BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//CERN//INDICO//EN BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Shale Gas in South Africa: Contextualizing the Socio-Economic and Political Implications DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141001T101000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141001T103500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3934@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Barry Morkel (AEON - Karoo Shale Gas Research Progra mme)\nThe confluence of three key technological and social-economic driver s have given rise to the advent of the new ‘Golden Age of Gas’ \, as a rticulated in the new global discourse of unconventional oil and gas\, and in particular what has been described as the ‘Shale Gas Revolution’ . These drivers include the technological advances in multi-directional and horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing\; The need to identify alte rnative energy sources in mitigation of its anticipated economic and polit ical impacts\; as well as the availability of new energy alternatives. The latter\, in particular being considered critical to sustained economic gr owth. \nIn understanding the impact of these three drivers on the broader social\, economic and political landscape for local\, national\, and inter national geo-politics it is important that the discourse takes into consid eration a holistic outlook on both the risks and the implications of this new ‘Shale Gas Revolution’ or ‘Game Changer’ for local communities \, nations and civilization as a whole. \nIt is anticipated that this deve lopment will bring with it profound geopolitical implications across the g lobe\, presenting both opportunities and threats on a global scale\, with far-reaching implications for socio-political stability and ecological sus tainability. \nIn South Africa in particular\, critical consideration must be given to an assessment of social\, economic and political drivers and risks associated with the prospect of advancing the development of Shale G as\, whilst considering the potential ecological and natural resource impl ications. In this regard\, the study seeks to identify critical socio-econ omic and political risk factors which should be considered\, managed and m itigated\, as part of the ongoing discourse on shale gas development in So uth Africa\, and within the Karoo Basin in particular. \nThis study will t herefore attempt to undertake three (3) initial tasks within the broader c ontext of defining the socio-economic and political landscape for Shale Ga s development in the Karoo Basin of South Africa. These are:\n1. Contex tualize the socio-economic and broader political drivers within the Nation al\, Regional and Local setting of the Eastern Karoo\, in relation to prop osed shale gas development.\n2. Identify and categorize associated risk s\, within the aforementioned context as pertaining to the proposed develo pment of shale gas in the region.\n3. Highlight key mitigation factors which would need to be taken into consideration by policy makers and regul ators\, across the various spheres of government (Local\, Provincial\, and \; National)\; and\n4. In synthesizing the above\, advance a set of pre liminary guidelines for policy makers at National\, Provincial and Local l evel.\n5. Citizen science\, crowdsourcing etc\nThis study forms part of ongoing research being conducted by the author\, as part of the AEON-ESSR I at NMMU and is informed by existing data on the localities identified in the Eastern Karoo\, as well as data collected from interviews and worksho ps conducted with local communities in the affected localities as part of the Karoo Shale Gas Baseline Study.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/40 /contributions/3934/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3934/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Characterise and quantify contamination from anthropogenic activit ies within the Crocodile (West) and Marico Water Management areas\, South Africa DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T101500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T103000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3935@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Chazanne Long (AEON - NMMU)\nChemical signatures fro m river waters and sediments were collected in the Crocodile (West) and Ma rico Water Management Areas\, South Africa. Surface water samples were ana lysed for anion complexes using Ion Chromatography (IC) and major and trac e element chemistry using quadrupole Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spect rometry (q-ICP-MS). Major and trace element chemistry was measured by XRF and mineralogy by XRD on all sediment samples. The results are used to def ine the various chemical signatures resulting from activities within the s tudy area and to differentiate the ‘background’ that arises from natur al geological heterogeneity. The aim of this characterisation is to finger print the chemical signatures of various anthropogenic activities irrespec tive of background in order to gain an insight into the level of chemical contamination by the receiving environment. Based on the results\, the con tamination sources within the area can be identified and ranked in terms o f the contribution to the total effective chemical contamination received at Hartebeespoort Dam.\nKeywords: Heavy metal\, chemical fingerprint\, geo chemistry\, South Africa\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributi ons/3935/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3935/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:An investigation of possible augmentation of water from groundwat er resources of Mangaung (Part 1) DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T121500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T123000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3937@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Christinah Manthofeela MAKOAE (Institute for Groundw ater Studies (IGS-UFS))\, Grace Lebohang Molaba (Institute for Groundwater Studies (IGS-UFS))\nGrace and Christinah we will be presenting the abovem entioned topic together at the conference. Our ID number is 23\n\nhttps:// events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3937/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3937/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Registration\, Posters Set-up DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140929T070000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140929T083000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3938@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3938/ LOCATION:Posters Set-up : Hotel Verandah. Registration - Elronah Hotel Re ception URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3938/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Welcome and Opening DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140929T090000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140929T093000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3939@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Maarten de Wit (AEON - NMMU)\nhttps://events.saip.or g.za/event/40/contributions/3939/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3939/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Group Photo DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140929T103000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140929T110000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3940@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3940/ LOCATION: Platform URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3940/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Discussions and Closure DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141003T094000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141003T101000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3941@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Maarten de Wit (AEON - NMMU)\, Robert Kriger (NRF)\n https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3941/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3941/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Wrap-up: Space and Energy DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140930T140000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140930T143000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3942@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Ludwig Combrinck (HartRAO)\, Maarten de Wit (AEON - NMMU)\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3942/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3942/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Wrap-up: Minerals\, Food\, Life\, Water and Rocks DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T151500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T153000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3943@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Francois Fourie (University of the Free State\, Inst itute for Groundwater Studies)\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contri butions/3943/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3943/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Wrap-up: Strain DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141003T093000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141003T094000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3944@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Stoffel Fourie (TUT)\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/eve nt/40/contributions/3944/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3944/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Matjiesfontein GeoTrail Walk DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140930T070000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140930T093000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3945@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Erik Holm (Private)\nOpening of the Matjiesfontein G eoTrail developed by final Inkaba Sub-Project 1.1 DTech students\, Ms Dane l van Tonder (TUT/UNW) and Mr Leon Croukamp (SU). Accompanied Walk with P rof. Erik Holm (Entomologist) on the Matjiesfontein GeoTrail to search and identify some of the Karoo's unique insects and spiders. As a renowned So uth African Entomologist\, Prof. Holm will be able to share interesting an d unfamiliar facts and figures about these insects and spiders on the Matj iesfontein terrane.