Emeritus Professor Joan Esterle
Emeritus Professor

Joan Esterle

Email: 

Background

Professor Joan Esterle is the Chair of the Vale-UQ Coal Geoscience Program. Her research interests are varied but focussed on how geological history impacts on coal measures behaviour during mining, processing and utilisation. She also develops 3D models for the distribution of sedimentary strata that can be used to predict geohazards in coal mines or reservoir behaviour in conventional and non conventional gas resources, and for geosequestration. In addition to working with Vale and other industry partners, she conducts multi-client studies through the Australian Coal Research Program (ACARP), The Australian National Low Emissions Coal Research (ANLECRD), and the UQ Centre for Coal Seam Gas (CCSG).

She received her PhD from The University of Kentucky, USA, in 1990. She worked for 17 years with CSIRO, followed by GeoGAS-Runge Group before joining the UQ full time in 2010. Current projects include:

  • CCSG Surat Geological Framework and Faults and Fractures
  • ACARP Rangal Supermodel-Bowen Basin and Cenozoic Fault Reactivation
  • ANLEC Outcrop Analogue Modelling for CO2 Sequestration

Availability

Emeritus Professor Joan Esterle is:
Available for supervision

Fields of research

Geology

Qualifications

  • Masters (Research) of Petroleum and Coal Geology, University of Kentucky

Search Professor Joan Esterle’s works on UQ eSpace

249 works between 1986 and 2025
All (249) Journal Article (137) Book Chapter (2) Conference Publication (94) Book (1) Other Outputs (14) Edited Outputs (1)

1 - 20 of 249 works

2025

Journal Article

Isotopic and petrographic implications for fire type, temperature and formation of degradosemifusinite in fusain layers from an Early Cretaceous coal bed, Hailar Basin, Inner Mongolia, China

Moroeng, Ofentse M., Moore, Tim A., Shen, Jian, Esterle, Joan S. and Liu, Jingjing (2025). Isotopic and petrographic implications for fire type, temperature and formation of degradosemifusinite in fusain layers from an Early Cretaceous coal bed, Hailar Basin, Inner Mongolia, China. Fuel, 384 133895, 133895. doi: 10.1016/j.fuel.2024.133895

Isotopic and petrographic implications for fire type, temperature and formation of degradosemifusinite in fusain layers from an Early Cretaceous coal bed, Hailar Basin, Inner Mongolia, China

2025

Journal Article

Palynostratigraphic reassessment of the Permian Wolfang Basin (Queensland, Australia) − implications for climate and timing of coal formation

Wheeler, Alexander, Heimhofer, Ulrich and Esterle, Joan S. (2025). Palynostratigraphic reassessment of the Permian Wolfang Basin (Queensland, Australia) − implications for climate and timing of coal formation. Gondwana Research, 139, 104-117. doi: 10.1016/j.gr.2024.12.001

Palynostratigraphic reassessment of the Permian Wolfang Basin (Queensland, Australia) − implications for climate and timing of coal formation

2025

Journal Article

In-situ sulfur isotope characteristic and genesis of sedimentary pyrite with varying crystal morphologies in coal-bearing strata in North China

Liu, Lihui, Wang, Sen, Xu, Zhanjie, Yu, Tianjiao, Esterle, Joan S., Golding, Suzanne D., Xi, Yunfei and Liu, Qinfu (2025). In-situ sulfur isotope characteristic and genesis of sedimentary pyrite with varying crystal morphologies in coal-bearing strata in North China. Sedimentary Geology, 476 106805, 106805-476. doi: 10.1016/j.sedgeo.2024.106805

In-situ sulfur isotope characteristic and genesis of sedimentary pyrite with varying crystal morphologies in coal-bearing strata in North China

2024

Journal Article

Gas-water flow in fractured coal revealed by multimodal imaging

Xi, Wen, Kumaran, Aaron Uthaia, Gholami, Yaser Hadi, Armstrong, Ryan T., Jing, Yu, Esterle, Joan, Lieband, Klaus Regenauer and Mostaghimi, Peyman (2024). Gas-water flow in fractured coal revealed by multimodal imaging. International Journal of Coal Geology, 293 104586, 104586. doi: 10.1016/j.coal.2024.104586

