The Geological Society of Australia, Victoria Division is proud to present the 2003 Selwyn Symposium.
 
WHAT'S IN A DATE — VIEWS FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE FENCE
Thursday 6th November 2003, Fritz Loewe Theatre, Earth Sciences building, Melbourne University
 
Many users view a date as just that: the age of a rock. But is this true? When does an age measurement have geological significance? Are the errors in analytical units or geological time? This, and other issues concerning the measurement of age determination will be discussed as part of this year’s Selwyn Symposium—the premier event on the Victorian GSA calendar. A range of exciting dating techniques will be outlined, with strong focus on better understanding the basis and applications of each technique, and highlighting their complexities and uncertainties through some case histories. Particular attention will be given to current issues facing the user in applying these techniques to practical problems in research and industry. Emerging technologies for geochronologists will also be discussed. Industry participation is strongly encouraged. If you are concerned about how good your dates are and what complexities might await you in interpreting the data, you should not miss what promises to be a lively symposium.
Techniques to be investigated will include:
  • U–Pb (Ian Williams—ANU, Peter Kinny—Curtin University)
  • Argon (David Phillips—University of Melbourne; Paulo Vasconcelos—University of Queensland)
  • Low-temperature geochronology including fission track and (U–Th)/He thermochronometry (Andrew Gleadow—University of Melbourne; Paul Green—Geotrack International; Peter Crowhurst—CSIRO, Sydney; David Belton and Barry Kohn—both of University of Melb).
The user’s perspective will be presented by David Huston (Geoscience Australia) who will talk about the use of geochronology to solve problems and constrain models in ore systems. Jon Dugdale (Exploration Manager, eastern Australia, MPI Mines Ltd) will explore the role of geochronology in predictive mineral discovery. Andy Wilde (project leader, pmd*CRC) will talk on geochronology at Mount Isa.
The way forward will include an examination of emerging technologies for geochronologists including microtexture, monazite and microprobe dating by Ron Berry and David Steele (University of Tasmania) and the use of ICP-MS techniques by Jon Woodhead (University of Melbourne).
After an open-panel discussion, there will be a chance to follow up issues over drinks. The symposium will take a full day (9 AM to 6 PM, registration opens at 8.30 AM), and will be held in the Fritz Loewe Theatre, Earth Sciences building, Melbourne University (corner Swanston and Elgin Sts, Carlton).
 
REGISTRATION AND VENUE
  • Registration costs are $50 ($35 for students), increasing to $60 ($45) after 10 October 2003.
  • Payment must be by personal or bank cheque (made payable to GSA Victoria Division, GPO Box 2355V Melbourne VIC 3001).
  • Contact Fons VandenBerg (Fons.VandenBerg@dpi.vic.gov.au; (03) 9412 5122) for enquiries.
 
Please send the following information with your registration payment:
  • Name
  • Title
  • Address
  • E-Mail
  • Supervisor’s name
  • University or Affiliation
The symposium will coincide with Melbourne Cup week and registrants requiring travel and accommodation are advised to book early to avoid disappointment.