Maya Al Dilati

Main focus: seminar was given based on analysis of a peer-reviewed paper on the nature of planetary cores and the D" layer in a conference-setting.

Goals:
• to demonstrate an understanding of current scientific issues in Earth studies
• to critically evaluate current scientific methodologies and organizations in this research field

- Geological mapping of the Cilicia-Adana Basin in Turkey.

I conducted my internship at the UNSW Minerals and Energy Resource department with Associate Professor Stuart Clark who is a geophysicist in the plate tectonics, seismic waves and hydrocarbon exploration field. I chose to complete my internship at UNSW because I enjoy the work they do with locating hydrocarbon resources. My role was to reconstruct the tectonic plate system in the Cilicia-Adana basin from 30 Mya until present day to illustrate any changes in the movement of the plate and its impact on the creation of the basin as well as finding potential hydrocarbon sources. I also had to write a research report about my findings. I worked directly with my supervisor as well as other research colleagues who have experience in plate reconstruction using GPlates (geological mapping software). I have exceeded goals through effective task prioritization and great work ethic. I have improved my research methodolgy and geological mapping through consistent hard work and dedication.

Main goal:
I was provided with a preparative training and hands-on experience in learning cutting-edge laboratory techniques in the Earth and Environmental Sciences field. My internship surrounded the research and analysis of whole oil hydrocarbon samples from the Gippsland Basin using gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Generic research skills were developed which include research planning, time management, budgeting, note-taking, sketching and formulation of laboratory investigation campaign. This internship has allowed me to advance my analytical techniques that included using and monitoring high-end equipment such as the GC-MS analyst, as well as learning the preparation and sampling of oil samples as well as integrating and interpretation of hydrocarbons peaks.
My research is comprised of:
1) Geochemically analysing 3 different whole oil families from the Gippsland Basin in South Victoria via GC-MS analyst
2) Identification of and correlation between low molecular weight hydrocarbons (C5-C10)
3) Using a non-biodegraded reference oil to depict the effect of biodegradation on C5-C10 hydrocarbons

This opportunity allowed me to master a set of new skills through learning advanced laboratory techniques. I also conducted analytical tests on whole oils which lead me to learn more about hydrocarbons, their formation and how to analyze their peaks.

Main focus: Use the concepts introduced in the Python module to solve a problem set

Goals:
• to demonstrate an understanding of basic computing algorithms, structures, and variables commonly used in scientific computing
• manipulate and process scientific data using Matlab and Python scripts
• develop coding strategies to solve problems and evaluate ideas and information
• apply fundamental concepts of data visualization to scientific datasets

The Geological Survey of NSW collates, manages and interprets geoscientific data to inform government, the exploration and mining industries, and the community about the state's geology and its mineral and energy resources.

I was in charge of:

• Sorting, organizing and picking of microfossils (conodonts)
• Sorting of the rock library
• Preparation of sediments
• Tracked collected specimens by initialing, dating and noting times of collection.
• Conducted chemical analyses using acid leaching methodology and recorded results in computer.

The aim is to investigate the Mt. Bulga prospect using geophysical methods to obtain information about the sulphide deposit with respect to the geology of the area and the location and depth of the deposit. Methods that is intended to be used are magnetics, gravity, electrical resistivity, FEM and TEM.

EM: Electromagnetic (EM) techniques can directly detect conductive features such as metal deposits where significant contrasts in conductivity values occur between the ore bodies and their resistive host rocks. Two types of EM surveys were conducted: TEM and FEM

Resistivity methods are used to calculate the apparent resistivity of the subsurface at various depths where it is converted into true resistivity profiles which can be used for conductance interpretation of geological units.

Gravity and magnetic geophysical methods was also used.

Main focus: a field analysis using geological and remote sensing techniques required to map and understand multiply deformed metamorphic Proterozoic terrains common throughout the Australian continent.

Goals:
• to use field techniques of mapping, stratigraphic correlation, and structural synthesis
• Basic principles such as form line mapping are still the backbone of most mapping, even in the highest-grade metamorphic rocks
• navigating in the field using aerial photographs and GPS
• the identification of common rock types, including distinguishing between common igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks;
• aerial photograph interpretation using stereoscopes and Google Earth;
• the use of geological compass/clinometers for obtaining field structural data (both planes and lines);
• methods of plotting structural data on maps and in stereographic projections;
• the stereographic analysis of folds;
• the preparation of basic field maps and, from them, interpretative well-constrained cross-sections and block diag

Our goal was to interpret the sedimentary record between Ulladulla and Bateman’s Bay in terms of global environmental change. A range of marine depositional environments, both modern and ancient was studied in the field.

