Geological Time: Old Rocks, New Ideas

Melbourne, September 28, 2023
​2pm onwards

Topic

The Earth has a complex history of over 4.5 billion years of geological time. Many aspects of geological research hinge on having a well-defined chronology, but dating the rock record is far from simple. In this symposium, presenters consider old rocks with new insights, and cover a range of different time scales from the recent past to the ancient Earth. Questions around the timing of past climate change, biotic evolution and crustal processes are the focus of the discussion. The emphasis of some talks will be on new ideas and techniques in geochronology–refining how we establish the precise timing of ancient processes. Speakers will show us through geological time from the Precambrian right through to the last glacial maximum. The talks cover a range of archives from igneous and sedimentary rocks, through to fossils and caves. In addition to talks, we have two poster sessions in the refreshment breaks, and encourage anyone working in the area of geological time–especially students and ECRs–to present their work.

Key facts

- Five invited speakers from 2-5pm
- Two breaks with poster presentations
- Selwyn public lecture from 6-7pm
- Symposium Dinner @ 7.30pm

Where is it?

At the Fritz Lowe Theatre in the Earth Sciences Building at University of Melbourne (Parkville). The building is at the Corner Swanston & Elgin Street.
Troubles finding the venue? Use this campus map. 
Note: Building 200 = McCoy building = Earth Sciences building

Deadlines

Registration and poster abstract submission is encouraged by September 15, 2023 but will be open until September 28, 2023. 

Registration
​​Participants can also register on site on the day.
​Cash payment only.

Detailed Program
(some changes may occur)

13.00 - 14.00
<<<<  Registration and poster setup*  >>>>
14.00 - 14.05
Dr Ashleigh Hood (GSAV)
Symposium Opening
14.05 - 14.30
Dr Ellen Corrick (Monash University)
Synchronous timing of abrupt climate changes during the last glacial period
14.30 - 14.55
Dr Richard Selwyn-Jones (Monash University)
The history of the Antarctic Ice Sheet: dating the past to understand the future
​14.55 - 15.20
Dr Vera Korasidis (University of Melbourne)
New palynological and chronostratigraphic insight on the origin of the
​Australian highlands
​15.20 - 16.00
<<<<  Posters & afternoon tea (complimentary) >>>>
16.00 - 16.25
Assoc Prof Oliver Nebel (Monash University)
On the age-old problem of dating a granite
​16.25 - 16.50
Heidi Allen, Geological Survey of WA (DMIRS)
If It Quacks Like a Duck...
16.50 - 18.00
<<<<  Posters, drinks & nibbles (complimentary) >>>>
​18.00 - 19.00
Assistant Prof Alan Rooney (Yale)
Selwyn Public Lecture​
The Timing and Tempo of Glaciations and the Rise of Complex Life
19.30
<<<<  Symposium Dinner  >>>>
Café Corretto, Carlton (registration required, additional cost)
*Posters available during all breaks
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