Trapping atoms to protect Australia's groundwater – a successful partnership between IPAS and CSIRO

On Monday 9th September, we were honoured to host the launch of the Atom Trap Trace Analysis (ATTA) Facility, that will help protect Australia’s precious groundwater from overuse and contamination, and contribute to our understanding of the impact of climate change through measurements on Antarctic ice cores.

This unique facility is a close partnership between IPAS and CSIRO. It uses advanced laser physics to count individual atoms of the noble gases, such as Argon and Krypton, that are naturally found in groundwater and ice cores.

This collaboration will deliver significant capacity to the Australian market to support the exploration of traditional resources, rare earth and groundwater. It also  develop new knowledge to allow safe, environmentally sensitive and economically viable resource extraction. ATTA will also contribute to building Australia’s capacity to respond to environmental changes and integrate research outcomes from biological, physical, social and economic systems.

The launch was a huge success with the ‘ribbon’-cutting by the SA Premier The Hon Steven Marshall MP and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by Dr Larry Marshall – CSIRO Chief Executive  and  Prof Peter Rathjen AO - the University of Adelaide Vice Chancellor and President.

Click here for the full media release and the video explaining the facilities.