Professor Paulo Vasconcelos
Professor

Paulo Vasconcelos

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 52297

Background

Associate Professor Paulo Vasconcelos' research is in the fields of: Low-T Geochemistry, Economic Geology and 40Ar/39Ar Geochronology. He received his PhD from The University of California (Berkeley).

Paolo Vasconcelos research interests cover

  • Supergene enrichment in ore deposits
  • Isotopic dating of weathering processes
  • Exploration geochemistry
  • Palaeoclimatology and landscape evolution
  • Application of K-Ar and 40Ar/39Ar and noble gas systematics to ore deposit genesis
  • Origin and geochemistry of gem deposits

His chief research projects are in the areas of:

  • Weathering Geochronology, Weathering Geochronology and Landscape Evolution
  • Mechanisms and timing of silicification in Australia and the genesis of opal deposits
  • Cenozoic Magmatism in North East Brazil and in South East Queensland
  • U-He, 40Ar/39Ar, and Re-Os as fingerprints of metal sources in orogenic gold deposits
  • U-Th/He dating of iron and manganese oxides
  • Cosmogenic 3He generation and retention in goethite and hematite
  • Hydrothermal vs. supergene origin of orebodies in banded iron formations in the Hamersley iron province, the Quadrilátero Ferrífero iron province, and the Carajás iron province
  • Supergene Enrichment in the Kalahari Manganese Fields, South Africa
  • Timing of topaz, emerald and gold mineralization
  • 40Ar/39Ar geocronological constraints on postulated hominid fossil sites in Cueva Victoria, Spain

Availability

Professor Paulo Vasconcelos is:
Available for supervision

Fields of research

Geochemistry Geology

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science, University of Kansas
  • Masters (Coursework), The University of Texas
  • Doctor of Philosophy, University of California-Berkeley

Search Professor Paulo Vasconcelos’s works on UQ eSpace

276 works between 1991 and 2025
All (276) Journal Article (175) Other Outputs (4) Edited Outputs (4) Conference Publication (90) Book Chapter (3)

81 - 100 of 276 works

2017

Journal Article

40Ar/39Ar geochronology and volume estimates of the Tasmantid Seamounts: support for a change in the motion of the Australian plate

Crossingham, Tracey J., Vasconcelos, Paolo M., Cunningham, Toby and Knesel, Kurt M. (2017). 40Ar/39Ar geochronology and volume estimates of the Tasmantid Seamounts: support for a change in the motion of the Australian plate. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 343, 95-108. doi: 10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2017.06.014

40Ar/39Ar geochronology and volume estimates of the Tasmantid Seamounts: support for a change in the motion of the Australian plate

2017

Other Outputs

A Mesoproterozoic advanced argillic alteration system: 40Ar/39Ar thermochronology from Nankivel Hill, Gawler Craton

Nicolson, B., Reid, A., McAvaney, S., Keeling, J., Fraser, G. and Vasconcelos, P. (2017). A Mesoproterozoic advanced argillic alteration system: 40Ar/39Ar thermochronology from Nankivel Hill, Gawler Craton. Adelaide, SA Australia: Government of South Australia.

A Mesoproterozoic advanced argillic alteration system: 40Ar/39Ar thermochronology from Nankivel Hill, Gawler Craton

2017

Journal Article

Animated reconstructions of the late cretaceous to cenozoic northward migration of Australia, and implications for the generation of east Australian mafic magmatism

Jones, Isabelle, Verdel, Charles, Crossingham, Tracey and Vasconcelos, Paulo (2017). Animated reconstructions of the late cretaceous to cenozoic northward migration of Australia, and implications for the generation of east Australian mafic magmatism. Geosphere, 13 (2) 4051, 460-481. doi: 10.1130/GES01405.1

Animated reconstructions of the late cretaceous to cenozoic northward migration of Australia, and implications for the generation of east Australian mafic magmatism

2017

Conference Publication

Hunter - Bowen deformation in the Percy Group of Isles, offshore central Queensland

Hoy, D., Rosenbaum, G., Mortimer, N., Shaanan, U. and Vasconcelos, P. (2017). Hunter - Bowen deformation in the Percy Group of Isles, offshore central Queensland. Biennial Meeting of the Specialist Group in Tectonics and Structural Geology Geological Society of Australia, Denmark, November 2017.