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3 945/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein Field Trail Walking Tour URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3945/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Insects and Spiders of the Karoo DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140929T135000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140929T143000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3946@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Erik Holm (Specialist Entomologist)\nhttps://events. saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3946/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3946/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Wrap-up: Shale Gas Round Table Student Discussion DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T070000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T073000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3947@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Robert Kriger (NRF)\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/even t/40/contributions/3947/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3947/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Diversity of invertebrates in temporary water bodies of the Easter n Cape Karoo region earmarked for shale gas exploration DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141001T092000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141001T093000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3948@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Annah Mabidi (AEON-ESSRI)\nTemporary freshwater bodi es (endorheic pans) are facing a variety of disturbances including hydrolo gical modifications\, filling up with substrate and invasion by vegetation . These impacts have collectively resulted in loss of ecological value and habitat for invertebrate communities which utilise these transient ecosys tems. Historically\, the water bodies of the Karoo semiarid region have be en poorly investigated. It is likely that they contain several invertebrat e species that are still unknown to science and potential micro-endemics r estricted to small isolated areas. Resource use by human communities (such as the proposed shale gas exploitation in the Karoo\, water drawing for a griculture and domestic use) is without knowledge of the effects of these activities on community dynamics of invertebrate species in these temporar y water bodies. Understanding of invertebrate species ecology\, i.e. life history\, population size and distribution as well as knowledge of the soc ial component that interacts with this environment are fundamental require ments for the design and implementation of effective conservation strategi es. We therefore need to understand the effect of the duration of hydroper iod\, physicochemical parameters\, dispersal patterns\, system connectivit y and anthropogenic influence so as to come up with measures to sustainabl y utilise and conserve these systems. The study will address the following objectives\; \n1.To establish the diversity of invertebrate communities i n the temporary water bodies (pools & streams) in the Eastern Cape Karoo region\n2.To determine the physical and chemical factors that structure i nvertebrate communities in the ephemeral water bodies.\n3.To determine the dispersal vectors for invertebrates in the ephemeral communities.\n4.To d etermine the effect of the hydroperiod on ephemeral invertebrate communiti es\, with emphasis on production of resting stages.\n5.To synthesise gathe red information so as to establish baseline knowledge to be used as benchm ark for monitoring and conservation once shale gas exploration begins.\nTh e study findings will generate scientific data and provide baseline inform ation that will guide future monitoring and management processes\, should shale gas extraction eventually happen in the region.\n\nhttps://events.sa ip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3948/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3948/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Preliminary results from a field reconnaissance for shale gas in t he Karoo of Tanzania DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141001T100000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141001T101000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3949@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Bastien LINOL (AEON - NMMU)\, Taufeeq Dhansay (AEON - NMMU)\nThe Karoo is a Gondwanan basin type sequence that extends across South America\, south-central Africa\, Madagascar\, India and Antarctica. It is currently being investigated in South Africa\, with special interest for black shale and its potential toward energy and socio-economic develo pment. Curiously\, there was no mention of shale gas at the 25th Colloquiu m of Africa Geology\, in Dar Es Salam\, Tanzania\, despite the continent's energy and economic challenges and apparent vast shale gas potential. We therefore decided to undertake some field reconnaissance work to investiga te the Karoo of Tanzania and target the Permian black shale (main potentia l source rock in South Africa). Challenges facing us were mainly logistica l (transport)\, and bureaucracy (permits and authorizations). These proble ms resulted in the majority of our time spent waiting\, often in very test ing conditions.\nWe first investigated the contact between the Karoo and b asement Pan-African TTG and marble sequences. These form the Uluguru Mount ains around Morogoro (300 km west of Dar Es Salam). This contact delineate s a topographic change\; and despite being mapped as a tectonic contact\, field observations were inconclusive. Toward the south\, Selous is the lar gest Karoo outcropping region within Tanzania. This represents more than 5 0 % of the total Karoo in Tanzania. North of the Rufiji River\, we were ab le to identify probable Karoo sequences. We will however require additiona l support for work extending south into Selous. Finally\, by bicycle\, we were successful in locating and sampling black shale in the coastal region of Tanga (along the Sigi River\, northern Tanzania). This section bears r emarkable similarities to the Whitehill-Prince Albert Formations contact r egion in South Africa. Displaying similar features like probable glacially -derived soft-sediment deformation structures and characteristic white-wea thered laminated shale (also suggesting possible high TOC values).\nFrom t hese preliminary results\, we will build a program for further field inves tigations\, now supported by a one year research permit. This will include geological mapping\, delineating the stratigraphy\, geochemistry and unde rstanding the structure of these Karoo basins. We intend to perform these investigations in Selous\, Tanga and those extending to Kenya.\n\nhttps:// events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3949/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3949/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Geophysical processing\, integration\, and visualisation of multi- parameter survey data over parts of the Eastern Cape DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141001T093000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141001T094000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3994@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Martin Bentley (AEON - NMMU)\nThe Eastern Cape\, Sou th Africa\, suffers from a general lack of high-resolution geophysical dat a. This is largely due to a historical lack of interest in subsurface expl oration in the area from an economic\nviewpoint which led to a lack of fun ding being available to carry out such surveys. Until relatively recently\ , studies have been largely limited to small areas for particular research projects.However\,\nvaluable information of subsurface conditions can be provided by geophysical methods. This includes information about geologica l structures (including folding and faulting)\, intrusive bodies\, and pot ential mineral deposits.\nAirborne data\, particularly of radiometric and magnetic properties has been used worldwide for a number of years with goo d results. In addition\, airborne collection of gravimetric data is becomi ng more\nreliable. Resolution of these three geophysical data collection m ethods from the air is approaching the resolution of ground-based surveys\ , but airborne platforms provide much faster and cheaper acquisition over wider areas. The large amount of data that is collected has led to the dev elopment of a number of computer-based systems for processing and visualis ing this data in informative ways. However\, many of these existing system s are aimed primarily at relatively large industry clients. This makes mos t of them extremely expensive and difficult to modify for new applications . The use of these computer-systems is therefore often prohibitively expen sive in academic and small or start-up business contexts.\nThis project se eks to address both these problems with the collection of high-resolution airborne magnetic\, radiometric and gravimetric data over parts of the Kar oo Basin in the Eastern Cape\, using a gyrocopter platform. The area betwe en Jansenville\, Graaf Reniet and Aberdeen will be the primary focus for t he data collection effort.The data will be collected as part of the Airbor ne Geophysical Observatory (AGEO)\, which is a project of the African Eart h Observatory Network\, based at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University\, Port Elizabeth. This will utilise a gyrocopter as a data collection platfo rm\, which is cheaper than traditional fixed-wing or helicopter platforms. Software designed for the processing\, integration and three-dimensional visualisation of this newly-gathered data will be developed in tandem with the data collection.