Gas-water flow in fractured coal revealed by multimodal imaging

2024

Journal Article

High-precision CA-IDTIMS U-Pb chronostratigraphy in the Bowen Basin, eastern Australia, calibration of deep-time climate change, super-volcanism and mass extinction

Metcalfe, Ian, Denyszyn, Steven, Mundil, Roland, Esterle, Joan and Shi, Guang R. (2024). High-precision CA-IDTIMS U-Pb chronostratigraphy in the Bowen Basin, eastern Australia, calibration of deep-time climate change, super-volcanism and mass extinction. Gondwana Research, 133, 335-347. doi: 10.1016/j.gr.2024.07.001

High-precision CA-IDTIMS U-Pb chronostratigraphy in the Bowen Basin, eastern Australia, calibration of deep-time climate change, super-volcanism and mass extinction

2024

Journal Article

Palynostratigraphy and Bayesian age stratigraphic model of new CA-ID-TIMS zircon ages from the Walloon Coal Measures, Surat Basin, Australia

Sobczak, K., Cooling, J., Crossingham, T., Holl, H. G., Reilly, M., Esterle, J., Crowley, J. L., Hannaford, C., Mohr, M.T., Hamerli, Z. and Hurter, S. (2024). Palynostratigraphy and Bayesian age stratigraphic model of new CA-ID-TIMS zircon ages from the Walloon Coal Measures, Surat Basin, Australia. Gondwana Research, 132, 150-167. doi: 10.1016/j.gr.2024.04.012

Palynostratigraphy and Bayesian age stratigraphic model of new CA-ID-TIMS zircon ages from the Walloon Coal Measures, Surat Basin, Australia

2024

Journal Article

Insights on the regional thermal evolution from semianthracite petrology of the Fengfeng coalfield, China

Wang, Na, Esterle, Joan S., Rodrigues, Sandra, Hower, James C. and Dai, Shifeng (2024). Insights on the regional thermal evolution from semianthracite petrology of the Fengfeng coalfield, China. International Journal of Coal Geology, 290 104548, 104548. doi: 10.1016/j.coal.2024.104548

Insights on the regional thermal evolution from semianthracite petrology of the Fengfeng coalfield, China

2024

Journal Article

Spatial modelling and classification of altered coal using random forest-based methods at Moatize Basin, Mozambique

Maxwell, Kane, Rajabi, Mojtaba, Esterle, Joan, Tivane, Manuel and Travassos, Daniel (2024). Spatial modelling and classification of altered coal using random forest-based methods at Moatize Basin, Mozambique. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 215 105279, 105279. doi: 10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2024.105279

Spatial modelling and classification of altered coal using random forest-based methods at Moatize Basin, Mozambique

2024

Journal Article

Detrital or reset? <sup>40</sup> Ar/ <sup>39</sup> Ar dating of mica from the Lower Jurassic Precipice Sandstone and Evergreen Formation in the Surat Basin

Crossingham, T., Sobczak, K., La Croix, A. D., Esterle, J., Dalton, H. and Hayes, P. (2024). Detrital or reset? 40 Ar/ 39 Ar dating of mica from the Lower Jurassic Precipice Sandstone and Evergreen Formation in the Surat Basin. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 71 (4), 585-599. doi: 10.1080/08120099.2024.2319105

Detrital or reset? <sup>40</sup> Ar/ <sup>39</sup> Ar dating of mica from the Lower Jurassic Precipice Sandstone and Evergreen Formation in the Surat Basin

2024

Journal Article

Geochemical and mineralogical responses to thermal alteration by an igneous intrusion in the Dashucun Coal Mine of the Fengfeng coalfield, Hebei, North China

