Earth Composition and Evolution
Tracing the evolution, composition and interaction of Earth systems with trace elements and isotopes from mantle sulfide to shark.
About
The team develops innovative analytical methods and approaches, using trace elements, isotopes and petrology, to address big-picture questions about Earth’s formation and evolution, as well as interactions between deep Earth (rocky) reservoirs and the exosphere. As part of the AuScope Geochemistry Network (AGN), our work is intertwined with the AuScope Earth Composition and Evolution program (ECE) and EarthBank initiative.
Publications
Selected Recent Publications
Phanerozoic and Archean ultra-refractory spinel peridotites: Contrasting wet and dry melting environments indicated by highly siderophile elements and spinel-olivine relationships. 2026. Scott, J.M., Cooper N. P., Alard, O., Liu J., Münker C., Pearson, D.G., Woodland, S., Geoscience Frontiers 10.1016/j.gsf.2026.102417.
Geochemistry and petrogenesis of basement grey granitoid gneisses from the Chhotanagpur Gneissic Complex, eastern India:Implications for the Mesoproterozoic continental arc magmatism. 2026. Ray S., Goswami B., Gréau, Y, Bhattacharyya C., Acta Geochimica, 45(2): 652-680.
Volcanoes to vugs: Demonstrating a FAIR geochemistry framework with a diverse application of major and trace element data through the AuScope EarthBank platform. 2025. A.L. Nixon, S.C. Boone, Gréau, Y, F. Kohlmann, M. Theile, W. Noble, A. Prent, J. Foden, S. Barnes, A. N. Wainwright, B. Wade, K. Goemann, S. Gilbert, L. Danyushevsky, G. Hutchinson, H. Cathey, M. Roberts, N. Evans, H. Dalton, B.Ware & B. McInnes, Chemical Geology, 696: #123092.
The H2O component of sheared mantle peridotites from the Kaapvaal craton: evidence for hydrous deformation with implications for the stability of cratons. 2026. Heckel, C., Withers A.C., Woodland A.B., Gibson S.A. & Ludwig T., Contribution to Mineralogy and Petrology 181: #11.
Challenging traditional methods of age estimation: elemental and isotopic characterisation of speartooth shark Glyphis glyphis vertebrae. 2025. Lewis, H., Grant, M. I., Alard, O., Kyne, P. M., Hui-Qing, H., Gréau, Y., Harry, A. V., Johnson, G. J., Kirk, A. & Mahan, B., Marine Ecology Progress Series, 771: 105-121.
Metasomatic controls on the chemical and isotopic composition of zoned clinopyroxene xenocrysts from the Mount Hope kimberlite, Gawler Craton, Australia. 2025. Sudholz, Z. J., Alard, O., Jaques, A. L., Yaxley, G. M., Greau, Y. & Frigo, C., Lithos. 504-505,:17 p. 108039.n
Nature and Evolution of the Lithospheric Mantle Beneath the Hoggar Swell (Algeria): Deformation, Melt-Rock Interactions and Olivine Seismic Properties Recorded by Mantle Xenoliths. 2025. Kourim, F., Bodinier, J. L., Alard, O., Wang, K. L., Michibayashi, K., Bendaoud, A., Vauchez, A. & Dautria, J.-M. In: Lithospheric Architecture and Precambrian Geology of the Hoggar and Adjacent Areas: A Reference Case for Mapping and Modeling in Geosciences. Hamoudi, M., Bendaoud, A., Bodinier, J.-L., Ouzegane, K. & Perfettini, H. (eds.). Switzerland: Springer, p.149-177 (Regional Geology Reviews).
Open- versus closed-system magmatism on Mars revealed by shergottites. 2025. Peel, C. J., Howarth, G. H., Costin, G., Alard, O. & Foley, S., Communications Earth and Environment. 6(1): 11 p., 1059.
Ultra-Mafic Cumulates From Kaupulehu, Hualālai Volcano, Hawai'i: Geochemical Resetting of Mantle-Inherited Olivine. 2025. Dujardin, A. D., Demouchy, S., Alard, O., Gardés, E., Laubier, M. & Barou, F., Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems. 26(7): 1-24, e2024GC012128.
Pre-Himalayan crustal evolution in the northern margin of India: Implications from zircon U–Pb, Hf and O isotope study of Chhota Shigri granitoids, Himachal Himalaya, Northwest India., 2025, W. Nongdon, B. Maibam, P. Kumar, Gréau, Y, J. Berndt, S.F. Foley, A.K. Singh and D. Khandelwal. Gondwana Research, 141: 55-73
Tonian shoshonitic to ultrapotassic granitoids from Chhotanagpur Gneissic Complex, Eastern Indian Shield: Age, origin and tectonic implications, 2025, A. Basak, B. Goswami, Gréau, Y., S. Das, C. Bhattacharyya, Geosystems and Geoenvironment: 4(2): #100373
Collaborators
More information
Facilities
The ANU SHRIMP facility offers high-resolution ion microprobe analyses, allowing for precise measurements of stable isotopes, volatile elements, trace elements, and uranium-lead dating in solid materials.
The Argon Laboratory contains a high-resolution ARGUS mass spectrometer connected to a custom built gas extraction line with temperature controlled furnances and a laser system. Ar dating has range of applications including constraining the timing of magmatism, orogenesis and tectonic histories.
We specialise in precise elemental and isotopic analysis using advanced laser ablation and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry techniques, supporting detailed trace element concentration studies and isotope ratio work for a wide range of elements, offering specific instruments for comprehensive analysis.
RSES has a number of thermal ionisation mass spectrometers available for high quality isotope ratio measurements.
Projects
Members
Faculty
Professor
Researcher
Senior Manager AuScope Geochemistry Node
Technical Officer AuScope
Ar-Ar Specialist - AuScope
Student
Visitor and affiliate
Technician
Research Support Officer
Laboratory Manager
Isotope Geochemistry
External members
Location
Find us on Jaeger 5
