Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Olary Region (S Aust )'

Bibliography: leaves 78-83. "The dissertation brings together discourses relating to sustainability with that of the environment, at least in terms of its meaning and responses to it being culturally constructed. The Central Adelaide Hills provides the locality for achieving this, which a peri-urban environment is subject to the power exerted by urban Adelaide as well as the tension arising out of land use conflict and attitudes to the environment."

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 112-115) Towed DC Resistivity and Transient Electromagnetic arrays have been trialled for suitability in monitoring salt-loads on the Murray River at Waikerie, South Australia.

Bibliography: leaves 127-134. This thesis argues for the expansion of ecotourism in the Adelaide metropolitan Barker Inlet Wetlands, currently used for small scale ecotourism. Through analysing current literature and evaluating a range of ecotourism strategies, it demonstrates that the potential for and offers guidelines for ecotourism in the Barker Inlet Wetlands. Opprtunities for expansion lie primarily in environmental education, with a particular focus on Adelaide secondary schools.

Bibliography :leaves 158-171. A monitoring program, funded by the South Australian government (through the former MFP Development Corporation), was established to monitor the quality and quantity of storm water entering and leaving the wetland. This study formed part of the funded program. Simple regression models were developed; and will assist in the monitoring of performance of the wetland to alleviate the pollutant load into the Barker Inlet.

Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Western Sydney, 2004.
"A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy of the University of Western Sydney, Sydney, January 2004." Includes bibliography : leaves 359 - 369.

