Scholarship leads to high-performance geology

18 November 2009

Mark Lindsay

School of Geosciences PhD candidate Mark Lindsay has received a scholarship from the Monash eResearch Centre (MeRC) to enable him to use high-performance computing to support his research.

He is investigating methods that generate thousands of simulated 3D geological models with the aim to improve understanding of real geology when used in conjunction with tectonic and geophysical information.

There are a number of possible geological models that can be developed from a single set of geological measurements. His work will create software that will enable other researchers to use field measurements to compare and assess possible variations in geological architecture.

It's a process that requires a significant amount of computing power.

"The calculations I need to perform require more power than is commonly available on your everyday computer," Mark said.

"The high-performance computing resources offered by MeRC allow more complex geological simulations to be conducted in a much shorter timeframe.

"The expertise available from their staff will also be very handy, as my experience with high performance computing is similar to my experience with flying the Space Shuttle - non-existent."

Mark will also travel to France with his family next year to further his research at the University of Toulouse (Toulouse III), studying under ex-Monash researcher Dr Mark Jessell, under a co-tutelle agreement.

Dr Jessell specialises in developing computational methods to solve complex geological programs.

"Working and collaborating with scientists with different expertise and backgrounds will be a fantastic opportunity for me," Mark said.

"I believe that there is much more to be gained by working with a wide range of researchers and I hope to broaden my research skills by observing how other institutions organise their research programs, by learning another language and by living in another country."

Mark's research recently won the Best Oral Presentation at the 23rd Victorian Universities Earth and Environmental Sciences Conference (VUEESC) 2009.