Hunter - Bowen deformation in the Percy Group of Isles, offshore central Queensland

2016

Journal Article

Evidence of biogeochemical processes in iron duricrust formation

Levett, Alan, Gagen, Emma, Shuster, Jeremiah, Rintoul, Llew, Tobin, Mark, Vongsvivut, Jitraporn, Bambery, Keith, Vasconcelos, Paulo and Southam, Gordon (2016). Evidence of biogeochemical processes in iron duricrust formation. Journal of South American Earth Sciences, 71, 131-142. doi: 10.1016/j.jsames.2016.06.016

Evidence of biogeochemical processes in iron duricrust formation

2016

Journal Article

Discordant K-Ar and young exposure dates for the Windjana sandstone, Kimberley, Gale Crater, Mars

Vasconcelos, P. M., Farley, K. A., Malespin, C. A., Mahaffy, P., Ming, D., McLennan, S. M., Hurowitz, J. A. and Rice, M. S. (2016). Discordant K-Ar and young exposure dates for the Windjana sandstone, Kimberley, Gale Crater, Mars. Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, 121 (10), 2176-2192. doi: 10.1002/2016JE005017

Discordant K-Ar and young exposure dates for the Windjana sandstone, Kimberley, Gale Crater, Mars

2016

Journal Article

Petrology of continental tholeiitic magmas forming a 350-km-long Mesozoic dyke swarm in NE Brazil: constraints of geochemical and isotopic data

Ngonge, Emmanuel Donald, de Hollanda, Maria Helena Bezerra Maia, Archanjo, Carlos Jose, de Oliveira, Diogenes Custodio, Vasconcelos, Paulo Marcosde Paula and Munoz, Patricio Rodrigo Montecinos (2016). Petrology of continental tholeiitic magmas forming a 350-km-long Mesozoic dyke swarm in NE Brazil: constraints of geochemical and isotopic data. Lithos, 258-259, 228-252. doi: 10.1016/j.lithos.2016.04.008

Petrology of continental tholeiitic magmas forming a 350-km-long Mesozoic dyke swarm in NE Brazil: constraints of geochemical and isotopic data

2016

Journal Article

Goethite (U-Th)/He geochronology and precipitation mechanisms during weathering of basalts

Riffel, Silvana B., Vasconcelos, Paulo M., Carmo, Isabela O. and Farley, Kenneth A. (2016). Goethite (U-Th)/He geochronology and precipitation mechanisms during weathering of basalts. Chemical Geology, 446, 18-32. doi: 10.1016/j.chemgeo.2016.03.033

Goethite (U-Th)/He geochronology and precipitation mechanisms during weathering of basalts

2016

Journal Article

40Ar/39Ar dating of supergene Mn-oxides from the Zunyi Mn deposit, Guizhou Plateau, SW China: implications for chemical weathering and paleoclimatic evolution since the late Miocene

Deng, Xiao-Dong, Li, Jian-Wei and Vasconcelos, Paulo M. (2016). 40Ar/39Ar dating of supergene Mn-oxides from the Zunyi Mn deposit, Guizhou Plateau, SW China: implications for chemical weathering and paleoclimatic evolution since the late Miocene. Chemical Geology, 445, 185-198. doi: 10.1016/j.chemgeo.2016.02.009

40Ar/39Ar dating of supergene Mn-oxides from the Zunyi Mn deposit, Guizhou Plateau, SW China: implications for chemical weathering and paleoclimatic evolution since the late Miocene

2015

Journal Article

Geological and economic significance of supergene metal deposits

Reich, Martin and Vasconcelos, Paulo M. (2015). Geological and economic significance of supergene metal deposits. Elements, 11 (5), 305-310. doi: 10.2113/gselements.11.5.305

Geological and economic significance of supergene metal deposits

2015

Journal Article

The paleoclimatic signatures of supergene metal deposits

Vasconcelos, Paulo M., Reich, Martin and Shuster, David L. (2015). The paleoclimatic signatures of supergene metal deposits. Elements, 11 (5), 317-322. doi: 10.2113/gselements.11.5.317

The paleoclimatic signatures of supergene metal deposits

2015

Journal Article

Geochemistry and age of mafic rocks from the Votuverava Group, southern Ribeira Belt, Brazil: evidence for 1490Ma oceanic back-arc magmatism