This dissertation characterizes the stratigraphic units (sediments and underlying Proterozoic bedrock and its satprolite) across the Portia and North Portia prospects, Situated on the Benagerie Ridge Magnetic Complex (BRMC), bssed on drill core and chip samples. The distribution of mineralization related elements (Cu, Au, Mo, Pb, Zn, and As) in the saprolite and the overlying sediments, their host and secondary minerals, and the factors controlling their distribution (e.g. Eh and pH of the groundwater) have been determined, The nature and origin of gold at the Portia prospect were investigated, and the threshold Au concentrations in the overlying sediments established. Finally, a landscape evolution model at the Portia and North Portia prospects is developed, including weathering and sedimentatiotion chronology, and implications for mineral exploitation are evaluated. The stratigraphic units include the Quaternary sediments, the Tertiary Namba Fornmation (NF) and Portia Unit (PU), and the saprolite of the Proterozoic bedrock. The Quaternary sediments include fluvial sediments, and soils developed in dune sand and present-day floodplain deposits. The sediments are unconsolidated, and range from 2 to 10 m thick. The top l to 2 m are light brown sandy soil with regolith carbonate and groundwater gypsum in the subsoil. Underlying is 3 to 8 m of moderately sorted, fine- to medium-grained olive brown sand and clayey sand. The Namba Formation covers the Benageric Ridge Magnetic Complex, and the thicker Nambu sequence (≈ 50 m) in the north hns been informally named as the upper-, middle-, and lower-Numban Formation (NPU, NFM und NFL respectively) and consists of various grey coloured heavy clays with red and brown mottles. The sand-rich NFU is interpreted as fluvial and flood plain deposits whereas the clay-rich NFM and NFL were deposited In low-energy shallow lucustrine environments. The NF sediments contain threshold element concentrations (up lo 14 ppb Au), except for the NFL sediments at depths greater than 5O m, which accommodate elevated concentrations of chalcophile elements derived from the mineralized saprolite through chemical and physical hydromorphic dispersions. The geochemistry delineates smectite·bearing sediments from kaolinite- and mica- bearing sediments. During diagenesis the NF sediments underwent varying degrees of compaction, pressure and tension from wetting and drying of the smectite-bearing sediments, which resulted in the absence of voids and the presence of masepic fabrics and argillans formed around quartz grains. The Portia Unit comprises light grey c1ay with abundant kaolinite and a varying proportion of mica, and very low in quartz (< 2 %), except at the base of thicker parts which are quartz·rich. Poorly stacked pseudohexagonal kaolinite plates of varying sizes are indicative of a transported origin. Nevertheless, the PU is sourced from proximal saprolite and fills a north-flowing palaeo-channel across the North Portia, Portia and Lorenzo prospects. PU is also present at the Shylock prospect, but is mostly absent or sporadically distributed across the BRMC. The fining upward sequence of the PU results in partitioning of elements into groups that show either upwardlly increasing (Sr, Tl, Te, Cu, Zn, Ni, Ce, La, Pr, Nd, P und S) or downwardly increasing (Zr, Hf, Ti, Sn, Ta, Nb K, Rb, Cs, Au, Y, Se and Si) trends. The bedrock comprises phyllite (carbonaceous) and various albitite lithologies. The major minerals present include carbonate (vein and ellipsoid calcite and dolomite), feldspars (K-feldspar and albite), biotite, chlorite, scapolite, tremolite, pyrite, Fe-oxides, rutile and quartz. XRD analysis shows that the mineral abundances vary significantly within each unit, establishing significant spatial heterogeneity of minerals present. The saprolites developed over the Proterozoic bedrock range from 5 to up to 100 m thick and are dominated by quartz and kaolinite, with varying amounts of goethite and hematite, and mica. The presence of stacks of kaolinite "books" suggests in situ weathering of the saprolite. Zircon and rutile are residually concentrated in highly weathered Al-rich suprolite. Overall, the clement distribution in the saprolite is charecterized by the factors: (As, Pb, V); (Cu, Au, Mo); (Au); (Co. Ni); and (Fe, P). The first three factors represents mineralization in the albitite and phyllite saprolites, whereas (Ni, Co) indicates the presence of pyrite, which is preserved under reducing conditions in the water saturated zone. The fifth group (Fe, Pl represents the presence of ferruginous zones a-nd REEphosphates. Native Cu, covcelite and chalcocite are present in the lower saprolite and remain stable under the weakly reducing and circum-neutral pH conditions of the current groundwater, whereas uraniunite and coffinite are likely to precipitate, as suggested by the positive saturation indices. The surfaces of Au grains with numerous eich pits, dissolution grooves and voids, indicate prolonged dissolution. The presence or galena and altaite fully enclosed within the grains, and the Ag contents similar (<10 %) to those from the Proterozoic bedrock suggest a primary origin for the Au grains. Hence, the Au grains in the saprolite are interpreted as in situ primary Au, whereas those in the PU are placer Au. In comparison, the presence of Ag-depleted rims on the Au grains and small colloidal Au particles (1 μm) are interpreted as secondary Au. The placer Au concentrated at the base of the PU is sourced from the bedrock, preserved in the saprolite, and eroded together with the saprolitic materials and deposited as sediments. Carbonaceous phyllite with abundant quartz, muscovite, and K-feldspar, hosts coarse-grained Au in veins With low sulfide and has the potential to preserve primary Au in the saprolite. Rapid erosion of the saprolite and quick burial by the PU would lower the oxidation potential and preserve the detrotal Au. The curremt reducing and neutral pH groundwater does not favour the formation of chloride, thlosulphate and monohydroxide complexing ligands, but allows the precipitation of Au to form Au colloids, and for detrital and in situ primary Au to remain stable. The BRMC cropped out during the Eocene and weathered under oxidizing conditions to produce a thick and mature saprolite. Subsequently, a period or landscape instability occurred with the incision of the paeleo-channel across the North Portia, Portia and Lorenzo prospects. Sedimentation of the shallow lacustrine Namba Formation followed under reducing conditions and the sedimentary facies changed to f1uvial and flooplain deposits. A change to arid climate in the Quaternary resulted in the formation of dunes, and playa lakes, and the precipitation of groundwter gypsum und regolith carbonate. It

The Lake Eyre Region (LER) in Australia is the primary source of dust in the southern hemisphere. Little is known about the microbial ecology of this area, and its relationship if any to the bacteria found in dust and aerosols. Initially, sediment and adjacent aerosol samples were collected from a small lake in Victoria which routinely deflated. Bacterial populations in both samples were compared by culturing followed by Rep-PCR, and 16S rRNA high throughput sequencing (HTS). Bacillus subtilis isolates of the same Rep type, and sequences representing the same OTUs of Salinomicrobium and Delftia were present in both aerosols and sediment. These results indicated that bacteria could be tracked through the environment regardless of the vast microbial diversity observed using both techniques. Subsequently, bacterial communities in aerosols collected off the coast of Australia were characterised and two different sampling methods compared; filtration and a high volume swirling liquid sampler (OMNI 3000). The weather conditions were calm during both voyages. The microflora of the OMNI samples showed less diversity than the filter samples. Delftia, Methylobacterium, and Stenotrophomonas were present in samples from both voyages. HTS was then used to compare the microbiology of LER sediment, aerosols, and samples collected from major dust storms which affected eastern Australia in September 2009. There was vast microbial diversity within and among LER sediments of different types, desert crusts, salt lake crusts and fluff, collected in the same location, collected over time, and collected in different locations. Comparison of the microflora of dust to LER sediments revealed similarities to samples collected from specific locations that broadly correlated to the proposed source of the dust storm determined by multidisciplinary analyses. Dominant OTUs, representing Delftia, Stenotrophomonas, Acidovorax, and other taxa, were present in dust and source samples, with many of these genera also found in aerosols collected from different locations. Our results highlight the vast microbial diversity across the different samples collected, and has identified some of the dominant taxa in the Australian environment.

