Overview
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
Qualifications
- Masters (Research) of Petroleum and Coal Geology, University of Kentucky
- Doctor of Philosophy of Petroleum and Coal Geology, University of Kentucky
Works
Search Professor Joan Esterle’s works on UQ eSpace
2003
Journal Article
The Glass Earth
Esterle, Joan and Carr, Graham (2003). The Glass Earth. AIG News, 72, 1-2-4-6.
2003
Journal Article
An energy-based model for swing hammer mills
Shi, F. N., Kojovic, T., Esterle, J. S. and David, D. (2003). An energy-based model for swing hammer mills. International Journal of Mineral Processing, 71 (1-4), 147-166. doi: 10.1016/S0301-7516(03)00035-8
2002
Journal Article
Relationship between in situ coal stratigraphy and particle size and composition after breakage in bituminous coals
Esterle, J. S., Kolatschek, Y. and O’Brien, G. (2002). Relationship between in situ coal stratigraphy and particle size and composition after breakage in bituminous coals. International Journal of Coal Geology, 49 (2-3), 195-214. doi: 10.1016/S0166-5162(01)00077-5
2002
Conference Publication
Coal seam gas distribution in the Moranbah-German Creek Coal Measures, Bowen Basin, Queensland
Esterle, J. S. and Williams, R. J. (2002). Coal seam gas distribution in the Moranbah-German Creek Coal Measures, Bowen Basin, Queensland. Petroleum Exploration Society of Australia, Queensland: Exploration and Development, Brisbane, Australia, 11th September, 2002.
2001
Conference Publication
A fragmentation model to estimate ROM size distribution of soft rock types
Thornton, D. M., Kanchibotla, S. S. and Esterle, J. S. (2001). A fragmentation model to estimate ROM size distribution of soft rock types. 27th Annual Conference on Explosives and Blasting Techniques, Orlando, Florida, 28-31 January 2001. Cleveland, Ohio: International Society of Explosives Engineers.
2001
Conference Publication
Basement controls on regional to minescale structure and sedimentation in the Moranbah Coal Measures: the Super Model 2000 case study
Esterle, J. S., Sliwa, R., Le Blanc Smith, G. and Yago, J. (2001). Basement controls on regional to minescale structure and sedimentation in the Moranbah Coal Measures: the Super Model 2000 case study. Geological hazards, the impact to mining, NSW, Australia, 15th-16th November, 2001.
2001
Conference Publication
Modelling fragmentation from pit to plant feed
Esterle, J. S., Shi, F., Thornton, D. and Cocker, A. S. (2001). Modelling fragmentation from pit to plant feed. 18th Annual International Pittsburgh Coal Conference, Newcastle, NSW, Australia, December, 2001.
2000
Journal Article
Petrography and palynology of the Blue Gem coal bed (Middle Pennsylvanian), southeastern Kentucky,USA
Rimmer, Susan M., Hower, James C., Moore, Timothy A., Esterle, Joan S., Walton, Richard L. and Helfrich, Charles T. (2000). Petrography and palynology of the Blue Gem coal bed (Middle Pennsylvanian), southeastern Kentucky,USA. International Journal of Coal Geology, 42 (2-3), 159-184. doi: 10.1016/S0166-5162(99)00038-5
2000
Conference Publication
Predicting plant performance from small and large diameter bore cores
Esterle, J. S., Clarkson, C., O'Brien, G., Swanson, A. and Fletcher, I. (2000). Predicting plant performance from small and large diameter bore cores. Australian Coal Preparation Congress, Port Stephens, NSW, 12th-16th November, 2000.
2000
Conference Publication
Controls on Sandstone Distribution and Faulting in Permian Moranbah Coal Measures, Bowen Basin, Australia
Esterle, J.S., LeBlanc Smith, G. and Yago, J. (2000). Controls on Sandstone Distribution and Faulting in Permian Moranbah Coal Measures, Bowen Basin, Australia. 2000 AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, Bali, Indonesia, 2000. Tulsa, OK United States: American Association of Petroleum Geologists. doi: 10.1306/a96744fe-1738-11d7-8645000102c1865d
2000
Journal Article
CoalFrag - A fragmentation modelling tool for coal production
Esterle, J., Thornton, D. M. and Cocker, A. S. (2000). CoalFrag - A fragmentation modelling tool for coal production. The Australian Coal Review, October (10), 25-29.
