A5012424601- Polar Research and Ecology
- Geology and Paleoclimatology Research
- Climate change and permafrost
- Cryospheric studies and observations
- Building materials and conservation
- Pleistocene-Era Hominins and Archaeology
- Archaeology and Rock Art Studies
- Geological formations and processes
- Landslides and related hazards
- Cultural Heritage Materials Analysis
- Coastal and Marine Management
- Isotope Analysis in Ecology
- Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
- Arctic and Russian Policy Studies
- Geochemistry and Geologic Mapping
- Microbial Community Ecology and Physiology
- Soil erosion and sediment transport
- Land Rights and Reforms
- Environmental, Ecological, and Cultural Studies
- Conservation, Biodiversity, and Resource Management
- Science and Climate Studies
- Methane Hydrates and Related Phenomena
- Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment
- Conservation Techniques and Studies
- Arctic and Antarctic ice dynamics
Rhodes University
2010-2020
University of Pretoria
1997-2010
University of KwaZulu-Natal
1992-1994
Permafrost warming has the potential to amplify global climate change, because when frozen sediments thaw it unlocks soil organic carbon. Yet date, no globally consistent assessment of permafrost temperature change been compiled. Here we use a data set time series from Global Terrestrial Network for evaluate across regions period since International Polar Year (2007-2009). During reference decade between 2007 and 2016, ground near depth zero annual amplitude in continuous zone increased by...
Abstract Results obtained during the International Polar Year (IPY) on thermal state of permafrost and active layer in Antarctic are presented, forming part ANTPAS (‘Antarctic Permafrost Soils’), which was one key projects developed by Association Scientific Committee for Research IPY. The number boreholes active‐layer monitoring increased from 21 to 73 IPY, while CALM‐S sites monitor were 18 28. temperatures IPY slightly below 0°C South Shetlands near sea‐level, showing that this area is...
Abstract San rock art sites are found throughout southern Africa; unfortunately this unique heritage is rapidly being lost through natural weathering processes, which have been the focus of various studies conducted in uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park since 1992. It has recently shown that ability Raman spectroscopy to identify salts on faces a micro, as well nano scale, can make contribution these projects. In order test feasibility undertaking on‐site analyses, small fragment with red and white...
Monitoring of active layer thawing depth and thickness (ALT), using mechanical pronging continuous temperature data logging, has been undertaken under the Circumpolar Active Layer – South (CALM-S) program at a range sites across Antarctica. The objective this study was to summarize key from in different Antarctic regions 2006 2015 review state Antarctica effectiveness CALM-S program. 16 involving 8 another boreholes have used study. Probing for thaw depth, while giving information on local...
Abstract Coarse slope deposits, frequently grading into blockstreams, are common throughout the Lesotho highlands, southern Africa. This paper describes one such blockstream. It is interpreted as a typical lag deposit derived from valley‐wide colluvial mantles, which contains superimposed and incorporated Late‐Pleistocene blocky material. Blocks largely local scarps but may contain component of corestones mobilized regolith. The widespread mantle argues against landscape‐scale glaciation in...
Abstract Minerals such as iron oxides and clays provide high tinting strength improve the adhesive properties of pigments. In this study, we investigated mineral composition pigments from samples San rock art. We used X‐ray diffraction scanning electron microscopy to determine micromorphology Results showed that major minerals in art are whewellite, quartz, gypsum, hematite, various alumino‐silicate minerals. The red hue pigment is due hematite; gypsum white coloration, whereas black might...
Abstract The geology of Marion Island is typical the oceanic volcanoes forming Hawaiian archipelago, which generally seen as an analogue for on Mars. Because cold climate, relatively young igneous rocks exhibit no visible alteration from original rocks, and we used Raman spectroscopy to study examples island potential model substances parent material Three types volcanic were studied: namely, a grey lava (270 000–70 000 BP) well black red scoriae cones, both formed at later date (12 BP...
