OF STAFF, PAST AND PRESENT, STUDENTS AND GRADUATES OF THE BROKEN HILL DIVISION OF THE U.N.S.W. WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY, JULY 9TH, 1983.

PARTICULARS CONTACT DR. K. VOST OR MRS. L. BLACK

FOR

PHONE (080) 6022.

The Agricultural History Society, University of Missouri-Columbia, and Soil Conservation Service announce a symposium on the history of soil and water conservation at Columbia, Missouri, May 24-26, 1984. Susan Flader of the university and Douglas Helms of SCS are the symposium coordinators. Please submit proposals and requests for information to Douglas Helms, Historian, SCS-USDA, P.O. Box 2890, Washing, D.C. 20013, by September 10, 1983.

WANTED FOR PURCHASE ...... .

One complete copy of the Society's Journal Vol. 23 (1976). Any member wishing to sell this now out of print issue to replace a missing copy at the Yale University Library please contact Professor Peter F. Howard School of Earth Sciences Macquarie University North Ryde NSW 2113 Phone 88 9215

28

Armin Aleksander Opik Dr Opik, or just Opik, as he wished to be addressed, was born in Estonia, in 1898 . He created two careers in the earth sciences, both immensely productive and innovative. At the University of Tartu he was awarded the degrees of Magister Mineralogiae (1926), Doctor Philosophiae Naturalis (1928), and Privat Docent (1929).

In 1930 he was appointed as Professor of Geology and Palaeontology and Director of the Geological Museum and Institute, posts held until he left Estonia in 1944. The period 1925-1944 was one of intense research productivity, with the publication of some 75 papers on almost all aspects of Estonian geology and palaeontology, including highly significant monographs which have become standard reference works for students of palaeontology in particular throughout the world.

In recognition of this body of work, he was appointed Estonian Laureate for Science in 1935.

After leaving Estonia in 1944, he spent some time teaching in Germany and working with S. von Bubnoff on a compilation of the regional geology of Europe.

In May 1948 Opik began his second career at the age of 50 when he arrived in Australia and joined BMR where he is particularly remembered for his long-term involvement with the regional geological mapping of central and northern Australia. This provided him with the opportunity to compile a comprehensive body of mostly palaeontological information from hitherto geologically poorly known areas of the "outback", and to begin the arduous task of making this information known to science. Some 45 further publications, including 12 definitive monographs accruing from this work have laid firm foundations for Australian geology and palaeontology.

As a result of his contribution to geological sciences, Dr Opik received many honours. They include appointment as an overseas correspondent of the Palaeontological Society of America (1928), election as a foreign member of the Geological Society of London (1938), election to fellowship of the Australian Academy of Science (1962), and honorary membership of the Geological Society of Australia (1965). He was the Clarke Memorial Lecturer of the Royal Society of New South Wales for 1965, and was awarded the Charles Doolittle Walcott medal by the U.S. Smithsonian Institution in 1962. He was a member of the International Union of Geological Sciences Subcommission on Cambrian Stratigraphy, and twice acted as Chairman of the Commonwealth Territories Division of the Geological Society of Australia.

Opik was an intellectual giant. He was one of the few remaining gentlemen natural historians in the traditional sense: a private man, gracious and creative, raconteur with a finely tuned sense of humour, a prolific writer and dispenser of ideas until the end. By profession an internationally renowned geologist, he was also a poet, linguist, philologist, philosopher, student of the ancient world, chess player, seafarer, and compassionate father. His first poetry was published in 1919, and recently a volume of the Canadian journal, Mana, has published a collection of Opik's poems in the Estonian language whose subject matter is based on Australian aboriginal mythology.

The world, as well as Canberra, will be the poorer for the passing of a man of such fascinating complexity.

J.H. Shergold 29

FOR SALE THERMAL IONISATION AEI MS 12 MASS SPECTROMETE R Includes computer controlled (HP9825T) peak hopping via a Varian FR41 controller, and data acquisition via Cary 401 electromete r and HP3456A DVM. The system retains MS12 filament and magnet power supplies and electron multiplier. Vacuum is established with ion pump (analyser) and diffusion pump (source).

Instrument in good working order and is routinel y used for Rb/Sr, Pb/Pb and U/Pb geochronolo gy, fission product studies and trace metal determinati ons.

Available: Price:

June/July, 1983

$75,000

Further information from:

•

Wr■IIT

Dr. J. de Laeter WA Institute of Technology Kent Street _ Bentley, WA, 6102 Ph:

(09)

350 7093

FRIENDS OF THE GEOLOGICAL AND MINING MUSEUM (NEW SOUTH WALES) A meeting of interested people was held at the Museum on Sunday, 20th February, 1983, and unanimously voted to form a Friends' Society. A working party was established to prepare a draft constitutio n meeting and a further meeting was held on SUNDAY, 10th April.

