STELLAR – Spatio TEmporaL expLorAtion for Resources

Collaboration between BHP and the EarthByte Group at the University of Sydney Aimed at implementing big and complex spatio -temporal data analysis and modelling to support the needs of BHP in global resource exploration Advance the integration and analysis of physical, chemical and dynamic properties of the Earth. Build on the EarthByte Group’s expertise in constructing a virtual Earth through geological time and to connect BHP’s data to EarthByte’s plate motion models, global data sets and tectonic, geodynamic and surface process modelling tools Four programs, (1) Plate Tectonics and Geodynamics, (2) Paleogeography, (3) Surface Processes and (4) Exploration (with a focus on copper) Integration of geodata through geological time, coupling plate reconstructions with geodynamic models, constructing dynamic paleo-elevation models, designing adaptable landscape evolution models and providing key inputs for spatio -temporal data analysis for global exploration. All programs are interconnected in multiple ways, e.g. copper exploration depends on tectonic and geodynamic models, paleo-elevation and denudation to understand their formation and preservation Phase 2 of the project builds on phase 1, and will extend spatio -temporal data-model connectivity substantially Full plate reconstructions from 1 Ga to present Phase 1 objectives: GPlates training for BHP team – completed (and ongoing) Kinematic testing and improvements of 1 Ga plate motion model – completed Improved useability of model (e.g., turn deformation on/off) Implementation of new Tethyan model – underway Standardisation of Plate IDs and absolute reference frame back to 1 Ga – on track Improvements to flat slab geometries – on track Geodynamic model run – depending on RA onboarding timeframe Integration: Plate models and geodynamic outputs will be used by other STELLAR programs Collaboration with BHP: Key regions already identified (e.g., Urals, Tethys, and east Asia in Phase 1. GoM , Zechstein Basin, and others next year) + some key data already discussed. Personnel: Sabin Zahirovic (Lecturer, ARC DECRA Fellow) Roberta Carluccio (STELLAR Research Associate) Youseph Ibrahim (STELLAR research assistant) Chris Alfonso (STELLAR research assistant) Sydney Informatics Hub support (TBA) Satyam Pratap Singh (STELLAR PhD student joint with Program 2*) * accepted into USyd PhD program but awaiting confirmation of PREA scholarship. Paleogeography Phase 1 objectives: Paleobathymetry grids (and workflows) using our traditional method (incl. oceanic basement depth, sediment thickness, LIPs and their conjugates, passive margins) – 0-250 Ma Enhanced paleobathymetry grids (and workflows) which merges our traditional workflow (but additionally incorporates the reconstruction of major seamount chains) with reconstructed present day bathymetry - 0-250 Ma Broad-based paleo-topography maps (and workflows), which includes paleo-geographies, dynamic topography, tectonic topography for rifts and passive margins and a…

Aug 10, 2021 9:00 AM — 10:00 AM