Gareth R L Chalmers

Biography

Dr Gareth Chalmers was awarded his MSc (2001) from the University of Newcastle which included studying the impact of sea level changes on the deposition of peat-forming environments. Dr Chalmers then completed his PhD (2007) at the University of British Columbia (Canada) and investigated the effects of sea level change on shale reservoir quality and mineralogy.

Dr Chalmers' research has focussed on understanding: 1) controls on gas recovery to improve sustainability of the energy sector; 2) the origins of toxic gases to reduce health/environmental impact in energy developments; and 3) the distribution and retention of pollutants within a modern delta.

Dr Chalmers uses a multidisciplinary approach to solve complex Earth Science problems. Techniques used include sedimentology, geochemistry, mineralogy, electron/plane light microscopy and geological modeling to develop robust interpretations. His research will continue to solve environmental issues related to the development of energy resources as well as the contamination of sedimentary environments from industrial, urban and agricultural sources.

Dr Chalmers' research and teaching goals at USC are to establish an environmental sedimentology program that will integrate with current expertise within the School of Science and Engineering.

The program will include understanding how sedimentary processes distribute pollutants and how these pollutants are stored and modified over time.

Professional memberships

• AAPG
• CSPG
• TSOP
• APEGBC

Potential research projects for HDR and honours students

• Sedimentology
• Modern and ancient sedimentary geology
• Environment geology of energy resources

Teaching areas

• Earth Sciences
• Sedimentology
• Sedimentary processes of modern and ancient sediments

Expert media commentary

Dr Gareth Chalmers specialist areas of knowledge include earth sciences, sedimentology and sedimentary processes of modern and ancient sediments.