Campanha, G. A. C., Faleiros, F. M., Basei, M. A. S., Tassinari, C. C. G., Nutman, A. P. and Vasconcelos, P. M. (2015). Geochemistry and age of mafic rocks from the Votuverava Group, southern Ribeira Belt, Brazil: evidence for 1490Ma oceanic back-arc magmatism. Precambrian Research, 266, 530-550. doi: 10.1016/j.precamres.2015.05.026

Geochemistry and age of mafic rocks from the Votuverava Group, southern Ribeira Belt, Brazil: evidence for 1490Ma oceanic back-arc magmatism

2015

Journal Article

Combined 40Ar/39Ar and (U-Th)/He geochronological constraints on long-term landscape evolution of the Second Paraná Plateau and its ruiniform surface features, Paraná, Brazil

Riffel, Silvana B., Vasconcelos, Paulo M., Carmo, Isabela O. and Farley, Kenneth A. (2015). Combined 40Ar/39Ar and (U-Th)/He geochronological constraints on long-term landscape evolution of the Second Paraná Plateau and its ruiniform surface features, Paraná, Brazil. Geomorphology, 233, 52-63. doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2014.10.041

Combined 40Ar/39Ar and (U-Th)/He geochronological constraints on long-term landscape evolution of the Second Paraná Plateau and its ruiniform surface features, Paraná, Brazil

2014

Journal Article

Geochronology of the Baye Mn oxide deposit, southern Yunnan Plateau: implications for the late Miocene to Pleistocene paleoclimatic conditions and topographic evolution

Deng, Xiao-Dong, Li, Jian-Wei, Vasconcelos, Paulo M., Cohen, Benjamin E. and Kusky, Timothy M. (2014). Geochronology of the Baye Mn oxide deposit, southern Yunnan Plateau: implications for the late Miocene to Pleistocene paleoclimatic conditions and topographic evolution. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 139, 227-247. doi: 10.1016/j.gca.2014.04.036

Geochronology of the Baye Mn oxide deposit, southern Yunnan Plateau: implications for the late Miocene to Pleistocene paleoclimatic conditions and topographic evolution

2014

Journal Article

The Ban Houayxai epithermal Au-Ag deposit in the Northern Lao PDR: mineralization related to the Early Permian arc magmatism of the Truong Son Fold Belt

Manaka, Takayuki, Zaw, Khin, Meffre, Sebastien, Vasconcelos, Paulo, Golding, Sue and Cairns, Cameron (2014). The Ban Houayxai epithermal Au-Ag deposit in the Northern Lao PDR: mineralization related to the Early Permian arc magmatism of the Truong Son Fold Belt. Gondwana Research, 26 (1), 185-197. doi: 10.1016/j.gr.2013.08.024

The Ban Houayxai epithermal Au-Ag deposit in the Northern Lao PDR: mineralization related to the Early Permian arc magmatism of the Truong Son Fold Belt

2014

Journal Article

(U-Th)/He geochronology of goethite and the origin and evolution of cangas

Monteiro,Hevelyn S., Vasconcelos, Paulo M., Farley, Kenneth A., Spier, Carlos A. and Mello, Claudio L. (2014). (U-Th)/He geochronology of goethite and the origin and evolution of cangas. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 131, 267-289. doi: 10.1016/j.gca.2014.01.036

(U-Th)/He geochronology of goethite and the origin and evolution of cangas

2014

Journal Article

Chronological constraints on the Permian geodynamic evolution of eastern Australia

Li, Pengfei, Rosenbaum, Gideon and Vasconcelos, Paulo (2014). Chronological constraints on the Permian geodynamic evolution of eastern Australia. Tectonophysics, 617, 20-30. doi: 10.1016/j.tecto.2014.01.013

Chronological constraints on the Permian geodynamic evolution of eastern Australia

2014

Journal Article

Longevity of magmatic-hydrothermal systems in the Daye Cu-Fe-Au District, eastern China with implications for mineral exploration

Li, Jian-Wei, Vasconcelos P.M., Zhou, Mei-Fu, Deng, Xiao-Dong, Cohen B., Bi, Shi-Jian, Zhao, Xin-Fu and Selby, David (2014). Longevity of magmatic-hydrothermal systems in the Daye Cu-Fe-Au District, eastern China with implications for mineral exploration. Ore Geology Reviews, 57, 375-392. doi: 10.1016/j.oregeorev.2013.08.002

Longevity of magmatic-hydrothermal systems in the Daye Cu-Fe-Au District, eastern China with implications for mineral exploration