\nAt the conclusion of this project\, a new\, high re solution data set will be available for an improved understanding of the g eneral basin architecture\, including geological structures and intrusive bodies\, and a possibly better understanding of the controls within the ba sin of groundwater flow. It may also help in guiding future land-use. The software developed as part of the project will also lower barriers to entr y for conducting similar initiatives in the future.\n\nhttps://events.saip .org.za/event/40/contributions/3994/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3994/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Biomarker records of environmental changes and their climatic infe rences in Mfabeni Peatland (South Africa) since the late Pleistocene DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T110000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T111500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3950@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Andrea Baker (Stellenbosch University)\nSouthern Afr ica is situated at a dynamic junction between tropical\, subtropical and t emperate climate systems\, which are subject to seasonal excursion in the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and sea surface temperature (SST) g radients between the two regional oceans. As a consequence of topography and semi-arid climate\, there is a lack of continuous terrestrial climate archives in the region and therefore\, uncertainty prevails over how terre strial ecosystem responded to past climate fluctuations and their dominant forcing mechanisms. The literature consists of limited terrestrial climat e archives that rarely extend past the last glacial maximum (LGM) and thos e that do\, tend to suffer from temporal discontinuities\, dating uncertai nties and are geographically clustered\, resulting in ambiguity. In this study\, we employed biomarker proxies extracted from the Mfabeni Peatland\ , KwaZulu Natal\, South Africa\, which returned a basal 14C age of c. 47 k cal yr BP\, positioning it as one of the oldest continuous coastal peatlan ds globally. This unique peat archive allowed us to reconstruct organic ma tter sources\, palaeohydrology and diagenetic conditions on the eastern co astline of Southern Africa using molecular (alkane and fatty acid) distrib utions\, and compare these palaeoenvironmental signals to other regional c limate records. A significantly negative correlation was observed with Pa q versus ACL and CPI alkane proxy trends\, while peatland diagenesis and o rganic matter source indicators (TOC versus saturated / unsaturated fatty acids and Paq versus Pwax\, respectively) showed similar trends to Indian Ocean marine core SST and continental rainfall runoff trends. Therefore\, we postulate that the local plant assemblages responded more strongly to moisture availability than temperature fluctuations\, and the regional cli mate was dominated by the Indian Ocean SST\, as opposed to insolation fluc tuations\, during the late Pleistocene and Holocene.\n\nhttps://events.sai p.org.za/event/40/contributions/3950/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3950/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Optical configuration and optical tests of the HartRAO Lunar Laser Ranger DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140930T100000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140930T101500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3951@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Nokwazi Purity Nkosi (Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory:Space Geodesy)\nThe Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observator y\, in collaboration with the Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur (OCA) and NASA are developing a dual Satellite/Lunar Laser Ranging system in South A frica. This project will strengthen the International Laser Ranging Servic e network and limit the biases caused by the under representation of satel lite and lunar laser ranging in the Southern Hemisphere. The new system wi ll be designed and developed as a permanent lunar laser ranging system wit h high precision laser and electronic equipment to achieve millimetre accu racy. The telescope used is a 1-m Classical Cassegrain donated by OCA. Lim ited technical details of the telescope exist so tests need to be conducte d to determine the optical characteristics and performance of the telescop e. Optical testing will determine parameters such as the reflectivity\, fo cal lengths\, radii of curvature\, aberrations in the mirrors and the over all quality of the optical system. The primary mirror and its support stru cture will both be analysed by finite element analysis software to determi ne gravitational distortion. Taking into account the mirror weight\, thick ness and glass type\, we can determine the deformation error of the mirror s and see how that affects the image quality of the telescope. Based on th e RMS wavefront variation over the optical surface\, estimation can be mad e on how good the mirror was figured. The accuracy of the technique will b e verified once the optical quality of the system has been established thr ough a star test. A mirror of high quality should yield a surface accuracy of approximately 25 nm rms. A coudé path will be created by directing a laser beam into and through the telescope via a connecting tube and a set of reflective mirrors. A high quality mirror will mean minimal loss of lig ht in each reflection through the coudé optical path. We report on progre ss to date and describe the tests conducted and instruments built.\n\nhttp s://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3951/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3951/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Variable link equation parameters and expected photon returns for the HartRAO Lunar Laser Ranger DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140930T094500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140930T100000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3952@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Sphumelele Ndlovu (Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Ob servatory:Space Geodesy)\nThe HartRAO Lunar Laser Ranger (LLR) system requ ires a state-of-the-art software tool that enables optimal efficiency and signal path parameter estimation. The existing link budget equation estima tes the number of return photons for given conditions and LLR system param eters. This equation is one of the essential mathematical tools that can be considered when developing an integrated system and model for the LLR. The mathematical tool\, still under development at HartRAO\, can be used t o estimate and visualise the relationship between the returned number of p hotons (observed and computed) and the varying link budget equation parame ters. In this work\, it is used to indicate “worse and best” parameter values which influence the return signal\, presented as an estimate of ex pected number of returned photons for the HartRAO station. This is all don e to achieve optimal efficiency in the LLR signal path in order to yield a n improvement in the return-energy of the laser so that ranges to the corn er cube retro-reflectors can be measured accurately. The geographic positi on of the HartRAO station\, new state-of-the-art HartRAO LLR system under development and the expected number of returned photons will enable HartRA O to play a key role in improving the ranging accuracy to a sub-centimetre level. This will enhance the current effort to determine highly accurate Earth-Moon distances for various scientific purposes.\n\nhttps://events.sa ip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3952/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3952/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:The use of chemostratigraphy and geochemical vectoring as an explo ration tool for platinum group metals in the Platreef\, Bushveld Igneous C omplex\, South Africa: A case study on the Sandsloot and Overysel farms DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T074500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T080000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3953@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Tshipeng Mwenze (University of the Western Cape)\nTh e paucity of geochemical criteria for stratigraphic correlations and defin ing the styles of mineralisation pose serious problems in locating PGE-ric h zones in the Platreef. This study is therefore aimed at identifying and appraising process-based mineralogical/ geochemical criteria which may be useful in stratigraphic correlations and characterizing the nature and sty les of PGE mineralisation. In addition\, the work investigated the possibl e use of geochemical vectoring as a tool to locate the PGE-rich zones. Bor eholes OY 482 and SS 330\, drilled at the Overysel and Sandsloot farms res pectively\, were logged\, and a total of 119 quarter cores were sampled fo r petrographic studies. The elemental contents in the rocks were determine d by XRF and ICP-OES analyses and were evaluated using various statistical and mass balance techniques.\nIn borehole OY 482\, where the floor rock i s Archaean granite\, the Platreef consists of three feldspathic pyroxenite sills referred to as Lower\, Middle and Upper Platreef units\, from the b ottom to the top\, respectively. The results show that the Lower and Upper Platreef units have higher median values of Mg# (0.58 and 0.57) and Ni/Cu (0.68 and 0.75) when compared to the Middle Platreef (Mg#: 0.54 and Ni/Cu : 0.67) which may not be totally suggestive of two magmatic intrusive puls es. In borehole SS 330\, where the floor rock is dolomite\, the rocks cons ist of clinopyroxenites and olivine clinopyroxenites (variably serpentinis ed). These two units are intercalated with each other and are products res ulting from the injection of Platreef magma sills within the dolomite floo r rock.