The Department of Science and Technology's (DST's) 10-year Global Change Grand Challenge programme requires platforms to 'attract young researchers the region retain them by exciting their interest in aspects global change; while developing capacity professional skills relevant fields investigation' 1 .In addition, July 2014, President Zuma officially launched Operation Phakisa announced that a key target this Oceans Economy initiative would be 'for Higher Education Training drive alignment...
Previous studies of the microarthropods Marion Island, Southern Ocean, documented high mitochondrial COI (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) haplotype diversity and significant genetic structure, which were ascribed to landscape subdivision. In this paper we revisit these ideas in light new geomorphological evidence indicating a major lineament orientated along N26.5°E. Using microarthropod Halozetes fulvus, test hypothesis that eastern western sides island show different population patterns,...
South Africa has a long track record in Southern Ocean and Antarctic research recently invested considerable funds acquiring new infrastructure for ongoing support of this research. This includes base at Marion Island purpose-built ice capable vessel, which greatly expand opportunities. Despite investment, Africa’s standing as participant critical field is threatened by confusion, lack funding, consultation transparency. The endeavour presently bedevilled political manoeuvring among groups...
Abstract In respect to the weathering of cave art exposed sun, cognizance has yet be taken modified thermal conditions and potential for endolithic biotic activity where is located on a light‐transmissive lithology. Where light penetrates rock, light‐to‐heat transfer not solely at surface, this leads gradient that different from paintings are (and all surface). Light values up 200 W/m 2 were recorded 0.5 mm depth 100 1mm in dry sandstone; rock moisture data showed site remained irrespective...
Abstract Sub-Antarctic Marion Island was the site of extensive volcanism as well glaciation during both Quaternary and Holocene. Initial reconstructions suggested a link between deglaciation initiation faulting which, in turn, facilitated lava eruptions interglacials. However, our reassessment faulting, volcanic rock, palaeoglacier distribution indicate that these original interpretations were erroneous. Features thought to be due are shown erosional scarps this significantly changes former...
Investigations of openwork block deposits have the potential to improve understanding production substrates for biological colonisation, control geological structure and impacts climate change on landforms. As part research into morphology characterisation a blockfield located orthern uttress esleskarvet unataks, estern ronning aud and, ntarctica (2°, 71°), this paper investigates influence that aspect has weathering using data collected during 2009–2012 ustral summer seasons. Proxy recorded...
Marion Island is a peak of shield volcano located in the southern Indian Ocean. The island strategically important for collection climatological data and marine terrestrial research vast, oceanic region globe. This paper reviews series earth science programmes on over last 25 years, provides synthesis outcomes demonstrates how field laboratory methods have developed time. has, globally, one most active soil frost environments distinctive periglacial setting understanding this contemporary...
Sub-Antarctic Marion Island has experienced a periglacial climate since the Last Glacial Maximum. Post-glacial allochthonous openwork accumulations appear to be well developed below 750 m a.s.l., although basalt surfaces exhibit only poorly autochthonous blockfields. Bedrock disintegration appears confined single layer of detritus, probably formed by pressure release on deglaciation. Holocene environmental conditions have not produced chemical weathering products and preserved mechanically...
Burrowing mammals often have considerable geomorphological impacts, and their tunneling activities may decrease the stability of landforms. We document spatial distribution Norwegian lemming burrows in a subarctic alpine meadow to determine preferred locations for burrow entrances examine potential burrowing periglacial landforms at site. Burrow were disproportionately common into base sides (>68% burrows), probably reflecting lower energetic cost moving soil horizontally, rather than...
Mathematics is central to the modern discipline of economics, although there has always been some dispute about value this relationship. Leijonhufvud, in his satire economics profession, declared that the ‘Math-Econ’(mathematical economists) appeared be high priests tribe. There was debate on whether their work ‘best regarded as religious, folklore and mythology, philosophical ‘scientific’, or sports and games’. In commentary I want consider whether role mathematics goes beyond ‘sports...