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
  • Doctor of Philosophy of Petroleum and Coal Geology, University of Kentucky

Search Professor Joan Esterle’s works on UQ eSpace

253 works between 1986 and 2025
All (253) Journal Article (140) Book Chapter (2) Conference Publication (94) Book (1) Other Outputs (15) Edited Outputs (1)

121 - 140 of 253 works

2016

Journal Article

Carbon and hydrogen isotope fractionation during methanogenesis: a laboratory study using coal and formation water

Susilawati, Rita, Golding, Suzanne D., Baublys, Kim A., Esterle, Joan S. and Hamilton, Stephanie K. (2016). Carbon and hydrogen isotope fractionation during methanogenesis: a laboratory study using coal and formation water. International Journal of Coal Geology, 162, 108-122. doi: 10.1016/j.coal.2016.05.003

Carbon and hydrogen isotope fractionation during methanogenesis: a laboratory study using coal and formation water

2016

Journal Article

Petrologic and stable isotopic study of the Walloon Coal Measures, Surat Basin, Queensland: peat accumulation under changing climate and base level

Hentschel, A., Esterle, J. S., Golding, S. D. and Pacey, D. V. (2016). Petrologic and stable isotopic study of the Walloon Coal Measures, Surat Basin, Queensland: peat accumulation under changing climate and base level. International Journal of Coal Geology, 160-161, 11-27. doi: 10.1016/j.coal.2016.04.010

Petrologic and stable isotopic study of the Walloon Coal Measures, Surat Basin, Queensland: peat accumulation under changing climate and base level

2016

Journal Article

An overview of the coal seam gas developments in Queensland

Towler, Brian, Firouzi, Mahshid, Underschultz, James, Rifkin, Will, Garnett, Andrew, Schultz, Helen, Esterle, Joan, Tyson, Stephen and Witt, Katherine (2016). An overview of the coal seam gas developments in Queensland. Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering, 31, 249-271. doi: 10.1016/j.jngse.2016.02.040

An overview of the coal seam gas developments in Queensland

2016

Journal Article

The effect of coal rank on biogenic methane potential and microbial composition

Robbins, Steven J., Evans, Paul N., Esterle, Joan S., Golding, Suzanne D. and Tyson, Gene W. (2016). The effect of coal rank on biogenic methane potential and microbial composition. International Journal of Coal Geology, 154, 205-212. doi: 10.1016/j.coal.2016.01.001

The effect of coal rank on biogenic methane potential and microbial composition

2016

Journal Article

A workflow to build a model investigating coal cleat upscaling conditioned by the lithotype

Barbosa, Karina, Esterle, Joan and Ruest, Marc (2016). A workflow to build a model investigating coal cleat upscaling conditioned by the lithotype. The APPEA Journal, 56 (1), 331-340. doi: 10.1071/aj15024

A workflow to build a model investigating coal cleat upscaling conditioned by the lithotype

2016

Conference Publication

Triassic thrusting in the eastern Central Bowen Basin, Queensland

Babaahmadi, A., Sliwa, R., Esterle, J. and Rosenbaum, G. (2016). Triassic thrusting in the eastern Central Bowen Basin, Queensland. AESC 2016 – Australian Earth Sciences Convention, Adelaide, SA, Australia, June 2016.

Triassic thrusting in the eastern Central Bowen Basin, Queensland

2016

Conference Publication

Coal characterization by QEMSCAN: the study case of Bowen Basin, Queensland, Australia

Kwitko-Ribeiro, R., Rodrigues, S. and Esterle, J. (2016). Coal characterization by QEMSCAN: the study case of Bowen Basin, Queensland, Australia. IX Congresso de Microscopia dos Materiais, Brazil, 22-25 November 2016.

Coal characterization by QEMSCAN: the study case of Bowen Basin, Queensland, Australia

2016

Journal Article

Optimization of gateroad layout under a remnant chain pillar in longwall undermining based on pressure bulb theory

Zhang, Nian-Chao, Zhang, Nong, Esterle, Joan, Kan, Jia-Guang, Zhao, Yi-Ming and Xue, Fei (2016). Optimization of gateroad layout under a remnant chain pillar in longwall undermining based on pressure bulb theory. International Journal of Mining, Reclamation and Environment, 30 (2), 128-144. doi: 10.1080/17480930.2015.1024814

Optimization of gateroad layout under a remnant chain pillar in longwall undermining based on pressure bulb theory

2016

Conference Publication

Core scanner technologies – take everything without breaking

Rodrigues, S. and Esterle, J. (2016). Core scanner technologies – take everything without breaking. APPEA - Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition, Australia, 5 to 8 June 2016.

Core scanner technologies – take everything without breaking

2016

Journal Article

Stratigraphic forward model of Springbok Sandstone sedimentation controlled by dynamic topography

Bianchi, Valeria, Smith, Troy and Esterle, Joan (2016). Stratigraphic forward model of Springbok Sandstone sedimentation controlled by dynamic topography. The APPEA Journal, 56 (2), 600-600. doi: 10.1071/aj15106

Stratigraphic forward model of Springbok Sandstone sedimentation controlled by dynamic topography

2016

Conference Publication

Profiling of P and S in Mozambique coal using and XRF core scanner

Esterle, J., Rodrigues, S., Kelloway, S., Marjo, C.E. and Ward, C.R. (2016). Profiling of P and S in Mozambique coal using and XRF core scanner. Goldschmidt, Japan, 26 June to 1 July 2016.