\nThe hierarchical clustering and mass balance calculations show th at when compared to the Platreef feldspathic pyroxenites\, which have high er SiO2\, Al2O3 and Fe2O3 median contents\, the clinopyroxenites possess h igher CaO median content whereas the olivine clinopyroxenites have higher MgO and LOI median contents. The PGE-rich zones (i.e. Pt+Pd) in clinopyrox enites are marked by low Ca/Mg median values\, whereas in both\, the olivi ne clinopyroxenites and the Platreef units\, these zones are marked by hig h Mg/Fe median values. \nThe suggested base metal index [(Cu/Zn) x (Ni/Co) ] used to vector towards PGE-rich zones\, which reflects the presence of t he base metal sulphides (BMS)\, correlates with the Pt+Pd in the BMS-rich zones. This is not always the case in zones of low BMS contents which may reflect changes in the mineralogy of the BMS.\nIn conclusion\, the two bor eholes studied show contrasting petrographic and geochemical attributes. T his dissimilarity is mainly due to the fact that borehole OY 482 comprises Platreef magmatic rocks whereas borehole SS 330 intersected metamorphic/ metasomatic rocks.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/39 53/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3953/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Catechol oxidase activity of Bis(pyridinonato)copper(II) complexes DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T093000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T094500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3954@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Pule Petrus Molokoane (University of the Free State) \nPseudo first order oxidation of 3\,5-di-tert-butylcatechol under aerobic conditions to 3\,5-di-tert-butylquinone. The process was catalyzed by squ are planar Cu(II)(naltol)2 complexes. The aim of this study was to imitate the activity and behaviour of the enzyme catechol oxidase by employing co pper nano molecular materials\, and to investigate electronic and steric e ffects on this catalytic oxidation process. A credible selection ensured t hat factors such as the effect of electron donating groups on ligands\, st eric bulk of the complexes\, etc. could be investigated. Structural data r evealed that all the 3-hydroxypyrid-4-one ligands which were synthesized w ere all in the keto-enol tautomeric form in the solid state. Furthermore i n all the cases where a clear packing order was observed\, weak hydrogen b onding is present. These interactions result in the formation of dimers\, which stabilizes the structures. This data also indicated a C=O bond lengt h increase with increasing electron donation in the synthesized O\,O’-bi dentate ligands systems. The synthesized copper complexes were planar with slight deviations from planarity and the copper atoms lie on inversion ce nters. These complexes exhibit strong intramolecular hydrogen interactions . The solution study results suggest that the complex with the least elect ron donating group on the ligand was the most effective catalyst\; however \, the same complex was coincidentally the most sterically demanding compl ex in the study. As the catechol oxidase is a macro-molecule which is very sterically crowded\, the data suggests that steric effects play an import ant role in the catalytic process and this was successfully demonstrated a t a small-molecular level of detail via solution modelling experiments.\n\ nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3954/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3954/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Estimating the decant rate at a rehabilitated opencast mine where net groundwater inflow occurs DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140929T122000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140929T124000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3955@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Fourie Francois (Institute for Groundwater Studies\, University of the Free State)\nThe expected decant rates at rehabilitated opencast pits are usually estimated by simply assuming a high recharge va lue (15% - 20% of the mean annual precipitation) through the spoils. This approach is based on the assumption that the inflow volumes of groundwater are balanced by the outflow volumes. However\, using this standard approa ch for decant estimation at the mine under investigation yielded an estima te for the decant rate that was significantly smaller then the volumes of water dealt with on a daily baisis at the mine. This observation suggested that either the recharge value used in the estimation of the decant rate was much too small\, or the assumption of zero net groundwater inflow was wrong.\nNon-zero net groundwater inflow to the pits would imply the presen ce of preferential pathways for groundwater flow connected to recharge are as at elevations higher than the water levels in the pits. Such preferenti al pathways are usually associated with geological structures such as faul ts or dykes. To investigate the possibility of non-zero net groundwater in flow to the pits\, a magnetic survey was conducted at selected positions a long the boundaries of the pits to detect the possible presence of magneti c dykes acting as\, or associated with\, preferential pathways. Groundwate r levels in the vicinity of the pits and pit water levels were measured to evaluate the hydraulic head gradients driving groundwater flow. Informati on on the water levels at voids within the pits\, as well as the pumping r ates between the voids\, was used in conjunction with measured rainfall da ta and estimated evaporation rates to obtain an independent estimate of th e expected decant volumes.\nThe presence of at least one prominent dolerit e structure intersecting one of the pits was revealed by the magnetic surv ey. Groundwater levels in boreholes intersecting this structure were found to be more than 10 m higher than the ambient groundwater levels and pit w ater levels\, confirming groundwater inflow into the pits along this struc ture. A water balance calculated from the measured water levels in the voi ds and pumping rates allowed estimation of the net groundwater inflow volu me.\nThe results of the investigation show that incorrect estimates of the decant rates at rehabilitated opencast pits may result if the possibility of net groundwater inflows is not considered and investigated.\n\nhttps:/ /events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3955/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3955/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Impact of long-term effects of wheat production management practic es on soil acidity\, P and some micronutrients in a semi-arid Plinthosol DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T104500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T110000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3956@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Palo Francis Loke (Department of Soil\, Crop and Cli mate Sciences\, University of the Free State)\nFarmers continuously remove crop residues for use as building materials\, fuel and animal feed or bed ding as well as to avoid difficulties during tillage operations. Therefore \, demonstrations of the benefits of recycling crop residues are necessary . The aim with this study was to evaluate the influence of different wheat production management practices on acidity and some essential nutrients f rom a long-term trial on a Plinthosol in semi-arid South Africa. The trial was set up in 1979\, and since then two methods of straw management (unbu rned and burned)\, three methods of tillage (no-tillage\, stubble mulch\, and plough)\, two methods of weed control (chemical and mechanical)\, and three levels of nitrogen (N) fertilizer (20\, 40 and 60 kg ha–1) have be en applied. Soil samples were collected in June 2010 at depths of 0–50\, 50–100\, 100–150\, 150–250\, 250–350 and 350–450mm from plots t hat received 40 kg N ha-1 and were analyzed for pH\, phosphorus (P)\, copp er (Cu)\, iron (Fe)\, manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn). Results obtained showe d that straw burning resulted in higher P and Mn but lower Cu than no-burn ing. No-tillage\, and to some extent stubble mulch\, suppressed soil acidi fication and increased P and Zn compared with ploughing\, especially in th e surface layers where crop residues accumulate. In contrast\, mouldboard ploughing and stubble mulch increased Cu more than no-tillage\, possibly d ue to the strong affinity of organic matter for Cu. Tillage effects on Mn were inconsistent and difficult to explain. Chemical weeding also improved P\, probably because of the pesticide application\, but resulted in lower pH and Cu values compared with mechanical weeding. Treatment combinations also had an influence on P and\, to a lesser extent\, on soil pH and Cu\, which might be due to the higher organic matter present in no-tilled soil s. Irrespective of straw management or weed-control methods\, no-tillage r esulted in higher P than did ploughing and stubble mulch. Nutrient concent rations and pH values were sufficient for wheat growth under all treatment s. However\, although the nutrients were highest under straw burning\, no- tillage and\, to some extent\, stubble mulch\, wheat yield was higher with unburned straw and mouldboard ploughing. Therefore\, an integrated approa ch from various disciplines is recommended to identify and rectify yield-l imiting factors under conservation tillage systems.