Chemfest travels back in time, this Saturday
Using chemistry, researchers can see so far into the past that they dub their equipment “time machines”, says Curtin University geochemist Dr Fred Jourdan, who is presenting at the upcoming Chemfest.
“We use both elemental or ‘classic chemistry’ and isotope chemistry to understand why and when massive volcanic eruptions occurred,” he says.
Isotopes describe atoms of the same element that, while comprising the same number protons, express differing numbers of neutrons in the nuclei.
Some isotopes are rendered ‘unstable’ depending on the ratio of protons to neutrons in the nucleus, which in turn can mean they are ‘radioactive'.
By studying these radioactive elements in certain geological formations, scientists can research the reason for mass extinctions and climate change due to such events as asteroid impacts and massive volcanic eruptions.
“We are working on the Kalkarindji [Northern Territory] eruption at the moment and initial results suggest it may have been responsible for one of the very first mass extinctions since complex life occurred.
“Although, the lava flow has been eroded because it is 510 million years old,” Dr Jourdan says.
He says evidence of these massive volcanic eruptions provides an alternative theory as to the extinction of the dinosaurs.
These volcanoes were so big that lava flow from the eruptions would cover the state of Western Australia.
Dr Jourdan says it suggests that the extinction of the dinosaurs could be due to both asteroid impact and volcanic eruptions.
“I visit many high schools and they are so interested in this science,” he says.
Students and the public alike have the chance to hear Dr Jourdan discuss his fascinating research on November 12 at Chemfest 2011, held at Curtin Stadium.
Renowned polymer scientist and special guest Professor Dame Julia Higgins will also be presenting a lecture at 5pm entitled “Tangling with Long Molecules: why so ubiquitous, what is so special?”
The talk will focus on synthetic polymers such as polythene and polystyrene used in our daily lives for purposes such as packaging, clothing, transport and so forth
In addition, there will be dozens of stalls, demonstrations, competitions, exhibitions and prizes for the whole family.
Chemfest 2011 will run from 2pm-7pm and is a free event, supported by Royal Australian Chemical Institute and the Western Australia Chemistry Consortium.
This article is courtesy of ScienceNetwork WA.
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