Research
NSW HSC Earth and Environmental Science
- 8.2 Planet Earth and Its Environment - A Five Thousand Million Year Journey
- 8.3 The Local Environment
- 8.4 Water Issue
- 8.5 Dynamic Earth
- 9.2 Tectonic Impacts
- 9.3 Environments Through Time
- 9.4 Caring for the Country
- 9.5 Option- Introduced Species and the Australian Environment
- 9.6 Option - Organic Geology - A Non-renewable Resource
- 9.7 Option - Mining and the Australian Environment
- 9.8 Option - Oceanography
8.2 Planet Earth and Its Environment - A Five Thousand Million Year Journey
According to currently accepted theory, the solar system has evolved from a ball of gases released from a supernova explosion.
Research by Australian scientists provides information on the sequence of events that led to the formation of the solar system.
Australian scientists research the early Earth and its evolution, comparing Earth's earliest atmosphere with the present atmosphere.
Living cells originated at a time when the atmosphere and environments were different to those presently found on Earth.
To assist in our understanding of ancient Archaea, Australian scientists research present day Archaea that live near fumaroles and submarine vents known as black smokers.
The evidence provided by geological records suggests that there have been climatic variations over Earth's history.
Research by Australian scientists assesses the relationship between changing carbon dioxide concentrations and changes in average global temperatures.
8.3 The Local Environment
The immediate environment has an impact on all people in ways that an Earth and Environmental Science student will learn to recognise and explain.
The activities of humans can cause systematic habitat alteration.
Research by Australian scientists on habitats around the country provides reasons why species have become endangered and recommends measures to help ensure the survival of such species.
8.4 Water Issue
Planet Earth has been called 'Planet Ocean', 'Planet Water' or the 'Blue Planet', because of the abundant water on its surface.
Water is an important ingredient in the maintenance of Australian environment.
Australian scientists evaluate the effect of common pollutants including detergents and fertilisers, on growth of algae in ponds.
Australian scientists are also involved in research in water resources, including methods of waste water management.
8.5 Dynamic Earth
The Earth's landscapes result from the interplay of forces, internal and external, that continually reshape the Earth's surface.
There is evidence that the Australian continental land mass began developing 4.1 thousand million years ago.
Australian scientists use data from radiometric (isotopic) methods to determine the age of rocks and crystals.
- Macquarie University - National Key Centre for Geochemical Evolution and Metallogeny of Continents
- University of Wollongong- GeoQuest Research Centre
9.2 Tectonic Impacts
Throughout the history of the Earth, the movement of plates has resulted in continual global environmental change.
Natural disasters are often associated with techtonic activity.
Plate tectonics are also associated with climate and Australian scientists study recent volcanic activity to determine the relationship between the eruption of ash and gas from an explosive volcanic eruption and the subsequent decrease in global temperature.
9.3 Environments Through Time
There is little direct evidence about the inception of life but from the available evidence, much of which has been gained from Australian rocks, geologists have been able to piece together an increasingly detailed description of the emergence of life.
Evidence from early Earth indicates the first life forms survived in changing habitats during the Archean and Proterozoic eons.
Australian scientists study the habitat of modern stromatolites to propose possible reasons for their reduced abundance and distribution in comparison with ancient stromatolites.
Australian scientists study the major subdivisions of the Phanerozoic eon and gather information on the different life forms in each era.
Australian scientists study the features and distribution of some of the first land plants, amphibians and reptiles
Australian scientists research mass extinction events including those involving the extinction of the megafauna.
9.4 Caring for the Country
The Australian continent has experienced tectonic stability for millions of years but this stability means that there has been only slow release of new mineral supplies into the rocks and little renewal of the soils across most of the continent for millennia. As a consequence, the Australian environment is fragile and, for the most part, arid, with old soils from which many chemical components have been leached.
Australia's land surfaces exhibit the effects of long periods of weathering and erosion.
Australian scientists are involved in the study of salinity of soils and water including rehabilitation programs for salt-affected areas.
The environment is affected by excessive and long-term use of some pesticides.
Australian scientists are involved in monitoring pesticide use and the impact of residual chemicals in the environment.
Australian scientists are also involved in developing alternatives to pesticides.
The Industrial Revolution impacted on the atmosphere and hydrosphere.
Australian scientists study the results of the Industrial Revolution on the atmosphere and hydrosphere and propose local and global strategies to achieve decreased emission of carbon dioxide, methane and sulphur dioxide.
Australian scientists are also involved in developing international strategies aimed at reducing ozone depletion and the human causes of global warming.
Australian scientists suggest alternatives products for use in replacement of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other halides.
9.5 Option- Introduced Species and the Australian Environment
Humans are not the only invaders of the Australian continent: approximately ten percent of Australia's 15 000 - 20 000 species of vascular plants were introduced from somewhere else.
Australian scientists use methods to identify the conditions leading to introduced species becoming pests and develop control strategies for these introduced plants and animals.
Rehabilitation programs help to address the damage caused to the ecosystem by introduced species
Australian scientists develop rehabilitation programs for ecosystems damaged by introduced species.
9.6 Option - Organic Geology - A Non-renewable Resource
Organic resources are extremely important to modern human culture in all parts of the world but their availability continues to be a source of concern to scientists.
Searching for coal and oil.
Australian scientists are involved in the process of searching for coal and oil and use a variety of methods and technologies to locate fossil fuel reserves.
The search for alternative sources of fuel
Australian scientists are involved in research to contribute to the search for alternative sources of fuels.
9.7 Option - Mining and the Australian Environment
Australia's mineral resources continue to be an important part of the economy of Australia but there are increasing concerns about the impact of long-term mining on the environment.
The exploration and evaluation of ore deposits.
Australian scientists are involved in research to improve upon the technology used for the exploration and evaluation of ore deposits.
Environmental issues need to be considered and addressed during the exploration, extraction and processing of ore from deposits.
Australian scientists are involved in developing new ways to approach rehabilitation practices employed at mine sites.
9.8 Option - Oceanography
The processes of sea floor spreading and subduction have been the mechanism for the movement of continents. Together, they control the production and distribution of oceans relative to land.
The shape, distribution and age of the current oceans has been determined by plate tectonics.
Australian scientists use improved technologies to study the age of the sea floor.
Hydrothermal vents support unusual communities.
Australian scientists study the communities supported by hydrothermal vents.
Oceanographers have a range of technology available to assist the collection of data about the oceans.
Australian scientists use a range of technologies to increase their understanding and knowledge of the oceans.