\n\nKEYWORDS: nutrients \, soil pH\, straw management\, tillage\, weed control\n\nhttps://events.s aip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3956/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3956/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:An investigation of possible augmentation of water from groundwate r resources to Mangaung (Part 2) DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T123000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T124500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3957@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Christinah Manthofeela MAKOAE (Institute for Groundw ater Studies (IGS-UFS))\, Grace Lebohang MOLABA (Institute for Groundwater Studies (IGS-UFS))\nThe purpose of this study is to investigate the possi ble use of groundwater to augment the water supply to the Mangaung Municip ality in the Free State Province of South Africa. The municipality is at p resent experiencing water shortages\; as a result the State is currently s pending large amounts of money to buy water from Lesotho.\nBloemfontein (t he Dutch word meaning 'Fountain of Flowers') is the capital city of the Fr ee State Province and the major urban area within the Mangaung Municipalit y. The city is named after a strong spring discovered in 1828 by Johannes Nicolas Brits. In 1950\, a certain Mr. Norman investigated the geological setting of the spring and proposed the theory that the spring was associat ed with an intrusive ring dyke\, which he referred to as a barrier reef.\n Bloemfontein is underlain by rocks of the Beaufort Group of the Karoo Supe rgroup. The rocks of the Beaufort Group predominantly consist of sandstone s\, mudstones and siltstone. During the Jurassic period\, these sedimentar y rocks were extensively intruded by dolerite magmas in the form of sills and dykes. From a geohydrological perspective\, the intrusions are often a ssociated with the presence of groundwater due to the fact that host sedim entary rocks were significantly altered by the high temperatures and press ures that prevailed during the intrusion of the magmas. The altered sedime ntary rocks along the contact zones with the intrusive structures are typi cally heavily fractured and prone to undergo weathering. These zones often act as preferential pathways for groundwater migration due to their incre ased hydraulic conductivities caused by the fracturing.\nThe current study focuses on investigating the potential of the ring dyke as a structure al ong whose boundaries high-yielding boreholes may be drilled. As part of th e study a hydrocensus was conducted to identify existing high-yielding bor eholes possibly located in the vicinity of the ring dyke. Geophysical surv eys were conducted across the expected location of the ring dyke in variou s areas within the city limits where the surface infrastructure allowed su ch surveys. The purpose of the geophysical surveys was to gain insight int o the structure of the dyke and its relation to potential groundwater reso urces. The magnetic and two-dimensional electrical resistivity tomography techniques were used during the survey.\nAs part of the current study\, bo reholes will be drilled at suitable locations as determined from the geoph ysical surveys. Aquifer tests will be conducted on the newly installed bor eholes to determine the hydraulic parameters of the intersected aquifer(s) and to estimate the sustainable yields of the boreholes. Groundwater samp les from the boreholes will be submitted for chemical analyses to determin e the quality of water and its suitability for municipal supply.\n\nhttps: //events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3957/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3957/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Lithogeochemical characterization of the Hondekloof Ni deposit\, K liprand area\, Garies terrane\, Namaqualand\, South Africa DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T090000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T091500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3958@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Reddy Bokana (University of the Western Cape (Applie d Geology))\nThe Hondekloof deposit represents a family of small\, orthoma gmatic massive sulphide Ni-Cu-(Co-Zn) deposits occurring in the central pa rt of the Garies terrane\, Bushmanland\, Namaqualand\, South Africa. The s tudy area is located in the Westcoast region of South Africa\, in the sett lement called Kliprand where various granulite facies rocks of the Namaqua -Natal Metamorphic province ranging from pre-to-syn-tectonic metasediemtar y and meta-igneous rocks as well as post-tectonic granitic to charnokitic intrusions are regionally distributed. \nSince the discovery of this de posit\, however\, it remains largely unclassified given the limited attent ion given to the studies of its genesis. Understanding the origin of the d eposit is however relevant in many respects as it allows to target other a reas where arbitrary deposits of its kind may be found. \nTherefore this p roject seeks to examine the petrography\, petrology and geochemistry (part icularly whole rock geochemistry) of the host rocks to the deposit to cons train their origin\, protolith and tectonic settings. Doing that will furt her enable us to understand the nature of those rocks\, their characterist ics and the involvement of deformation and metamorphism or metasomatism on the deposit. The above information\, then based on the standard criteria globally used to classified the magmatic Ni mineralization will be employe d to characterize this deposit on the basis of: 1. the nature of its sulph ide mineralization\, 2. the composition of its parental magma (e.g. magma involved in the formation of the deposit)\, and 3. the tectonic setting wh ere that magma has been deposited.\nA selection of six exploration borehol es were logged and examined at the deposit site and seven lithologies enco mpassing both the metamorphosed sedimentary rocks as well as the meta-magm atic rocks of bi-modal composition were identified. Petrographic study has subsequently been done and still in progress and is followed by the whole rock geochemical analysis. A selection of 42 core (rock) samples were pre pared for both XRF (X-ray fluorescence) and ICP (inductively coupled plasm a) analysis and both trace and major elements data are heavily involved i n process studies.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/39 58/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3958/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:The Cape Fold Belt – some stratigraphic and structural insights DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141003T090000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141003T091500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3959@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Peter Booth (Research Associate - NMMU)\nThe Cape Fo ld Belt (CFB) which lies along the southern margin of the African continen t incorporates deformation of the Cape Supergroup\, its basement rocks\, a s well as the lower Karoo Supergroup in the southern part of the larger Ka roo Basin. The fold belt forms part of a larger tectonic picture that corr elates with other remnants of Gondwana\, thus confirming a late Palaeozoic -early Mesozoic timescale of deformation\, when Gondwana was still one con tinent. Current models invoked to explain the compressional and metamorphi c characteristics of the fold belt include mainly those involving collisio n and transpression tectonics. Extension which occurred as a result of the breakup of Gondwana\, during the Mesozoic\, is the last phase of tectonis m associated with the fold belt.\nSome stratigraphic and structural anomal ies of the fold belt remain as yet unexplained\, signalling a need for det ailed fieldwork and analysis to resolve such anomalies. The recognition th at some units of the Cape Supergroup are abnormally thickened in certain r egional zones of the fold belt\, coupled with the fact that shale beds are often entirely missing\, is explained by the thrust stacking model\, wher e thrust faulted zones are present in the region encompassing Port Elizabe th\, Kareedouw and Uniondale areas.\nA north-south section through the fol d belt reveals that deformation is greatest along the southern coastal zon e where highest degree of metamorphism occurs in basement rocks and greate st amount of crustal shortening has occurred. Near the coast where isoclin al folds are evident in cover rocks (Cape Supergroup) and further northwar ds mainly open folding is present in Cape and Karoo rocks\, coupled with z ones of low angle (thrust) faulting. Low angle thrust faults and gentle fo lds are characteristic of the frontal deformation zone of the fold belt. S ome characteristics of this type of deformation in the Fort Beaufort area of the Eastern Cape show a complex interplay of fore and backthrusting whe re strata of the Beaufort Group have been locked up through duplexing abov e footwall ramps.\nRecent seismic surveys through the Karoo Basin show tha t thrust faults disrupt strata of the Cape and Karoo Supergroups and are p revalent for some 300 km from the coast to the frontal zones of the fold b elt near Beaufort West. These surveys also reveal that strata of the Karoo “foredeep” are of lesser thickness than predicted\, thus requiring a different tectonic model to explain this new data than previously proposed .\nIn the Uniondale area a strike-slip model in invoked to explain a confi guration of juxtaposed folded Cape Supergroup strata\, separated by steepl y dipping faults. This event probably occurred late in the deformation his tory of the CFB.