Marine Research / Earth and Ocean Science Research Group / Research Centres / The University of Newcastle, Australia

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	Earth and Ocean Science Research Group
Marine Research

The Earth and Ocean Science Research Group primarily conducts marine research on the eastern continental margin of Australia in three main areas: Fraser Island, Newcastle-Forster and Tweed. Here we are investigating how sand is moved in the East Australian longshore transport system and how ENSO-type variability controls the rate of transport and the orientation of the shoreline. We are also investigating what happens to the sand when it reaches the end of the system at Fraser Island and provides a model of highstand sediment supply to deep water controlled by tidal, wave and gravity processes.

To conduct these projects we use multibeam sonar, high resolution seismic profiling, submersible observations, current meter moorings, microfaunal and sediment sampling techniques. Further south on the NSW margin we are investigating coastal river valley and estuary sedimentation and the history of sedimentation on the continental shelf over a number of Quaternary sea level cycles.

In collaboration with NSW Department of Environment and Conservation, we are developing techniques to characterize the seafloor and to provide biological/geological seabed classification schemes for estuarine and shelf environments. In collaboration with ConocoPhillips, we are developing a geomorphological atlas of depositional sedimentary environments.

"3D model of the Eastern Australian Continental Margin showing the region in which most EOS research takes place, and the three detailed study areas (white boxes) investigated between 1997 and 2005"

Marine Research