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
1996
Conference Publication
Coal Breakage Modelling: A tool for managing fines generation.
Esterle, J. S., Kojovic, T., O’Brien, G. and Scott, A. C. (1996). Coal Breakage Modelling: A tool for managing fines generation.. Mining Technology Conference, Perth, WA, Australia, September, 1996.
1996
Conference Publication
Reflections on hardgrove grindability index in the light of microtextural analysis of the milled coal
Bailey, J. G., Esterle, J. S., O’Brien, G., Beath, H. and Chalmers, G. (1996). Reflections on hardgrove grindability index in the light of microtextural analysis of the milled coal. 7th Australian Coal Science Conference, Monash University, Gippsland, 1996. Gippsland, Victoria: Australian Institute of Energy.
1996
Conference Publication
Sedimentological analysis of goafing interval for longwall mining, Goonyella Mine, Bowen Basin
Esterle, J. S. and Fielding, C. R. (1996). Sedimentological analysis of goafing interval for longwall mining, Goonyella Mine, Bowen Basin. Geology in Longwall Mining Conference, University of New South Wales, 12th-13th November, 1996.
1996
Conference Publication
A test of maceral indices in modern tropical peat deposits
Esterle, J. S. (1996). A test of maceral indices in modern tropical peat deposits. Advances in the Study of the Sydney Basin, Newcastle, Australia, 1996.
1995
Conference Publication
Information from geology: implications for soil formation and rehabilitation in the post coal mining environment
Spain, A. V., Esterle, J. S and McLennan, T. P. T. (1995). Information from geology: implications for soil formation and rehabilitation in the post coal mining environment. 150 years on...Bowen Basin Symposium, Mackay, Australia, 1st - 3rd October, 1995. GSA Inc. Coal Geology Group.
1995
Conference Publication
3D Visualisation of borehole sedimentology data
Poulsen, B., Esterle, J. S. and Meyer, T. (1995). 3D Visualisation of borehole sedimentology data. 150 years on...Bowen Basin Symposium, Mackay, Australia, 1st - 3rd October, 1995. Brisbane, Queensland: Geological Society of Australia Incorporated Coal Geology Group.
1995
Conference Publication
A comparison of breakage behaviour for New Zealand and Australian coals
Esterle, J. S., O’Brien, G. and Moore, T. A. (1995). A comparison of breakage behaviour for New Zealand and Australian coals. 6th New Zealand Coal Conference, Wellington, New Zealand, 1995. New Zealand: Coal Research, Ltd.
1994
Journal Article
Spatial variability in modern tropical peat deposits from Sarawak, Malaysia and Sumatra, Indonesia: Analogues for coal
Esterle, J. S. and Ferm, J. C. (1994). Spatial variability in modern tropical peat deposits from Sarawak, Malaysia and Sumatra, Indonesia: Analogues for coal. International Journal of Coal Geology, 26 (1-2), 1-41. doi: 10.1016/0166-5162(94)90030-2
1994
Journal Article
Peat-accumulating depositional systems of Sarawak, East Malaysia
Staub, James R. and Esterle, Joan S. (1994). Peat-accumulating depositional systems of Sarawak, East Malaysia. Sedimentary geology, 89 (1-2), 91-106. doi: 10.1016/0037-0738(94)90085-X
1994
Conference Publication
A Geological model for the distribution of coal type and quality in the Katoomba Seam, Illawarra Coal Measures, Sydney Basin
Walsh, L. and Esterle, J. (1994). A Geological model for the distribution of coal type and quality in the Katoomba Seam, Illawarra Coal Measures, Sydney Basin. 27th Newcastle Symposium on the Advances in the Sydney Basin, Newcastle, NSW, 1994.
1994
Conference Publication
Influence of coal texture and rank on breakage energy and resulting size distributions in Australian coals
Esterle, J. S., O'Brien, G. and Kojovic, T. (1994). Influence of coal texture and rank on breakage energy and resulting size distributions in Australian coals. 6th Australian Coal Science Conference, Newcastle, NSW, 1994. Australian Institute of Energy.