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3959 / LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3959/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Numerical Analysis of finite strain in the Warm Zand Structure DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141003T091500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141003T093000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3960@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Eric Saffou (University of the Western Cape)\nThe di stribution of strain and its variation within geologic terranes have alway s been a matter of great interest to structural geologists. The absence of good markers\, especially in metamorphic zones has made strain analysis a very laborious task. A work flow for finite strain analysis is presented in this study. In the development of the work flow two important points were considered\; firstly\, the work flow should be applicable both for se dimentary and metamorphic rocks and secondly\, the methods that would make up the work flow would integrate data that are easy to obtain from geolog ical features. Using The Warm Zand structure as a case-study\, we have inv estigated the finite strain using several advanced numerical methods. The Warm Zand Structure consists of strongly deformed calc-silicates of the Pu ntsit formation and feldpathic quartzites of the Goede Hoop formation whic h gradually change into pure quartzites in some locations. The second phas e of folding F2 in the calc-silicates gave rise to isoclinal folds. Based on the type of strain markers we encountered\, we designed a procedure to estimate the strain of the area of interest\; for instance\, in the Puntsi t formation\, folds are common and were used as strain markers. A mathemat ical analysis of the shape of these folds was first performed using Fold P rofiler developed in the MATLAB® environment. As a result we found that t he set of folds analysed was best fitted by conic sections and bézier cur ves. The latter showed that the Warm Zand Structure’s folds are close (3 0\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3960/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3960/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Geochemical characterization of P1\, P2\, P3 and P4 units at the A kanani prospect area\, Bushveld Complex\, South Africa: Combination of R-C luster\, R-Factor and Discriminant analysis approach DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T080000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T081500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3961@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Hakundwi Mandende (University of the Western Cape)\n The Platreef is located in the northern limb of the Bushveld Igneous Compl ex (BIC) and is comprised of a 10- to 400-m thick package of pyroxenitic l ithologies\, which host platinum-group element (PGE) and base metal sulphi de (BMS) mineralization at various heights above the floor rocks. The pyro xenites are overlain by norites and gabbronorites\, generally assigned to the Main Zone of the BIC. \nThe greatest challenge facing mining personnel is differentiating between mineralized pyroxenites and those barren off m ineralization and also finding a definitive criteria for characterizing th e four lithological units. Exploration geologists at the Akanani prospect area have classified the pyroxenitic units into P1\, P2\, P3 and P4 units in their order of succession with depth based on their textures\, color an d mineralogy. The geochemical attributes which distinguish them still rema ins unresolved.\nFifty-three pyroxenite samples were therefore taken from 6 boreholes at the Akanani Prospect area for geochemical and petrographic studies. The samples were analyzed for over 40 elements by X-ray Fluores cene (XRF) and Inductively Coupled Mass spectrommetry (ICP-MS). The geoch emical data were evaluated using combination of three multivariate statist ical techniques\, these being: cluster\, factor and discriminant analysis using SPSS 20. The present study was initiated to determine the distinctiv e geochemical characteristics that can be used to identify each layer and in so doing determine geochemical elements characterizing each of these p yroxenite layers.\nThe discriminant accuracies for the four groups resulte d in a 100% recognition rate\, indicating that the percentage of accurate analysis is high for discriminating between the four Platreef units. Resu lts identifies P1 unit as high in Cr\, Fe2O3\, and TiO2\, higher MgO and L OI characterize the highly serpentinized P2 unit which corroborates with t he high olivine and orthopyroxene contents associated with this unit.The P 3 unit shows SiO2\, Al2O3\, K2O and Na2O in line with a pronounced feldspa thic composition for this unit\, while a higher CaO and P2O5 is associated with the P4 unit. \nThe stratigraphic subdivision presented here conflict s widely with the A-B-C reef terminology as well as the most recent PU1\, PU2 and PU3 subdivision of the Platreef at Akanani.\nThe results presented here underline the effectiveness of the combination of R-mode cluster\, R -mode factor and discriminant analysis in distinguishing between various r ock types as well as exploring various relationships amongst data sets. Th e correlation between the geochemical and petrographic results shows the effectiveness of this technique especially in areas where the identificati on of the unit is unclear\, uncertain or unknown or in areas where the st ratigraphy is unclear due to processes like structural deformity\, assimil ation and metasomatism. The results presented here provide a new guide to the exploration of PGE-BMS mineralization in the Platreef at Akanani.\nKEY WORDS: Bushveld Complex\, Platreef\, Multivariate statistics\, cluster ana lysis\, factor analysis\, discriminant analysis\n\nhttps://events.saip.org .za/event/40/contributions/3961/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3961/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Implementation and design of a web-based GNSS data management syst em at Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140930T104500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140930T110000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3962@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Zinhle Mashaba (Centre for Geoinformation Science\, Dept. Geography\, Geoinformatics and Meteorology\, University of Pretoria) \nThe Space Geodesy Programme of the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observ atory (HartRAO) is actively engaged in improving the African Earth and oce an monitoring network by installing stations across the Sub-Saharan region s. This forms part of the drive to monitor different geophysical parameter s via denser networks and with increasing accuracies\, as to better our un derstanding of the Earth system. The instruments being deployed include Gl obal Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) reference stations\, tide-gauges\ , seismic stations and meteorological units.\nThe Space Geodesy Programme has four main space geodetic techniques collocated at HartRAO\, making it a true fiducial site. These techniques are Global Navigation Satellite Sys tems (GNSS)\, Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR)\, geodetic Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) and Doppler Orbitography and Radiopositioning Integr ated by Satellite (DORIS). This fudicial site acts as a reference for the data received from the network of instruments located elsewhere.\nIt is im portant to avail all the collected raw scientific data as well as the deri ved data products\, in a user friendly manner\, to both the scientific com munity and general public for research and educational purposes.\nAs part of ensuring data integrity a new data management system needs to be implem ented at HartRAO. This project focuses on implementing the GNSS sub-sectio n of this data management system. Data are required to be quality checked for errors\, reworked into a specific format\, and made available in near real-time. We present a model for the GNSS data management system\, where all the archiving\, station monitoring\, pre-processing and processing of the raw data are automated. Furthermore\, an automated system to produce G NSS data products such as Precipitable Water Vapour (PWV)\, positional tim e-series plots and quality check outputs are presented. These data product s are then visualized utilising an interactive web-based map.\n\nKeywords: GNSS\, VLBI\, DORIS\, SLR\, PWV\, data management\n\nhttps://events.saip. org.za/event/40/contributions/3962/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3962/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:INVITED LECTURE: The Role of the Geoscientist in the quest for ene rgy resources in South Africa DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140929T093000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140929T100000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3963@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Jan van Bever Donker (University of the Western Cape )\nEnergy in South Africa is a hot topic. Years of underinvestment by the State Utility ESKOM has lulled the country into a false sense of securit y during the years of cheap electricity only be rudely awakened by the ann ual price hikes leaving the economy reeling.\nWhile mines\, smelters and o ther industries have the upward pressure to grow\, the limited supply of e nergy has prevented many from doing so. On the contrary\, agreements with large electricity consumers have yielded a reduction in electricity consum ption by these users implying a reduction in productivity.\nThe search for alternative energy resources is on. Solar panel farms are being built in the Northern Cape\, wind farms are planned in various parts of the country and of course there is shale gas.\nShale gas has been exploited in variou s parts of the world with good results. The Netherlands have been on a gas bubble for decades and in the USA the amount of gas available today is su ch that export of shale gas is now a serious consideration.\nWhat are the lessons we must learn from the shale gas revolution? What is the role of t he geoscientist in this context? Is there a role beyond the exploration us ually done by us? What is the information the legislature needs to make in formed decisions and should we/you as geoscientists get involved with this aspect of the energy debate?