Simon Clark

Biography

My group uses experimental methods to study the structure and dynamics of planetary bodies such as the Earth.  We work at the very edge of technology utilizing the latest experimental equipment to recreate planetary conditions from crust to core both in our state of the art high-pressure laboratory and at national laboratories around the world. We use intense beams of x-rays and neutrons to watch what happens while planets form, plates subduct and volcanoes erupt .

Research Interest

  I am a lecturer in High Pressure Experimental Mineral Physics in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Faculty of Science, Macquarie University, Sydney.  My position is jointly funded by Macquarie University and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation.  My role is to help develop high-pressure research programs at the Australian Neutron Source, OPAL,  at the Australian  Light Source and in the laboratory at Macquarie.  Initial research projects include studies of biomineralization, partial melting, deformation of aggregates, structure of melts and dehydration of clays.  The overall aim is to improve the social and economic well being of Australians through an improved understanding of our environment.