The Museum urgently needs the practical help of geoscientis ts not just amiable goodwill at present. Contact Friends of the Geological & Mining Museum Society 36 George Street SYDNEY, N.S.W. 2000 and write to the new minister Hon. Kevin Stewart M. L.A. in support of the poorman's geological education centre.

30

AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENTISTS held its Annual General Meeting on 20th April, 1983 .

Council for 1983 were elected as follows: K. D. L. P. J. G. K.

Glasson Probert Ingall Haskins Bryan Gibbons Mosher

Officers and

President Vice President Treasurer Secretary Councillor Councillor Councillor

In addition to those elected, the following continue as Councillors for 1983 : C . L. Adamson D. W. Emerson P . N. Jamieson

D. H. Probert M. J. Turbott K. A. Richards/J. Bein J. Tomson

After the business meeting the newly appointed Minister for Mineral Resources (N.S.W . ), Mr. Kevin J. Stewart M.L.A., gave a brief address.

HIGH GRADE METAL DEPOSITS IN EASTERN AUSTRALIA One day a symposium to be jointly sponsored by the N.S . W. Dept . of Mineral Resources and the Sydney Mineral Exploration Discussion Group will be held at the Shore Inn, Artarmon, on Friday September 23, 1983 . Technical papers, poster and trade displays will cover a wide range of topics . A social function will follow the technical papers.

Papers are invited covering all aspects of the geology, case histories and problems of exploration, evaluation and economics of high grade -metal deposits, i . e. deposits which may sustain profitable returns over a wide range of economic and operating conditions. Proposed papers should be discussed before June 17, 1983, with the Director of the Geological Survey of N.S.W., Dr N. Markham, who will forward details to the selection committee.

Poster and trade displays are invited and suppliers of equipment and services are urged to consider displaying their latest exploration technology.

Contact Mr G.I. Wilson at Sydney 27-1773, for further information.

Registration information programme and other details will be available at a later date . Persons interested to receive further information, circulars and registration details should contact Margaret Frend at Sydney 436-1056.

GEOSTATISTICAL ORE RESERVE ESTIMATION June 27 - July 1, 1983 Hilton International! Sydney, Australia Short course b y Dr. Michel David, Geostat Systems Internationa l, Inc., in co-operation with Gamma Geostat International, Inc .

A gift at $750.

For more information, telephone (514)4 8 7-4010 telex: 05- 25 134 MTL

31

Montreal Canada.

GEOLOGICAL TIME SCALE

AMENDED

PERIODS LICENTIOUS VERY RECENT RECENT

LIFE FORMS FIRST VIDEO GAMES MODERN PERSON) FIRST REPUBLICANS

CRETINOUS PLASTICINE OVALTINE LI STER I NE UGLY SCENE OBSCENE VISINE

FIRST HOMONYMS HAIRY THINGS MUCH TOO BIG REALLY BIG HAIRY THINGS BIG SILLY-LOOKING HAIRY THINGS HAIRY CRAWLY THINGS ALL OVER HAIRY CRAWLY THINGS

SMOG ALERT WARM &SUNNY) GREAT WEEKEND FOR A BARBEQUE FAIR INLAND) PATCHY FOG NEAR THE COAST COLD WITH NIGHT AND MORNING GLACIER~ CONTINENTS DRIFTING LI KE CRAZY COOLER) WITH A 20% CHANCE OF COMETS,

REALLY BIG -HUNGRY WARTY THINGS REALLY BIG WARTY THINGS BIG WARTY THINGS

STILL HOT J WITH MOSQUITOES &VOLCANOES EVEN HOTTER WITH LOTS OF MOSQUITOES HOT WITH FREQUENT RAINS) CONTINENTS DRIFT,

LOTS OF NASTY CRAWLY THINGS NASTY CRAWLY THINGS

RAIN WITH INTERMITTENT VOLCANOES RAIN) 40 DAYS &40 NIGHTS) OCEANS FORM MORE THUNDER & LIGHTNING MORE RAIN THUNDER &LIGHTNING TORRENTIAL RAINS

METATARSAL CREOSOTE STYPTIC CRYPTIC

ORTHOPEDIC OBSTREPEROUS PESTIFEROUS ARTESIAN OVARIAN PRESBYTERIAN COLLEGIAN

SLIMY THINGS WITH TENTACLES SLIMY THINGS MORE SEASHELLS SEASHELLS

PRECOCIOUS PROPHYLACTIC CATATONIC

ATONAL

MAJOR EVENTS FAST FOOD CHAINS) MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FREEWAYS UPTHRUSTJ SUBURBS FORM,

UGLY GREEN SLIME WITH ORANGE SPOTS UGLY GREEN SLIME ROCKS

32

VOLCANOES & EARTHQUAKES EARTHQUAKES &VOLCANOES MOUNTAIN RANGES UPTHRUST; CONTINENTS FORM