Environmental stress resulting from factors such as over grazing can have far-reaching effects on an ecosystem. This thesis aimed to increase the understanding of the wider biodiversity impact of stress and disturbance in semi-arid systems. The response of the arthropod community, and in particular the ant community, to changes in vegetation associated with over grazing, including the loss of perennial shrubs, was examined in the Flinders Ranges region of South Australia.
Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2006

Some of Australia’s most pressing conservation problems are found in the arid and semi-arid rangelands where the traditional major land-use is extensive pastoralism. Yet with the emergence of a change in resource values, the rangelands of Australia have started to move away from a strict production land-use towards a multifunctional land-use where pastoralism, tourism and the environment have an influence on one another. With the present mixture of consumption and protection values in the rangelands, ecotourism represents a model for achieving a symbiotic relationship between tourism activity and conservation in a pastoral setting. This study develops a theoretical framework for understanding the relationships between ecotourism, pastoralism and ecological recovery efforts in the Flinders Ranges through employing mixed qualitative and quantitative research techniques to examine the perceptions and practices of tourism operators, local landholders and visitors to the study site. The study finds that while pastoralism and its level of success often remain variable, the strength and stability of tourism is increasing. Because economics is a central component of the concept of sustainability, and because we must manage the environment while accommodating tourists, ecotourism is one way to help reach rangeland sustainability goals, provided that there are adequate levels of agreement amongst the local community and other land users. The results indicate that the vast majority of stakeholders are currently in a state of co-existence with each other rather than one of conflict, suggesting ecotourism has the potential to assist ecological recovery. However, many landholders are constrained in their ability to integrate ecotourism operations and conservation due to economic difficulties and market barriers. There are also conflicting results among visitors who claim to be interested in ecotourism but do not necessarily act accordingly, highlighting the need for a greater focus on environmental education. Ecotourism should be incorporated into a regional sustainability plan where the public are able to assist decision makers through collaborative planning. The thesis concludes that when well-managed, ecotourism can be a business supporting conservation in the Flinders Ranges. It contributes to knowledge of the role that ecotourism can play in encouraging ecological recovery in the rangelands and explores the complex interrelationships involved through consultation with the primary stakeholders of landholders, tourism operators and visitors.
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Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Adelaide, School of Social Sciences, 2008

Copies of author's previously published articles inserted.
Bibliography: leaves 317-359.
xxii, 360 leaves : ill. (some col.), maps (some col.) ; 30 cm.
Examines the generality of the Flood Pulse Concept as a model for the role of flow in large floodplain rivers of all climatic zones and reviews the literature on hydrology-biology relations, with particular reference to the ecology of riverine fish. Using techniques of ordination, clustering and analysis of similarities (ANOSIM), examines the relations between flow variability, econology and climate in large rivers worldwide. Using a fie-year database for Cooper Creek in Central Australia, relates structures of fish, macroinvertebrate and zooplankton assemblages and indices of fish health and behaviour to hydrology at several spatial and temporal scales. These relations are established using multivariate techniques, univariate correlation and regression, and neural networks modelling.
Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Zoology, 1999