Wang, Na, Dai, Shifeng, Esterle, Joan, Moore, Tim and Zhao, Lei (2024). Geochemical and mineralogical responses to thermal alteration by an igneous intrusion in the Dashucun Coal Mine of the Fengfeng coalfield, Hebei, North China. Applied Geochemistry, 160 105877. doi: 10.1016/j.apgeochem.2023.105877

Geochemical and mineralogical responses to thermal alteration by an igneous intrusion in the Dashucun Coal Mine of the Fengfeng coalfield, Hebei, North China

2024

Journal Article

Contribution of mine borehole data toward high-resolution stress mapping: An example from northern Bowen Basin, Australia

Rajabi, Mojtaba, Ziegler, Moritz, Heidbach, Oliver, Mukherjee, Saswata and Esterle, Joan (2024). Contribution of mine borehole data toward high-resolution stress mapping: An example from northern Bowen Basin, Australia. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 173 105630. doi: 10.1016/j.ijrmms.2023.105630

Contribution of mine borehole data toward high-resolution stress mapping: An example from northern Bowen Basin, Australia

2023

Other Outputs

Utilising Hyperspectral Imagery Scanning for Geotechnical Characterisation

Savinova, Katerina, Barbosa, Karina, Rodrigues, Sandra, Esterle, Joan and Cook, Nick (2023). Utilising Hyperspectral Imagery Scanning for Geotechnical Characterisation. Brisbane, Australia: Australian Coal Research.

Utilising Hyperspectral Imagery Scanning for Geotechnical Characterisation

2023

Conference Publication

3D geomechanical-numerical model of northern Bowen basin: implications for fault characteristics in the present-day stress regime

Rajabi, Mojtaba, Ziegler, Moritz, Sliwa, Renate and Esterle, Joan (2023). 3D geomechanical-numerical model of northern Bowen basin: implications for fault characteristics in the present-day stress regime. 2nd EAGE Workshop on Fluid Flow in Faults and Fracture - Modelling, Uncertainty and Risk, Canberra, ACT Australia, 15-16 August 2023. Utrecht, the Netherlands: European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers. doi: 10.3997/2214-4609.202373016

3D geomechanical-numerical model of northern Bowen basin: implications for fault characteristics in the present-day stress regime

2023

Journal Article

Before and after: A visual glimpse into the coking behaviour of coal macerals

Congo, Tara, Rodrigues, Sandra, Esterle, Joan, Steel, Karen and Maranha, Silvio (2023). Before and after: A visual glimpse into the coking behaviour of coal macerals. Fuel, 343 127979, 1-13. doi: 10.1016/j.fuel.2023.127979

Before and after: A visual glimpse into the coking behaviour of coal macerals

2023

Conference Publication

Spatial modelling using geographic quantile regression forest in multi-domain deposits

Maxwell, K., Rajabi, M., Esterle, J. and Tivane, M. (2023). Spatial modelling using geographic quantile regression forest in multi-domain deposits. 26th World Mining Congress (WMC2023), Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 26-29 June 2023. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: 26th World Mining Congress.

Spatial modelling using geographic quantile regression forest in multi-domain deposits

2023

Conference Publication

The contribution of mine data for multi-scale geomechanical analysis

Rajabi, Mojtaba, Sliwa, Renate and Esterle, Joan (2023). The contribution of mine data for multi-scale geomechanical analysis. 26th World Mining Congress (WMC 2023), Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 26-29 June 2023. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: 26th World Mining Congress.

The contribution of mine data for multi-scale geomechanical analysis

2023

Conference Publication

The Development of an Automated Method for Classifying Coal Banding from Core Images

Nguyen, A., Rodrigues, S., Manlapig, E., Nguyen, K. and Esterle, J. (2023). The Development of an Automated Method for Classifying Coal Banding from Core Images. 26th World Mining Congress, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 26-29 June 2023.

