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Emeritus Professor Joan Esterle
Emeritus Professor

Joan Esterle

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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

253 works between 1986 and 2025

101 - 120 of 253 works

2017

Journal Article

The evolution of a Late Cretaceous–Cenozoic intraplate basin (Duaringa Basin), eastern Australia: evidence for the negative inversion of a pre-existing fold–thrust belt

Babaahmadi, Abbas, Sliwa, Renate, Esterle, Joan and Rosenbaum, Gideon (2017). The evolution of a Late Cretaceous–Cenozoic intraplate basin (Duaringa Basin), eastern Australia: evidence for the negative inversion of a pre-existing fold–thrust belt. International Journal of Earth Sciences, 107 (5), 1-16. doi: 10.1007/s00531-017-1577-3

The evolution of a Late Cretaceous–Cenozoic intraplate basin (Duaringa Basin), eastern Australia: evidence for the negative inversion of a pre-existing fold–thrust belt

2017

Journal Article

Application of photogrammetry for mapping of solution collapse breccia pipes on the Colorado Plateau, USA

Klawitter, Matthias, Pistellato, Davide, Webster, Anthony and Esterle, Joan (2017). Application of photogrammetry for mapping of solution collapse breccia pipes on the Colorado Plateau, USA. Photogrammetric Record, 32 (160), 443-458. doi: 10.1111/phor.12219

Application of photogrammetry for mapping of solution collapse breccia pipes on the Colorado Plateau, USA

2017

Journal Article

Evidence for marine influence in the Lower Jurassic Precipice Sandstone, Surat Basin, eastern Australia

Martin, M., Wakefield, M., Bianchi, V., Esterle, J. and Zhou, F. (2017). Evidence for marine influence in the Lower Jurassic Precipice Sandstone, Surat Basin, eastern Australia. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 65 (1), 75-91. doi: 10.1080/08120099.2018.1402821

Evidence for marine influence in the Lower Jurassic Precipice Sandstone, Surat Basin, eastern Australia

2017

Journal Article

Complementing coal seam gas facies modelling workflows with decompaction based processes

Shields, D., Zhou, F., Buchannan, A. and Esterle, J. (2017). Complementing coal seam gas facies modelling workflows with decompaction based processes. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 88, 155-169. doi: 10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2017.08.007

Complementing coal seam gas facies modelling workflows with decompaction based processes

2017

Journal Article

Coal washability analysis using X-ray tomographic images for different lithotypes

Liu, Hongping, Rodrigues, Sandra, Shi, Fengnian, Esterle, Joan and Manlapig, Emmanuel (2017). Coal washability analysis using X-ray tomographic images for different lithotypes. Fuel, 209, 162-171. doi: 10.1016/j.fuel.2017.07.104

Coal washability analysis using X-ray tomographic images for different lithotypes

2017

Journal Article

Understanding the geometry and distribution of fluvial channel sandstones and coal in the Walloon Coal Measures, Surat Basin, Australia

Zhou, Fengde, Shields, Daren, Titheridge, David, Tyson, Stephen and Esterle, Joan (2017). Understanding the geometry and distribution of fluvial channel sandstones and coal in the Walloon Coal Measures, Surat Basin, Australia. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 86, 573-586. doi: 10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2017.06.020

Understanding the geometry and distribution of fluvial channel sandstones and coal in the Walloon Coal Measures, Surat Basin, Australia

2017

Journal Article

The effect of rank, lithotype and roughness on contact angle measurements in coal cleats

Mahoney, Shilo A., Rufford, Thomas E., Johnson, David, Dmyterko, Anastasia, Rodrigues, Sandra, Esterle, Joan, Rudolph, Victor and Steel, Karen M. (2017). The effect of rank, lithotype and roughness on contact angle measurements in coal cleats. International Journal of Coal Geology, 179, 302-315. doi: 10.1016/j.coal.2017.07.001

The effect of rank, lithotype and roughness on contact angle measurements in coal cleats

2017

Journal Article

Paleo-environmental reconstruction of Lopingian (upper Permian) sediments in the Galilee Basin, Queensland, Australia

Phillips, L. J., Edwards, S. A., Bianchi, V. and Esterle, J. S. (2017). Paleo-environmental reconstruction of Lopingian (upper Permian) sediments in the Galilee Basin, Queensland, Australia. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 64 (5), 587-609. doi: 10.1080/08120099.2017.1338618

Paleo-environmental reconstruction of Lopingian (upper Permian) sediments in the Galilee Basin, Queensland, Australia

2017

Journal Article

A seismic investigation into the geometry and controls upon alluvial architecture in the Walloon Subgroup, Surat Basin, Queensland

Shields, D., Bianchi, V. and Esterle, J. (2017). A seismic investigation into the geometry and controls upon alluvial architecture in the Walloon Subgroup, Surat Basin, Queensland. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 64 (4), 455-469. doi: 10.1080/08120099.2017.1312524

A seismic investigation into the geometry and controls upon alluvial architecture in the Walloon Subgroup, Surat Basin, Queensland

2017

Other Outputs

Hyperspectral scanning of precipice outcrop. Final Report ANLEC Project 7-0115-0237

Pistellato, Davide, Rodrigues, Sandra, Sansoleimani, Atefeh, Esterle, Joan, Murphy, Richard and Bianchi, Valeria (2017). Hyperspectral scanning of precipice outcrop. Final Report ANLEC Project 7-0115-0237. Brisbane, Australia: ACARP.