Most of the lower River Murray and its floodplain wetlands are impacted upon by degradation caused by river regulation. Increasingly the restoration of these ecosystems and the river water quality has become a high priority for federal and state governments and associated departments and agencies. Public concern is adding to the pressures on these departments and agencies to restore these ecosystems and to sustainably maintain the river water quality. The long term monitoring of floodplain wetlands has been limited, compounding the difficulties faced by managers and decision makers on assessing the potential outcome of restoration options. The role of this project in the broad scheme of restoration/rehabilitation is to contribute to the construction of a model capable of increasing managers and decision makers understanding, and build consensus of potential outcomes of management option. This model was to use available data. The developed model, based on WETMOD developed by Cetin (2001), simulates wetland internal nutrient processes, phytoplankton, zooplankton and macrophyte biomass as well as the interaction (nutrient and phytoplankton exchange) between wetlands and the river. The model further simulates the potential impact management options have on the wetlands, and their nutrient retention capacity, and therefore their impact on the river nutrient load. Due to the limitation of data, wetlands were considered in categories for which data was available. Of these two had sufficient data to develop, calibrate and validate the model. Management scenarios for these two wetlands were developed. These scenarios included, the impact of returning a degraded wetland in a turbid state to a rehabilitated clear state, and the impact the removal of nutrient from irrigation drainage inflows has on wetland nutrient retention, and consequent input to the river. Scenarios of the cumulative impact of the management of multiple wetlands were developed based on using these two wetlands, for which adequate data was available, as “exemplar” wetlands, i.e. data from these wetlands were substituted for other similar wetlands (those identified as belonging to the same category). The model scenarios of these multiple wetlands provide some insight into the potential response management may have on individual wetlands, the cumulative impact on river nutrient load and how wetland morphology may relate to management considerations. The model is restricted by data availability and consequently the outputs. Further, some limitations identified during the development of the model need to be addressed before it can be applied for management purposes. However, the model and methods provide a guide by which monitoring efforts can assist in developing future modelling assessments and gain a greater insight not only at the monitoring site but also on a landscape scale.
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Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2008

Provides insight into the pollutant removal ability of a primary pond in the Barker Inlet Wetland System, one of the largest constructed wetlands in the world. Results show that storm size influences pollutant removal, however significant removal was acheived across a wide range of flow conditions.
Thesis (M.Eng.Sc.) -- University of Adelaide, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2000?

Bibliography: leaves 361-390.
425, [50] leaves : ill. (chiefly col.), maps ; 30 cm.
Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library.
Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Geography and Anthropology, 1995

The decline of floodplain vegetation along the Lower River Murray, South Australia, has evoked recommendations for ‘environmental flows’ to restore and maintain the health of the ecosystem. To assist managers to maximize benefits from environmental flows, this thesis considers the significance of water for germination and recruitment in key floodplain plant species. Three dominant species are considered, including two trees, river red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) and black box (E. largiflorens), and an understorey shrub, tangled lignum (Muehlenbeckia florulenta). The soil seed bank was dominated by terrestrial annual native plants. Among 1400 seedlings, a single river red gum was found, and no black box or lignum, suggesting that these species do not contribute to the persistent soil seed bank and rely instead on aerial seed banks (serotiny). Sampling of the soil seed bank was continued to determine when seed fall might coincide with appropriate soil moisture conditions. Responses of the soil seed bank to varied water regimes were compared to determine requirements for seedling survival. The results indicated that species richness, rapidity of response and survival time were all promoted by sustained soil moisture. Stands of eucalypts in various states of health (from very stressed to very healthy) were monitored to identify seasonal patterns in bud crops, flowering, fresh leaves and volumes of seed released from the aerial seed bank. Distinct seasonal phenological patterns were apparent, and suggested alternating flowering among individual trees (biennial for red gum, bi-annual for black box), producing an annual peak in summer. Peak seed rain occurred in summer (December–March) in healthy trees for both red gum and black box, with light seed rain continuing throughout the year. Seed fall from stressed trees was much reduced. Stressed trees responded after a second watering event, with much more varied and extended annual seed fall patterns. Lignum showed a spring peak in flowering and seed production. There was a prolific response of flowering and seeding to rainfall, but few seedlings survived. Vigorous vegetative growth occurred in existing plants in response to rainfall and watering but no new cloned plants were found during the study. An investigation of chromosomes as a potential tool to appraise the balance between sexual and asexual reproduction in lignum proved inconclusive, although a previous report of octoploidy in lignum was confirmed. Seeds from all three species and lignum cuttings were tested for their responses to varied watering regimes, based on combinations of simulated rain and flood conditions. The optimal soil moisture for continued growth and survival in all seeds and cuttings was 10 25%, with moisture values <10% causing wilting and death. The results also suggested that red gum and black box seeds which germinate in water under flooded conditions need to be stranded onto moist soil at the water’s edge within 10 days, for the seedling to continue to grow. It was also concluded that germination on rain-moistened soil is a key supplementary mechanism for recruitment, particularly between irregular flood events. For greatest benefit, the timing of environmental flows should complement any seasonal rainfall and irregular flooding that may occur. Extension of suitable soil moisture conditions (10-25%) for as long as possible after >5 mm rainfall, or after over-bank flows, would increase chances for survival of seedlings. December is the most likely month for maximal benefit from watering in the Lower Murray Valley, for germination and recruitment, based on regional rainfall and flooding patterns.
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Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2008