2014

Journal Article

Trace element geochemistry (Li, Ba, Sr, and Rb) using Curiosity's ChemCam: early results for Gale crater from Bradbury Landing Site to Rocknest

Ollila, Ann M., Newsom, Horton E., Clark III, Benton, Wiens, Roger C., Cousin, Agnes, Blank, Jen G., Mangold, Nicolas, Sautter, Violaine, Maurice, Sylvestre, Clegg, Samuel M., Gasnault, Olivier, Forni, Olivier, Tokar, Robert, Lewin, Eric, Dyar, M. Darby, Lasue, Jeremie, Anderson, Ryan, McLennan, Scott M., Bridges, John, Vaniman, Dave, Lanza, Nina, Fabre, Cecile, Melikechi, Noureddine, Perrett, Glynis M., Campbell, John L., King, Penelope L., Barraclough, Bruce, Delapp, Dorothea, Johnstone, Stephen ... Vasconcelos, Paulo (2014). Trace element geochemistry (Li, Ba, Sr, and Rb) using Curiosity's ChemCam: early results for Gale crater from Bradbury Landing Site to Rocknest. Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, 119 (Early View) (1), 1-31. doi: 10.1002/2013JE004517

Trace element geochemistry (Li, Ba, Sr, and Rb) using Curiosity's ChemCam: early results for Gale crater from Bradbury Landing Site to Rocknest

2014

Journal Article

In situ radiometric and exposure age dating of the Martian surface

Farley, K. A., Malespin, C., Mahaffy, P., Grotzinger, J. P., Vasconcelos, P. M., Milliken, R. E., Malin, M., Edgett, K. S., Pavlov, A. A., Hurowitz, J. A., Grant, J. A., Miller, H. B., Arvidson, R., Beegle, L., Calef, F., Conrad, P. G., Dietrich, W. E., Eigenbrode, J., Gellert, R., Gupta, S., Hamilton, V., Hassler, D. M., Lewis, K. W., McLennan, S. M., Ming, D., Navarro-González, R., Schwenzer, S. P., Steele, A., Stolper, E. M. ... Vasconcelos, Paulo (2014). In situ radiometric and exposure age dating of the Martian surface. Science, 343 (6169) 1247166, 1247166.1-1247166.9. doi: 10.1126/science.1247166