Profiling of P and S in Mozambique coal using and XRF core scanner

2016

Journal Article

Floor failure depth of the roadway in soft rocks of deep coalmine: a case study

Zhang, Nian-Chao, Zhang, Nong, Wang, Hua-Yang, Ma, Bai-Long, Sun, Yuan-Tian and Esterle, Joan (2016). Floor failure depth of the roadway in soft rocks of deep coalmine: a case study. Electronic Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, 21 (5), 1833-1845.

Floor failure depth of the roadway in soft rocks of deep coalmine: a case study

2016

Journal Article

Rangal Supermodel 2015

Sliwa, Renate and Esterle, Joan (2016). Rangal Supermodel 2015. The APPEA Journal, 56 (2), 598-598. doi: 10.1071/aj15104

Rangal Supermodel 2015

2016

Journal Article

Compositional variation and palaeoenvironment of the volcanolithic Fort Cooper Coal Measures, Bowen Basin, Australia

Ayaz, S. A., Rodrigues, S., Golding, S. D. and Esterle, J. S. (2016). Compositional variation and palaeoenvironment of the volcanolithic Fort Cooper Coal Measures, Bowen Basin, Australia. International Journal of Coal Geology, 166, 36-46. doi: 10.1016/j.coal.2016.04.007

Compositional variation and palaeoenvironment of the volcanolithic Fort Cooper Coal Measures, Bowen Basin, Australia

2015

Journal Article

Electrofacies analysis using high-resolution wireline geophysical data as a proxy for inertinite-rich coal distribution in Late Permian Coal Seams, Bowen Basin

Roslin, A. and Esterle, J. S. (2015). Electrofacies analysis using high-resolution wireline geophysical data as a proxy for inertinite-rich coal distribution in Late Permian Coal Seams, Bowen Basin. International Journal of Coal Geology, 152, 10-18. doi: 10.1016/j.coal.2015.08.003

Electrofacies analysis using high-resolution wireline geophysical data as a proxy for inertinite-rich coal distribution in Late Permian Coal Seams, Bowen Basin

2015

Journal Article

Microbial controls on the origin and evolution of coal seam gases and production waters of the Walloon Subgroup; Surat Basin, Australia

Baublys, K. A., Hamilton, S. K., Golding, S. D., Vink, S. and Esterle, J. (2015). Microbial controls on the origin and evolution of coal seam gases and production waters of the Walloon Subgroup; Surat Basin, Australia. International Journal of Coal Geology, 147-148, 85-104. doi: 10.1016/j.coal.2015.06.007

Microbial controls on the origin and evolution of coal seam gases and production waters of the Walloon Subgroup; Surat Basin, Australia

2015

Journal Article

A study of hardness and fracture propagation in coal

Klawitter, Matthias, Esterle, Joan and Collins, Sarah (2015). A study of hardness and fracture propagation in coal. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 76, 237-242. doi: 10.1016/j.ijrmms.2015.02.006

A study of hardness and fracture propagation in coal

2015

Journal Article

Use of temperature logs in coal seam gas reservoirs: Application to the Sydney Basin, Australia

Burra, Agi, Esterle, Joan S and Golding, Suzanne D (2015). Use of temperature logs in coal seam gas reservoirs: Application to the Sydney Basin, Australia. International Journal of Coal Geology, 143 (1), 68-77. doi: 10.1016/j.coal.2015.03.014

Use of temperature logs in coal seam gas reservoirs: Application to the Sydney Basin, Australia

2015

Journal Article

Conceptual exploration targeting for microbially enhanced coal bed methane (MECoM) in the Walloon Subgroup, eastern Surat Basin, Australia

Hamilton, S. K., Golding, S. D., Baublys, K. A. and Esterle, J. S. (2015). Conceptual exploration targeting for microbially enhanced coal bed methane (MECoM) in the Walloon Subgroup, eastern Surat Basin, Australia. International Journal of Coal Geology, 138, 68-82. doi: 10.1016/j.coal.2014.12.002

Conceptual exploration targeting for microbially enhanced coal bed methane (MECoM) in the Walloon Subgroup, eastern Surat Basin, Australia

2015

Journal Article

Regional insights into the sedimentary organisation of the Walloon Subgroup, Surat Basin, Queensland

Shields, D. and Esterle, J. (2015). Regional insights into the sedimentary organisation of the Walloon Subgroup, Surat Basin, Queensland. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 62 (8), 949-967. doi: 10.1080/08120099.2015.1127287

Regional insights into the sedimentary organisation of the Walloon Subgroup, Surat Basin, Queensland

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

Availability

Emeritus Professor Joan Esterle is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Geological characterisation of the southern Denison Trough for CO2 sequestration

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Julie Pearce

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Reservoir characterisation in the southern Denison Trough for carbon dioxide storage

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Julie Pearce

  • 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

  • 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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