• Identify basic marine sediments, sediment characteristics, as well as common sedimentological and stratigraphic features
• Demonstrate ability to observe and record information in the field
• Make a stratigraphic column
• Interpret the depositional history of a stratigraphic sequence

• We examined relations between the Sydney Basin and the Lachlan Orogen.
• The aim was to look at typical lithotectonic units in the Lachlan Orogen, with the aim of developing a dynamic view of the interaction between part of Gondwana and the paleo-Pacific plate in a long-lived convergent margin setting (~540-100 Ma) that is preserved in the Tasmanides of eastern Australia.
• As part of gaining an understanding of the Silurian part of the Lachlan Orogen (and then how these rocks were affected by subsequent deformation), we constructed a map and cross section of several dipping units along the Wollondilly River in Goulburn

This was a field based project with strong emphasis on understanding of the basic concepts of exploration and environmental geophysics by conducting a number of surveys which includes a seismic refraction survey and a magnetic survey.

Main focus:

• gaining experience in operating geophysical equipment
• understanding scientific methodology
• competence in accessing, using and synthesising appropriate information via reducing and modelling the data
• application of knowledge to solving problems and evaluating ideas and information
• capacity to present ideas clearly with supporting evidence

Surveys conducted:

• A seismic refraction survey needs to take place for a highway construction site to determine overburden thickness [approximately 15 m] over a 500-m long road. Seismic objective: detecting overburden thickness, composition of bedrock and overburden and any dipping of bedrock
• A magnetic map to highlight near-surface intruding bodies, the formation of sedimentary structures, dykes and batholith formation. Low and high pass filters as well as downward continuation was applied

This was a field based project with strong emphasis on observation and the development of mapping and generic field skills. Working in small groups, we were able to produce local and regional geological maps to reveal past environments and show how these environments change through time within the region of Keepit. This involves the study of both natural outcrops and coloured air photographs of the region, complemented by computers using state of the art software.

The aim was to primarily undertake a gravity survey over the M2 tunnel at Epping to see if it exists geophysically.
Main focus was to:
• layout the grid lines over the study area and conduct the survey
• record elevation, grid location, station no., dial reading etc at each station along the way
• Raw data was then uploaded, reduced, modeled and ready for presentation

The aim was to undertake environmental geophysical surveys (gravity, magnetic, resistivity & seismic) on the grounds of Macquarie University with the aim of:
• delineating the depth to basement
• delineating the soil and weathering profile
• locating any buried ferrous objects
• understanding of the basic concepts of geophysics;
• gaining experience in operating geophysical equipment;
• gaining experience in interpreting geophysical data;
• gaining experience in modelling geophysical data;
• understanding scientific methodology;
• competence in accessing, using and synthesising appropriate information;
• application of knowledge to solving problems and evaluating ideas and information; and
capacity to present ideas clearly with supporting evidence

Furthermore:
• data was collected then imported as raw files then reduced, modeled and thus ready for interpretation & presentation

Since 6,000 years ago, the sea level has generally maintained the present position and Port Hacking, which was accompanied by a large volume of sedimentation, has slowly assumed its present configuration. If the amount of land-based sediment in Port Hacking dramatically increased, it will have a vital impact on several aspects of the marine eco-system. Briefly, the increase of sedimentation could lead to erosion and sedimentary flooding which can damage young plants and animals (marine life), the environment, and the quality of the water and overfill drainage and streams in the river valley. And as such, our group has carried out a collection and analysis of Port Hacking sediments in order to evaluate the extent of the damage.

Our main tasks were:

• Collection and analysis of sediments i.e. composition, sorting, sizing, rounding, sphericity etc.
• Sifting of these sediments
• Written observations of the surrounding environment and field which may have influenced these compositions
• Noting the correct grid reference coordinates (eastings/northings)
• Conducting appropriate geo-chemical/physical measurements of these sediments and their surroundings (i.e. measuring temperature, dissolved O2, conductivity, pH, oxidation-reduction potential)
• Composing of appropriate graphical representation of these sediments and their compositions
• Comparing the result of the sediments & their analytical geo-chemical readings to a topographic map of the region
• Understanding the evolution of region over the span of many years