2000
Conference Publication
Using brightness profiles to optimise coal blasting
Esterle, J., Kanchibotla, S. S. and Thornton, D. M. (2000). Using brightness profiles to optimise coal blasting. Bowen Basin Symposium 2000- the New Millenium, Rockhampton, Queensland, 22nd-24th October, 2000. Geol Soc Aust Inc.
1999
Conference Publication
Effect of comminution energy on Rosin-Rammler distributions in coal
Esterle, J. S., O’Brien, G. and Corrin, G. (1999). Effect of comminution energy on Rosin-Rammler distributions in coal. Advances in the Study of the Sydney Basin, University of Newcastle, 1999.
1999
Journal Article
Impact of coal mass structure on fragmentation during mining and processing
Esterle, J. S., O’Brien, G., Thornton, D., Kanchibotla, S. and Edwards, D. (1999). Impact of coal mass structure on fragmentation during mining and processing. Mineral Resources Engineering, 8 (3), 285-299. doi: 10.1142/S0950609899000281
1999
Conference Publication
Controls on Phosphorous Variability at the Minescale
Esterle, J. S. (1999). Controls on Phosphorous Variability at the Minescale. The 33rd Newcastle Symposium on Advances in the Study of the Sydney Basin, University of Newcastle, NSW, 1999.
1998
Conference Publication
Assessing Coal fines and their impact on plant performance
Esterle, J. S., O’Brien, G., Sexty, G., Thornton, D., Kojovic, T., Djordjevic, N., Kolatschek, Y., Firth, B. and Clarkson, C. (1998). Assessing Coal fines and their impact on plant performance. International Coal Preparation Conference, Brisbane, October, 1998.
1998
Conference Publication
Tracking coal fragmentation from pit face to plant feed
Esterle, J. S., O’Brien, G., Thornton, D., Kojovic, T. and Firth, B. (1998). Tracking coal fragmentation from pit face to plant feed. AUSIMM Mine to Mill 1998 Conference, Brisbane, October, 1998. Melbourne: The Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
1997
Journal Article
Analysis of coal banding texture and implications for megascopic image analysis
Yu, K., Barry, J. C. and Esterle, J. S. (1997). Analysis of coal banding texture and implications for megascopic image analysis. International Journal of Coal Geology, 33 (1), 1-18.
1997
Journal Article
Analysis of coal banding texture and implications for megascopic image analysis
Yu, K., Barry, J. C. and Esterle, J. S. (1997). Analysis of coal banding texture and implications for megascopic image analysis. International Journal of Coal Geology, 33 (1), 1-18. doi: 10.1016/S0166-5162(96)00022-5
1996
Journal Article
Geochemistry and petrography of the Taupiri and Kupakupa coal seams, Waikato Coal Measures (Eocene), New Zealand.
Newman, N. A., Moore, T. A. and Esterle, J. S. (1996). Geochemistry and petrography of the Taupiri and Kupakupa coal seams, Waikato Coal Measures (Eocene), New Zealand.. International Journal of Coal Geology, 33 (2), 103-133. doi: 10.1016/S0166-5162(96)00021-3
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
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
High value bio-coke for low emission steel production
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Karen Steel
-
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
Reservoir properties of the Toolebuc Formation, Eromanga Basin, Australia
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Zhongwei Chen, Emeritus Professor Sue Golding
Completed supervision
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
The Development of an Automated Method for Classifying Coal Banding from Core Images
Principal Advisor
-
2021
Doctor Philosophy
Variability in stress, fracture and key coal reservoir parameters in the Walloon Coal Measures, Surat Basin
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Mojtaba Rajabi
-
2021
Doctor Philosophy
Synthetic Rock Mass Modelling of a Large Mine Slope Failure
Principal Advisor
-
2021
Doctor Philosophy
Spatiotemporal variation in the Permian-Triassic pre- and post-extinction palynology of the Bowen and Galilee basins (Australia)
Principal Advisor
-
2020
Master Philosophy
Stable Isotope and Molecular Composition of Coalbed Production Gas and Waters of a Coalbed Methane Field in the Cesar Rancheria Basin, Colombia: Implications for Gas Origins and Distribution
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Sue Golding
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Characterisation of P- and F-bearing minerals in Bowen Basin coals: Implications for source and emplacement
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Sue Golding
-
2020
Doctor Philosophy
Palynology of the Jurassic-Cretaceous transition, northern Surat Basin, Queensland, Australia