The Development of an Automated Method for Classifying Coal Banding from Core Images

2023

Journal Article

Automatic coal mine roof rating calculation using machine learning

Li, Jimmy Xuekai, Tsang, Matt, Zhong, Ruizhi, Esterle, Joan, Pirona, Claire, Rajabi, Mojtaba and Chen, Zhongwei (2023). Automatic coal mine roof rating calculation using machine learning. International Journal of Coal Geology, 274 104292, 1-14. doi: 10.1016/j.coal.2023.104292

Automatic coal mine roof rating calculation using machine learning

2023

Other Outputs

Integrating In-Situ Stress Patterns with Basin to Local Scale Structures in the Nebo Synclinorium, Bowen Basin

Mojtaba Rajabi, Renate Sliwa and Joan Esterle (2023). Integrating In-Situ Stress Patterns with Basin to Local Scale Structures in the Nebo Synclinorium, Bowen Basin. ACARP Project C29011 Brisbane, QLD Australia: ACARP.

Integrating In-Situ Stress Patterns with Basin to Local Scale Structures in the Nebo Synclinorium, Bowen Basin

2023

Journal Article

Characterisation of coal using hyperspectral core scanning systems

Rodrigues, Sandra, Fonteneau, Lionel and Esterle, Joan (2023). Characterisation of coal using hyperspectral core scanning systems. International Journal of Coal Geology, 269 104220, 1-22. doi: 10.1016/j.coal.2023.104220