\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contr ibutions/3963/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3963/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Assessments of the Effects of Clay Diagenesis on Some Petrophysica l Properties of Lower Cretaceous Sandstones\, Block 3A\, Offshore Orange B asin\, South Africa DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T150000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T151500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3964@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Chris Samakinde (University of the Western Cape)\nCl ay minerals diagenesis phenomenon and their effects on some petrophysical properties of lower cretaceous silliciclastic sandstones\, offshor e Orange basin have been established. Previous studies on Oran ge basin revealed that chlorite and quartz cements have significantl y compromised the reservoir quality in this basin but it is expected that the reservoirs shows better improvement basinward where thge depositional environment is different\, an analogy of this is displayed by tertiary san dstones deposit\, offshore Angola. \nFive lithofacies were identified bas ed on detailed core description from wells KF-1\, KH-1 and AU-1 in block 3 A\, offshore Orange basin. The facies were grouped based on colour and gra in sizes\, they are named: A1 (shale)\, A2 (sandstone)\, A3 (siltstone)\, A4 (dark coloured sandstone) and A5 (conglomerates). Depositional environm ent is predominantly marine\, specifically\, marine delta front detached b ars and deepwater turbiditic sandstone deposit. Geophysical wire line logs of gamma ray\, resistivity logs combo and porosity logs were interpreted\ , parameters and properties such as VCL\, porosity\, permeability and satu ration were estimated from these logs and the values obtained were compare d with values from conventional core analysis data\, the values agreed wel l with each other\nThe reservoir within KF-1 well is approximately 5m thic k and has an extreme low permeability value averaging 0.01 md\, core poros ity of 10 %\, sonic log derived porosity of 14.6 % and average gas and wat er saturation of 18 % and 82% respectively (Simandoux model). AU-1 well re servoir is 6.5 metres thick with an estimated average value of 10 % for ne utron and density porosity and core porosity\, permeability of 0.015md\, V CL (volume of clay) of 32 % and water saturation value of 65 %. KH-1 well has reservoir thickness of about 9 m while water saturation estimated from Simandoux saturation model is 50 %. Density porosity value is low with an average of 8.9 %\, VCL of 30 % and extreme low permeability value of 0.09 md.There were consistent presence of kaolinite\, montmorillonite and quar tz cement within the reservoirs of the three wells from observations made from SEM\, SEM also revealed the presence of chlorite at a deeper depth\, chlorite might have been formed from kaolinite due to the presence of Mg a nd Fe as observed from EDS plus an alkaline pore fluids as interpreted fro m the porewater pH. SEM also revealed the presence of illite in KH-1 well which is not present in the other two wells (AU-1 and KF-1).\nThe pH of po re waters in all wells range from slightly acidic nature to predominant al kaline pore fluids\, specifically from 6.78 - 9.5 while CEC ranges between 27 - 64.5 meq/100g for AU-1 well\, 5 - 6.6 meq/100g for KF-1 well\, and 7.3 - 80.5 meq/100g for KH-1 well. The values above suggest the dominance of mixed clay minerals of kaolinite-smectite and smectite-illite layers co upled with the occurrence of chlorite and illite which may have formed at a later stage of the paragenetic sequence.\nJudging by this study\, the pe culiar Orange basin reservoir quality problems persist and ultra deep wate rs may be further explored for reservoirs with better quality.\n\nhttps:// events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3964/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3964/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Thermal distortion dynamics of the HartRAO Lunar Laser Ranger opti cal telescope\; impacts on pointing\, characterisation and modelling DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140930T101500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140930T103000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3965@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Philemon Tsela (University of Pretoria)\nCurrently H artebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in South Africa is dev eloping a Satellite/Lunar Laser Ranger (S/LLR) based on a 1 metre aperture telescope. This is done in collaboration with the National Aeronautics an d Space Administration (NASA) and the Observatoire de la Côte d'Azur (OCA ). The S/LLR is required to make ranging observations with sub-centimetre level accuracy. Various components of the S/LLR are currently being integr ated\, coupled with the development of operating models for the telescope. This includes\, for example\, the pointing and thermal dynamic models whi ch depend on the temperature variations on the telescope. In particular\, this study aims to develop a model based on thermal measurements of the st ructure\, as thermal variations of the structure affect the pointing of th e telescope. Excellent pointing will increase the chance being on-target w ith the retroreflectors located on the lunar surface.\nAs the first step\, we present simulation results through the use of transient heat conductio n on the thermal behaviour of the telescope\, in particular the tube and p rimary mirror. The results reveal a temperature gradient of about 1 °C wh ich means that\, both the tube and especially the mirror may respond very slowly to ambient temperatures (T∞). Furthermore\, the simulation produc ed a similar temperature gradient on both components for rapidly changing ambient temperatures with a range of 13 °C. These findings provide an ind ication of: i) understanding the thermal behaviour of the telescope’s c ritical components with respect to the changing thermal environment\, ii) guiding the strategic location of the thermal sensors on the telescope\, a nd iii) options for developing a thermal dynamic model which would correct for thermal variations that affect the pointing of the telescope.\n\nhttp s://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3965/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3965/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:The structure of the Karoo-age Ellisras Basin in Limpopo Province\ , South Africa\, in the light of new airborne geophysical data DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140929T130000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140929T132000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3966@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Stoffel Fourie (TUT\; AEON EarthTech Hub)\nThe Coalt ech Research Association funded an airborne magnetic and radiometric surve y over the Karoo-age Ellisras Basin in the Northern Province of South Afri ca in 2008. The Waterberg Coalfield\, which is destined to become the majo r source of energy in South Africa in the future\, is situated in this sed imentary basin. Interpretation of the processed geophysical datasets has a dded significantly to our understanding of the structure of the Ellisras B asin\, in addition to providing additional constraints on lithological and structural mapping. The filtered magnetic and ternary radiometric images have yielded abundant information that will be important in future mapping . Two-dimensional modelling of the magnetic data has provided a novel half -graben model for the structure of the Ellisras Basin. The Melinda Fault Z one\, which forms the northern boundary of the basin against Archaean Limp opo Belt rocks\, is block-faulted and generally steeply dipping. The thick est development of the Karoo Supergroup rocks is against this fault\, atta ining up to 500 m. The sediment thickness decreases gradually to the south \, indicating an asymmetric basin fill. The southern boundary of the basin is formed by the Eenzaamheid Fault Zone\, south of which the ~2000 Ma Wat erberg Group rocks are developed. \n\nDespite its economic importance\, th e Ellisras Basin has not been well-studied\, and there is a need to correc t this in the near future as South Africa becomes more reliant on energy f rom the Waterberg Coalfield.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contri butions/3966/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3966/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Dual laser system for the HartRAO Lunar Laser Ranger: design\, con figuration and expected performance DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140930T093000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140930T094500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3967@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Roelf C Botha (HartRAO)\nHartRAO has been planning a nd developing a Lunar Laser Ranger (LLR) for the past 10 years. This syste m will also be used for Satellite Laser Ranging during available operation al time. We already have a 1 m optical telescope as well as a functional c ontrol room. We are now at the stage of procuring the remaining hardware c omponents and implementing these according to the overall system design.\n \nThe laser system for this LLR has been designed in collaboration with an d procured via the NASA laser ranging network contractor\, Cybioms Corpora tion. The system consists of 2 lasers: one providing high-power green puls es at 20 Hz for lunar capability and another delivering low power green pu lses at 1 kHz for satellite capability. These lasers have recently arrived in South Africa.\n\nAn overview of the laser system configuration and des ign as well as anticipated performance will be presented.\n\nhttps://even ts.