Principal Advisor
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Alternative methods for geomechanical characterisation of sub-bituminous coal, Surat Basin, Australia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Zhongwei Chen
-
2018
Doctor Philosophy
Stratigraphic architecture of Lopingian (upper Permian) strata in the Galilee Basin, NE Australia
Principal Advisor
-
2018
Doctor Philosophy
Integrating Coal Petrology, Geochemistry and Geochronology to Understand Spatial Variation in the Walloon Subgroup
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Sue Golding
-
2017
Doctor Philosophy
An investigation of numerical facies models for coal seam gas reservoirs; Walloon Subgroup, Surat Basin
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jim Underschultz
-
2017
Master Philosophy
Controls on Sediment Distribution in the Late Permian Rangal Coal Measures of the Nebo Synclinorium
Principal Advisor
-
2016
Master Philosophy
Pre-Permian basement and lithological controls on the development of the Jellinbah Thrust Belt: Insight from a new palinspastic reconstruction
Principal Advisor
-
2016
Master Philosophy
PORE STRUCTURE CHANGES FROM WOOD TO VITRAIN: A CASE STUDY FROM NEW ZEALAND COAL
Principal Advisor
-
2016
Doctor Philosophy
Stratigraphic architecture and coal character of Late Permian Fort Cooper Coal Measures, Bowen Basin, Queensland.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Sue Golding
-
2015
Doctor Philosophy
Biogenic Methane in Indonesian Coal: Assessing the Potential using Culture Enrichment, Molecular Phylogenetic and Isotopic Analysis
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Sue Golding
-
2015
Doctor Philosophy
The role of hydrogeology, in situ stress and temperature logs in the distribution and delineation of coal seam gas regimes
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Sue Golding
-
2014
Doctor Philosophy
Controls on spatial variability of methanogenesis in the Walloon Subgroup, eastern Surat Basin, Queensland
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Sue Golding
-
2010
Master Philosophy
Analysis of Gas and Water Production Pathways in Coal Seams
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Sue Golding
-
2015
Doctor Philosophy
CO2-water-rock interactions in low-salinity reservoir systems
Joint Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Sue Golding, Dr Julie Pearce
-
2024
Doctor Philosophy
Reservoir properties of the Toolebuc Formation, Eromanga Basin, Australia
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Zhongwei Chen, Emeritus Professor Sue Golding
-
2023
Master Philosophy
X-ray Transparent Cell to examine the effect of methane adsorption on coal cleat volume
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Karen Steel
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Failure of the Hard Roof and the Impact on Coal Burst Occurrence
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jurij Karlovsek
-
2021
Doctor Philosophy
Numerical Investigation of Mechanisms of Ultrasonic Wave Stimulation-Induced Mechanical Vibration and Variation of Cleat Width in Coal Seam Gas Reservoirs
Associate Advisor
-
2021
Doctor Philosophy
Integrated Formation Evaluation using Petrophysical Logs & Digitalisation Technology to Improve Reservoir Characterisation, Resources Estimation and Conceptual Well Design for Coal Seam Gas Field Development Planning
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jim Underschultz
-
2018
Doctor Philosophy
Natural caving systems as potential analogues to mining induced caving
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Tony Webster
-
2015
Master Philosophy
Subsurface architecture of the Texas Orocline and its influence on in situ stresses in the overlying Surat Basin
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Gideon Rosenbaum
-
2015
Doctor Philosophy
The geometry, kinematics, and reactivation history of major fault systems in eastern Australia: Implications for deformation phases from the Permian to Cenozoic
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Gideon Rosenbaum
-
2014
Doctor Philosophy
Modifying Subterranean Fluid Flow Patterns Using Barriers to Improve Pre-Drainage in Coal Mining
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Saiied Aminossadati, Associate Professor Zhongwei Chen
-
2012
Doctor Philosophy
Carbon dioxide sequestration in coal: The relationships between coal structure, texture, and mineralogy, and the role of mineral reactivity with carbonic acid
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Sue Golding
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