Geosciences

Our geoscientists are probing the Earth to predict earthquakes, conserve precious resources and manage climate change.

Putting prediction on solid ground

Our geoscientists are improving our ability to predict earthquakes by explaining the huge gap in time from the beginning of the plate movement that led to the creation of the Andes to the actual formation of the massive South American mountain range.

Geoscientists read the Earth to understand how continents were formed, how mountains, oceans and mineral deposits were created, and how life and the environment of our planet have evolved and might change in the future.

Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are spectacular reminders that the Earth is constantly changing all around us — mountains rise and fall, continents collide and split apart again.  Even as you read this, the Himalayas have grown bigger, the Pacific Ocean has become narrower and Australia is now closer to Papua New Guinea.  These changes are happening at such an imperceptible rate that you are unlikely to notice them in your lifetime.

Our researchers are using major facilities like the Australian Synchrotron to discover how the Earth works and to address major issues facing society. What drives plate tectonics? What are the conditions in the core of the Earth? Where will we find the resources and energy we need for the future? How do we protect our water and environment?

Discover more about the
School of Geosciences