Characterisation of coal using hyperspectral core scanning systems

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2028
    Optimising biomass addition in premium coking coals
    Anglo American Steelmaking Coal Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2025
    Tracking the Carbonisation Performance of Vitrinite Macerals
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2027
    High value biocoke for low emission steel production
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2024
    Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) Geological Assessment Southern Denison Trough
    Denison Gas (Qld) Limited
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2024
    Coal matrix shrinkage and its effects on cleat porosity, permeability and late life coal behaviour
    Arrow Energy Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2024
    A guideline towards standardising structure interpretation in ATV/OTV logs
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2024
    Hyperspectral characterisation of coal and evaluation of coal quality spectral predictive features
    Plotlogic Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2023
    Utilising hyperspectral drill core scanning for geotechnical characterisation
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2024
    Australian Coal Petrographic Atlas: Maintaining the Knowledge
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    Influence of inertinite and volatile release characteristics on viscosity development and fusibility during coking
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    Reducing the Subjectivity of CMRR Calculation Using Machine Learning
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2023
    In-situ Characterisation of Coal from Coal Seam Gas Developments (ARC Linkage Project led by UNSW)
    University of New South Wales
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2022
    Testing the Surat Basin two deposition centre hypothesis: Part A Zircon geochronology
    Australian National Low Emissions Coal Research and Development
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2022
    Integrating In Situ Stress Patterns with Basin to Local Scale Structures in the Nebo Synclinorium, Bowen Basin
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2023
    Topsoil deficits in site rehabilitation accelerated transformation of spoils to functional soils
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2020
    Analysis of the stable isotype characteristics of a coalbed methane field in the Cesar Rancheria Basin, Colombia and implications for gas saturation and production
    Drummond Energy Inc
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2022
    The Jundah Project
    Bridgeport Energy (QLD) Pty Limited
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2020
    Coal spectral libraries for scanning devices
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2021
    Advanced Environmental Technologies for Increasing Coal Seam Permeability
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    Continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometer (CF-IRMS) and ancillary preparation systems for carbon, nitrogen and sulfur isotope microanalysis for archaeology, biology, earth and environmental scie
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2019
    Regional geological study of the Hutton Sandstone
    Australian National Low Emissions Coal Research and Development
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    Workflow improvement of Arrow's Regional Facies Model
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    Physical and chemical interactions occurring between macerals during cokemaking and their influence on coke strength
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    Regional geological model update
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2019
    Controls on Fluorine and Phosphorus Distribution in Bowen Basin Coals
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    Centre for Geoanalytical Mass Spectrometry (CGMS) - Achieving excellence in isotope geochemistry and geochronology
    UQ Research Facilities Infrastructure Grants
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2018
    Integrated geological analysis of coalbed methane fields
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2018
    Guidelines for estimating rock mass strength from laboratory properties (ACARP grant administered by UNSW)
    University of New South Wales
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2023
    Vale-UQ Coal Geosciences Programs
    Vale Exploration Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Coals as methane bioreactors: significance of microbial methane generation in coal seams for coal seam gas (CSG) production and CO2 geosequestration
    QGC Pty Limited
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Hyperspectral scanning of Precipice Outcrop
    Australian National Low Emissions Coal Research and Development
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2018
    Understanding faults and fractures in the surat basin
    QGC Pty Limited
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2017
    Provision of hydrology research to better include faults and aquitards in Australian regional groundwater models to improve assessment of impacts of CSG extraction
    CSIRO
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2017
    Supermodel 2015 - Fault characterisation in Permian to Jurassic coal measures
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Water chemistry atlas for CSG fields- Phase 2
    QGC Pty Limited
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Lithofacies analysis of permian and triassic strata - Galilee Basin
    Adani Mining Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2017
    Precipice sandstone outcrop study
    Australian National Low Emissions Coal Research and Development
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2019
    Surat Geological Framework Model
    Arrow Energy Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2014
    True triaxial cell for advanced testing of porous media
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2015
    A water chemistry atlas for CSG fields: Discovering value beyond baseline monitoring
    Santos Limited
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2015
    Construction and updating of Surat Cumulative Management Area geological model
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2014
    Preparation of Geological Models for Upscaling
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2014
    Regional Stratigraphic Framework for Rangal-Baralaba-Bandanna Coal Measures in Bowen and Galilee Basins
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2014
    Regional Stratigraphic Framework for Rangal-Baralaba-Bandanna Coal Measures in Bowen and Galilee Basins
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2013
    Enhancement of the Coal Seam Gas Water Production Tool: Data collation and preparation
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2018
    Understanding, characterising, and managing solids production in CSG producing wells (Centre for Coal Seam Gas Research Project)
    Santos Limited
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2014
    Characterisation and differentiation of th eRangal and Moranbah coal members in the central Bowen Basin
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2015
    Ecological & hydrogeological survey of Great Artesian Basins
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2015
    Future gas through bioconversion of stranded and waste coal
    Queensland Government Smart Futures Research Partnerships Program
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2013
    Scales of geological heterogeneity within the Walloon Coal Measures
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2013
    Characterisation of Coal from ATP814 to Support CBM Production
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2014
    Coals as methane bioreactors: significance of microbial methane generation in coal seams for coal seam gas (CSG) production and CO2 geosequestration
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2011
    GC-IRMS for stable isotope ratio analysis of complex gas and liquid mixtures
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Instrumentation for elemental analysis of geological and environmental samples
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2012
    Understanding origin, recharge and flow regimes of coal seam waters to better constrain aquifer interactions
    UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund
    Open grant
  • 2010
    Coal microstructure characterisation for advanced coal technologies
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010
    Fully automated and OH&S compliant geological, biological, and environmental preparation facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2008
    Controls on flow pathways in coal seam reservoirs
    CRC for Greenhouse Gas Technologies
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2009
    Dynamic Gas Permeability Investigations of Highly Stressed Coals
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2009
    Understanding salt dynamics to facilitate water reuse on coal mine sites
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2005
    Constraints on Timing and Evolution of Gas Distribution in the Surat Basin
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant

Availability

Emeritus Professor Joan Esterle is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Reservoir characterisation in the southern Denison Trough for carbon dioxide storage

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Julie Pearce

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Geological characterisation of the southern Denison Trough for CO2 sequestration

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Julie Pearce

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Reservoir properties of the Toolebuc Formation, Eromanga Basin, Australia

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Zhongwei Chen, Emeritus Professor Sue Golding

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Production of high strength metallurgical coke from coal-biomass blends for low emission steel production

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Karen Steel

  • Doctor Philosophy

    High value bio-coke for low emission steel production

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Karen Steel

Completed supervision

Enquiries

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