Canning Basin. Photo by Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety of the Government of Western Australia.

Researchers at Australia’s Curtin University announced that they are working on a project to develop a new fingerprinting tool capable of delving deeper into the Earth’s rock layers.

In a press release, the scientists said the mechanism promises to be crucial for the country’s mining and petroleum sectors because it will enhance their understanding of the Earth’s sedimentary rocks.