Hyperspectral scanning of precipice outcrop. Final Report ANLEC Project 7-0115-0237

2017

Journal Article

Review of Lopingian (upper Permian) stratigraphy of the Galilee Basin, Queensland, Australia

Phillips, L. J., Esterle, J. S. and Edwards, S. A. (2017). Review of Lopingian (upper Permian) stratigraphy of the Galilee Basin, Queensland, Australia. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 64 (3), 1-18. doi: 10.1080/08120099.2017.1290684

Review of Lopingian (upper Permian) stratigraphy of the Galilee Basin, Queensland, Australia

2017

Other Outputs

Rangal Supermodel 2015: The Rangal-Baralaba-Bandanna Coal Measures in the Bowen and Galilee Basins. Final Report ACARP Project C22028

Sliwa, Renate, Esterle, Joan, Phillips, Laura and Wilson, Steven (2017). Rangal Supermodel 2015: The Rangal-Baralaba-Bandanna Coal Measures in the Bowen and Galilee Basins. Final Report ACARP Project C22028. ACARP (Australian Coal Industry Research Program).

Rangal Supermodel 2015: The Rangal-Baralaba-Bandanna Coal Measures in the Bowen and Galilee Basins. Final Report ACARP Project C22028

2017

Journal Article

The development of a Triassic fold-thrust belt in a synclinal depositional system, Bowen Basin (eastern Australia)

Babaahmadi, Abbas, Sliwa, Renate, Esterle, Joan and Rosenbaum, Gideon (2017). The development of a Triassic fold-thrust belt in a synclinal depositional system, Bowen Basin (eastern Australia). Tectonics, 36 (1), 51-77. doi: 10.1002/2016TC004297

The development of a Triassic fold-thrust belt in a synclinal depositional system, Bowen Basin (eastern Australia)

2017

Conference Publication

In-situ stress and fracture controls on permeability distribution within walloon subgroup, Surat basin

Mukherjee, Saswata, Copley, Jeff and Esterle, Joan (2017). In-situ stress and fracture controls on permeability distribution within walloon subgroup, Surat basin. SPE/IATMI Asia Pacific Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition 2017, Jakarta, Indonesia, October 17-19, 2017. Society of Petroleum Engineers. doi: 10.2118/186413-ms

In-situ stress and fracture controls on permeability distribution within walloon subgroup, Surat basin

2017

Conference Publication

“It goes with the splits?” – Spatial variability of phosphorus and fluorine within the coal

Davis,B., Rodrigues, S., Esterle, J. and Golding, S. (2017). “It goes with the splits?” – Spatial variability of phosphorus and fluorine within the coal. AUSIMM International Mining Geology Conference, Hobart, TAS, Australia, 20-22 September 2017.

“It goes with the splits?” – Spatial variability of phosphorus and fluorine within the coal

2017

Conference Publication

Hyperspectral signature of coal bands – black over black

Rodrigues, S., Fonteneau, L. and Esterle, J. (2017). Hyperspectral signature of coal bands – black over black. AUSIMM International mining geology conference, Hobart, TAS, Australia, 20-22 September 2017.

Hyperspectral signature of coal bands – black over black

2017

Conference Publication

Deformed coal seams associated with igneous intrusions in Moatize, Mozambique

Rodrigues, S., Glasser, L., Ward, V., Peixoto, H., Esterle, J., Macamo, S. and Etchart, E. (2017). Deformed coal seams associated with igneous intrusions in Moatize, Mozambique. 69th Annual Meeting of the International Committee for Coal and Organic Petrology, Romania, 3 -9 September 2017.

Deformed coal seams associated with igneous intrusions in Moatize, Mozambique

2017

Conference Publication

Hyperspectral techniques applied to coal characterisation

Rodrigues, S., Fonteneau, L., Esterle, J., Honey, F. and Carey, R. (2017). Hyperspectral techniques applied to coal characterisation. FUTORES II, Townsville, QLD, Australia, 4 – 7 June 2017.

Hyperspectral techniques applied to coal characterisation

2016

Journal Article

Age of the Yarrabee and accessory tuffs: implications for the upper Permian sediment-accumulation rates across the Bowen Basin

Ayaz, S. A., Martin, M., Esterle, J., Amelin, Y. and Nicoll, R. S. (2016). Age of the Yarrabee and accessory tuffs: implications for the upper Permian sediment-accumulation rates across the Bowen Basin. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 63 (7), 1-14. doi: 10.1080/08120099.2016.1255254

Age of the Yarrabee and accessory tuffs: implications for the upper Permian sediment-accumulation rates across the Bowen Basin

2016

Journal Article

Electrofacies analysis for coal lithotype profiling based on high-resolution wireline log data

Roslin, A. and Esterle, J. S. (2016). Electrofacies analysis for coal lithotype profiling based on high-resolution wireline log data. Computers and Geosciences, 91, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.cageo.2016.03.006

Electrofacies analysis for coal lithotype profiling based on high-resolution wireline log data

Funding

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2028
    Optimising biomass addition in premium coking coals
    Anglo American Steelmaking Coal Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2027
    High value biocoke for low emission steel production
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2024 - 2025
    Tracking the Carbonisation Performance of Vitrinite Macerals
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 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

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

    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

Media

Enquiries

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