1993
Conference Publication
COMPARATIVE GEOCHEMISTRY OF COLD TEMPERATE (NEW-ZEALAND) AND TROPICAL (SARAWAK) PEATS USING FLASH PYROLYSIS-GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY MASS-SPECTROMETRY
STANKIEWICZ, BA, KRUGE, MA and ESTERLE, JS (1993). COMPARATIVE GEOCHEMISTRY OF COLD TEMPERATE (NEW-ZEALAND) AND TROPICAL (SARAWAK) PEATS USING FLASH PYROLYSIS-GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY MASS-SPECTROMETRY. WASHINGTON: AMER CHEMICAL SOC.
1993
Journal Article
Rock-Eval Pyrolysis of Cold-Temperature and Tropical Peats and Coal: What is Generated and When
ESTERLE, JOAN S., CSIRO, -Division, (1993). Rock-Eval Pyrolysis of Cold-Temperature and Tropical Peats and Coal: What is Generated and When. AAPG Bulletin, 77 doi: 10.1306/d9cb55a7-1715-11d7-8645000102c1865d
1993
Journal Article
Provenance and sediment dispersal in the Rajang River delta/coastal plain system, Sarawak, East Malaysia
Staub, J. R. and Esterle, J. S. (1993). Provenance and sediment dispersal in the Rajang River delta/coastal plain system, Sarawak, East Malaysia. Sedimentology, 85 (1-4), 191-202. doi: 10.1016/0037-0738(93)90083-H
1992
Conference Publication
Comparison of macroscopic and microscopic size analyses of organic components in both coal and peat
Esterle, J. S., Moore, T. A. and Shearer, J. C. (1992). Comparison of macroscopic and microscopic size analyses of organic components in both coal and peat. 26th Newcastle Symposium "Advances in the Study of the Sydney Basin", University of Newcastle, NSW, April 1992.
1992
Journal Article
Evidence for a tidally influenced Upper Carboniferous ombrogenous mire system: Upper Bench, Beckley Bed (Wesphalian * A), Southern West Virginia
Staub, J. R. and Esterle, J. S. (1992). Evidence for a tidally influenced Upper Carboniferous ombrogenous mire system: Upper Bench, Beckley Bed (Wesphalian * A), Southern West Virginia. Journal of sedimentary petrology, 62 (3), 411-428.
1992
Journal Article
Evidence for a tidally influenced upper carboniferous ombrogenous mire system: Upper Bench, Beckley Bed (Westphalian A), Southern West Virginia
Staub, James R. and Esterle, Joan S. (1992). Evidence for a tidally influenced upper carboniferous ombrogenous mire system: Upper Bench, Beckley Bed (Westphalian A), Southern West Virginia. SEPM Journal of Sedimentary Research, 62 (3), 411-428. doi: 10.1306/d4267915-2b26-11d7-8648000102c1865d
1991
Journal Article
Particle size fraction and downhole depositional trends of a tropical domed peat deposit as determined by Pyrolysis GC/FTIR/FID and Pyrolysis GC/MS
Durig, J. R., Calvert, G. D. and Esterle, J. S. (1991). Particle size fraction and downhole depositional trends of a tropical domed peat deposit as determined by Pyrolysis GC/FTIR/FID and Pyrolysis GC/MS. Journal of analytical and applied pyrolysis, 18 (3-4), 293-324. doi: 10.1016/0165-2370(91)87009-B
1991
Journal Article
Controls on the chemical variability of peat types in a domed peat deposit, Baram River Area, Sarawak, Malaysia
Calvert, G. C., Durig, J. R. and Esterle, J. S. (1991). Controls on the chemical variability of peat types in a domed peat deposit, Baram River Area, Sarawak, Malaysia. International Journal of Coal Geology, 17 (2), 171-188. doi: 10.1016/0166-5162(91)90009-8
1991
Conference Publication
The formation of tropical domed peats in Sarawak, Malaysia
Tie, Y. L. and Esterle, J. S. (1991). The formation of tropical domed peats in Sarawak, Malaysia. MARDI Symposium on Tropical Peat and Peatlands, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, 1991.
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
Synthetic Rock Mass Modelling of a Large Mine Slope Failure
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
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
Master Philosophy
Controls on Sediment Distribution in the Late Permian Rangal Coal Measures of the Nebo Synclinorium
Principal Advisor
-
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
-
2016
Master Philosophy
PORE STRUCTURE CHANGES FROM WOOD TO VITRAIN: A CASE STUDY FROM NEW ZEALAND COAL
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
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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