Evidence for the existence of Precambrian supercontinents, especially of the end Mesoproterozoic supercontinent Rodinia, has provided a new conceptual framework for understanding Earth evolution and stimulated research in all disciplines of the Earth Sciences. This concept formed the basis for the establishment of the Tectonics Special Research Centre in 1997, with a nine year mission to discover the supercontinents of which Australia has been part in the past three billion years and the processes that formed them.

This conference aims to synthesise our current understanding of Supercontinents and Earth Evolution. It will provide a platform for international scientists to discuss their research through focused thematic and poster sessions, pre- and post-conference field trips to Proterozoic orogens and organised social events. Themes to be explored at the symposium will involve processes and environments of supercontinent accretion and their impact on Earth evolution.

1. Assembly and dispersal of supercontinents: palaeomagnetics and palaeogeography, with emphasis on Rodinia, assembly of Gondwana, and evidence for Palaeoproterozoic supercontinents

2. Global Processes and Earth Evolution: origin and setting of global glaciations (Snowball Earth), link between tectonics and environment, oxygenation of atmosphere; the role of mineral deposits in deciphering Earth processes; plume tectonics

3. Assembling Australia: Proterozoic orogens and mineral potential

4. Orogenic processes in space and time

5. Imaging orogens: especially seismic reflection signature of collisional and accretionary orogens and implications for understanding orogenic processes; linked to IGCP 474.

It is anticipated that presentations associated with major themes will be published as special issues of relevant journals. Please indicate the theme number of your abstract.

Abstract Format

Abstract submissions are invited for consideration by the Symposium Papers Committee. Potential presenters may either submit an oral or poster presentation. Multiple submissions are acceptable, but no more than one oral presentation will be assigned to any delegate. All of the accepted abstracts will be published in the Proceedings.

PAPERS - Presenters will have 15-20 minute timeslots including discussion.

POSTERS - Posters will be displayed on single-sided display panels (1.8m high x 1.2m wide). Time will be allowed for presenters to attend and discuss their posters. Presenter photographs should appear on the poster.

PREPARING YOUR ABSTRACT
An abstract should provide a concise summary of a presentation and be no more than one page. No acknowledgements, figures or references should be included.
Underline the presenting author(s). This author will be considered the key person for all contact. Include the names of all co-authors plus affiliations and addresses for general correspondence (including email address).

AUTHORS TO NOTE
All costs to attend the meeting, including the registration fee, must be met by presenters.

Abstract Specifications

Layout instructions for Abstracts as follows. It is most important that these instructions are followed carefully:

Page Size A4
Left and Right Margin 2.5 cm
Top Margin 3 cm
Bottom Margin 2.5 cm

Columns 2 columns, 8 cm wide
Space between columns 0.5 cm

Mode: presentation mode ie Paper or Poster to be noted at the end of abstract

FONT: Arial
Title 16 pt, CAPS, bold
Authors names 12 pt, Upper and Lower, bold presenter underlined
Address 10 pt, Upper and Lower, not bold Under the address, include a single line across the page and beneath that line split text into 2 columns.
Start first paragraph at the margin and subsequent paragraphs to be indented 4 spaces.

All text to be in 10 pt
Subheadings in 12 pt

1st subheading - CAPS, bold
2nd subheading - Upper and Lower, bold
3rd subheading - CAPS, not bold
4th subheading - Upper and Lower, not bold

Abstract Submission

By Mail – on 3.5 inch disk plus printed copy to the TSRC Secretariat, Promaco Conventions Pty Ltd, PO Box 890, Canning Bridge WESTERN AUSTRALIA 6153.

By Email – send as a single Microsoft Word document attachment to promaco@promaco.com.au. For inserted characters use only ‘Symbols’ type fonts. Name the file tsr followed by the first five letters of the surname of the presenting author, followed by the author’s first initial. For example tsrcitizj.doc for an abstract with the presenting author John Citizen.

Click Here to download an electronic abstract form with style guide and instructions or request by email from promaco@promaco.com.au.