In situ radiometric and exposure age dating of the Martian surface

Current funding

  • 2023 - 2026
    Determining fossilisation processes of a rare iron-rich Lagerstätte (ARC Linkage Project administered by The University of New South Wales)
    University of New South Wales
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2021 - 2022
    Ultra-precise dating in Earth, planetary and archaeological science (ARC LIEF project administered by University of Melbourne)
    University of Melbourne
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    The Paraná-Etendeka Magmatic Province in Brazil: temporal and petrologic relationships between the tholeiitic and alkaline magmatism and geodynamic implications
    Shell Global Solutions International BV
    Open grant
  • 2019
    The Parana-Etendeka Manmatic Province in Brazil: temporal and petrologic relationships between the tholeiitic and alkaline magmatism and geodynamic implications
    Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    Tectonic and provenances studies in the Sumatra Seismic Zone
    Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (Unisinos)
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    Geodynamics and Tectonic Evolution of the Atlantic Equatorial Margin (segment between Potiguar and Ceara Basins - Northeast Brazil)
    Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    Origins of the ore-forming materials and geochronology of typical deposits in the Xiaoqinling gold district in the southern margin of the North China Craton
    Guizhou Tongwei Analytical Technology Co Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2020
    40Ar/39Ar and (U-Th) He geochronology of supergene minerals and the geomorphological evolution of southeastern Goias State
    Sao Paulo State University
    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 - 2021
    Australian Membership of the International Ocean Discovery Program (ARC LIEF project administered by The Australian National University)
    Australian National University
    Open grant
  • 2016
    Next-generation multi-collector inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS) with laser-ablation capability for in situ high-throughput and high resolution isotope dating and characterizat
    UQ Major Research Facility Fund
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2020
    The paleoenvironmental evolution of Earth and Mars
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2020
    Biogeochemistry of ferruginous duricrusts
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2020
    Bioleaching of copper in tropical systems
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2015
    Detection of organic compounds within iron-cemented duricrusts (canga)
    Australian Synchrotron Access Program
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2016
    Australian Membership of the International Ocean Discovery Program (ARC LIEF Grant administered by the Australian National University)
    Australian National University
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2016
    Precise cross-calibration of 40Ar/39Ar, Rb-Sr and U-Pb chronometers: towards an integrated geochronology toolbox
    Australian National University
    Open grant
  • 2013
    Australian Synchrotron Access Program - AS133/XFM/7225: Implications for biosphere in major and trace element distributions in terrestrial Fe-oxide deposits and oceanic Fe-Mn-oxide accumulations
    Australian Synchrotron Access Program
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2016
    ITV Mining VTC Project - Process Integration and Optimisation
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2019
    Geochronological and thermochronological investigation of rock samples recovered from the Brazilian sedimentary basins
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2013
    A world-class rock magnetic facility to support Australian palaeomagnetic and environmental research (ARC LIEF Grant administered by ANU)
    ARC LIEF Collaborating/Partner Organisation Contributions
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2012
    Events through time: eruptions, extinctions, impacts, orebodies and orogenies - upgrading the national argon geochronology network (ARC LIEF Grant administered by ANU)
    ARC LIEF Collaborating/Partner Organisation Contributions
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Instrumentation for elemental analysis of geological and environmental samples
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2012
    Innovatiove approach to teaching and learning in field-based capstone geology courses
    UQ Teaching & Learning Strategic Grants
    Open grant
  • 2010
    Fully automated and OH&S compliant geological, biological, and environmental preparation facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2009
    The future of palaeoclimate and archaeological research in Australia: next generation instrumentation for chronology and environmental reconstruction
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2009
    UQ Virtual Facility for Thermochronology, Noble Gas Geochemistry and Geochronology
    UQ School/Centre Co-Funding
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2012
    Geochemistry, mineral geochemistry and geochronology of rock masses in Queensland based on outputs from University of Queensland Department of Earth Sciences Queensland
    Queensland Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2009
    Investigating the structure and evolution of the Continental Crust: A Virtual Facility for thermochronology, noble gas geochemistry and geochronology
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2012
    Australian membership of the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) (ARC LIEF Administered by Australian National University)
    Australian National University
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2008
    Aseismic ridge subduction and the formation of ore deposits: tracking porphyry mineralisation in space and time
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2008
    Weathering on Mars and Australian Analogues: Developing Suitable Chronological Tools and Theoretical Approaches
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2008
    Mineral Physics and Crystal Chemistry of Ni-Co-Laterite Deposits
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2002 - 2004
    Structural controls on sulphide-gold mineralisation in the Quadrilatero Ferrifero, Brazil
    AngloGold Peru
    Open grant
  • 2002
    Weathering history and cenozoic landscape evolution in Northern Queensland and New Caledonia
    ARC Australian Research Council International F/S
    Open grant
  • 1999
    Structure of non-linear optic LB films (ISIS); Hydrogen location and water mobility in jarosites (ILL)
    Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
    Open grant
  • 1999
    Developing new geochronological techniques to constrain time scales for the operation of weathering processes: U-Pb and Rb-Sr dating of manganese oxides and coexisting autunite
    ARC Australian Research Council (Small grants)
    Open grant
  • 1997 - 1998
    The enrichment of banded iron formations: a microanalytical study
    Hammersley Iron Pty Limited
    Open grant
  • 1997 - 1999
    Weathering history, landscape evolution, and paleoenvironmental conditions deduced from K-Ar and 40Ar/39Ar dating of weathering profiles in Queensland
    ARC Australian Research Council (Large grants)
    Open grant
  • 1996
    Electrical resistivity techniques in regolith characterisation, the study of regolith evolution, and exploration of lateritic deposits
    Queensland Nickel Industries Limited
    Open grant
  • 1996
    Ages and paletemperatures of continental weathering reaction from Isotopic analysis of supergene silica minerals
    University of Queensland New Staff Research Grant
    Open grant
  • 1995 - 1996
    Construction of a laser-heating and resistance furnace extraction line for the regional 40Ar/39Ar Istope facility at the University of Queensland; K-Ar and 40 Ar dating of laterites and deep weatherin
    ARC Australian Research Council (Large grants)
    Open grant
  • 1995
    Travel only to Berkeley Geochronology Centre, California, USA
    UQ Travel Grants Scheme
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Paulo Vasconcelos is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

Enquiries

For media enquiries about Professor Paulo Vasconcelos's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au