Geochemistry and geochronology

A wide variety of research activity in our school utilises geochemical methods to make discoveries and advances in our understanding of Earth processes and evolution of our planet. Questions such as the processes of formation and growth of continental crust, the origin of mineral deposits, deciphering climate records in corals, and whether the oceans are acidifying, are addressed through applying inorganic geochemical techniques.

Geochronology focuses on precise methods to generate absolute ages that help define exactly when key events occurred. Our researchers and students have access to a variety of specialised analytical instruments in WA to generate absolute ages from individual mineral grains.