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3967/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3967/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Gypsum Deposits Associated with the Whitehill Formation (Ecca Grou p) in the Steytlerville-Jansenville Area\, Southern Karoo\, South Africa DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T091500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T093000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3968@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Roberto Almanza (Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Univeri sty)\nThe Steyterville-Jansenville gypsum field is one of South Africa’s smaller deposits. It is covered by an average of 500mm of soil and has fi ne powdery gypsum bodies which are\, on average\, 37cm thick and contain a n average of 65% gypsum – medium grade. The calcium and sulphate ions re quired to form the gypsum mineral (CaSO4•2H2O) are supplied by the White hill Formation shale which is carbonate and pyrite rich. The Early Ufimian (late Permian) Whitehill Formation (part of the Ecca Group\, lower Karoo Supergroup) is\, on average\, 30m thick with a debateable carbon content u p to 14% C. The lithology is split into ‘deep-water’ facies and ‘sha llow-water’ facies. The former consisting of chert and carbonate concret ions while the latter has silty horizons\, carbonate beds\, but no chert. This particular shale is undergoing close study with regards to its potent ial to supply gas energy\, but must also be recognised for its other econo mic benefits.\n\nIn South Africa\, gypsum forms mainly near the surface in clay\, in veins or as powders in discontinuous horizontal layers. Prerequ isites for gypsum formation include the supply of calcium and sulphate to a zone of weathering\, restricted drainage such as a pan\, a clay layer in the drainage area and an arid climate where evaporation exceeds precipita tion. The area of Klipplaat\, Eastern Cape\, in the Great Karoo meets thes e requirements and Pretoria Portland Cement (PPC) have mined gypsum from a weathered zone of the Whitehill Formation shale. Gypsum grades vary great ly from below 40% CaSO4•2H2O to well over 70% CaSO4•2H2O\, and seem to be affected greatly by the degree of weathering as well as their topograp hical position.\n\nThe folding and faulting of the shale provide the weake r\, more penetrable region in which gypsum is able to precipitate. Folding of the shale occurs as a series of large-scale and small-scale anticlines and synclines striking from East to West. Pyrite should be concentrated i n the fold axis (weakest point) and this is where the larger gypsum deposi ts are found. Small\, iron-rich layers are overlain by small lenses of gyp sum and this suggests a relationship whereby Iron (II) Sulphate\, combined with Calcium Carbonate\, produces Calcium Sulphate (gypsum) and is reduce d to Iron (III) Oxide which remains as these iron-rich layers.\n\nCarbonat e concretions up to 5m in length and 3m in width are common in the study a rea and literature suggests that they are associated with the deposition o f the shale whereby calcium-rich nuclei grow in a concentric fashion durin g a non-depositional period. This period is also associated with a higher pyrite phase and this could explain the connection between the concretions and a higher gypsum zone within the Whitehill Formation. It is also possi ble that organic carbon is concentrated in and around these concretions an d this could provide ‘pockets’ of higher carbon content within the Whi tehill Formation where shale gas might be trapped at depth.\n\nhttps://eve nts.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3968/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3968/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:3-D Karoo basin reconstruction from ambient passive seismic noise DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141001T094000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141001T100000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3985@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Lucian Bezuidenhout (Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Uni versity)\nThe increased interest in the potential shale gas extraction wit hin the Karoo basin is raising concerns regarding the potential impact it may have on this fragile environment. In order to be in the possible posi tion to moderate any negative effects associated with possible hydraulic f racturing\, a scientifically thorough base-line of this region will need t o be obtained. Since our current geophysical knowledge of this complex re gion is incomplete\, we have set out to survey the sub-surface geology\, a s well as determine the intrinsic seismic activity using ambient passive s eismic measurements. \nIn this study\, passive seismic network of 20 thre e-component (N-S\, E-W\, vertical) geophones will be deployed for predeter mined periods in various areas of interest in the Karoo. Ambient seismic s ignals up to frequencies of 160 Hz can be monitored. The data acquired fr om the three component seismic sensors results in a time signal that needs to be converted to a velocity signal. The highly non-linear inverse probl em created from the retrieval of the velocity variation of the travel time s is numerically solved using Green’s cross correlation function to cons truct the 3-D map. Thus\, passive seismic velocity inversion tomography is a technique that uses group velocities\, derived from continuous ambient noise propagating through the Earth’s crust to construct 3-D imagery of its sub-surface. \nThis technique allows for easy deployment of seismic s tations\, requires no induced source\, can reach highly sensitive areas\, is environmentally friendly and is more cost effective compared to active seismic techniques. It is envisaged that the use of the ambient noise pass ive seismic survey in the Karoo basin can aid in gaining better understand ing of the sub-surface geology and to complement other techniques in deter mining the locations of potential gas bearing formations. \n\nKeywords: Se ismic\, 3-D construction\, velocity\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/40 /contributions/3985/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3985/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Reappraisal of single station locations reported by the South Afri can National Seismograph Network during the period 2000 to 2005 DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141003T071500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141003T073000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3970@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Ian Saunders (Council for Geoscience)\nWe investigat ed 1 380 earthquake epicenters that were located through the single-statio n location method during routine data analysis of the South African Nation al Seismograph Network for the period October 2010 to December 2012. Epic enter locations determined through single-station analysis prompted report s of an increase in seismicity originating from residents in the towns of Ceres and Tulbagh. This coincided with a partial interruption of seismolo gical services at the Council for Geoscience due to an upgrade of the Sout h African National Seismograph Network. These claims could not be substant iated from waveform recordings analyzed during this study. Moreover\, the practice of evaluating earthquake epicenters through single-station locat ions was expanded during the period under review to other selective areas of the Republic of South Africa with limited success. A small percentage (25%) of the seismic events originally located with the single-station loc ation method could be substantiated through phase readings identified on w aveforms provided by the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology .\nIn conclusion\, the authors acknowledge that the single-station locatio n methodology is founded on well established and sound scientific principl es but cautions that its use in routine seismic data analysis at regional distances should be applied with care and oversight.\n\nhttps://events.sai p.org.za/event/40/contributions/3970/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3970/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Loud Calls as Species Markers in Fork-Marked Dwarf Lemurs (Phaner) DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T103000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T104500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3971@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Derick Forbanka (DZE University of Fort Hare)\nFork- marked dwarf lemurs (Phaner) are nocturnal strepsirhines endemic to Madaga scar. Lemur systematic has witnessed the naming of many new species in the last decade. Four Phaner species have been recognized based on slight var iations in pelage colouration\, and their occupation of discontinuous rang es in Madagascar. Given that these lemurs are nocturnal\, according to the Recognition Concept of Species\, mate recognition cannot be by visual cha racteristics alone. The Recognition Concept of Species is the means by whi ch organisms attract and recognize each other referred to as the Specific Mate Recognition Systems (SMRS). One of the SMRS that have been widely fol lowed and proven fruitful in nocturnal primates is vocalization. Each spec ies has particular loud call common to both sexes and used to advertise th eir presence to companions as well as rivals. Loud calls are species speci fic and constant across geographical ranges. Therefore\, loud calls provid e a diagnostic tool for the identification of new species. However\, loud call species specificity has never been tested in the fork-marked dwarf le murs. Our project was underpinned by the Recognition Concept. In contrast to many other lemurs\, Phaner are known to rely less on visual signals and recognize each other principally by means of auditory and olfactory signa ls. They possess a rich repertoire of loud calls related to contact and al arm. We applied comparative bioacoustics\, a tool successfully used to dis criminate other nocturnal\, cryptic species\, to investigate whether speci es of fork-marked dwarf lemurs can be recognized noninvasively on the basi s of their loud calls. Loud calls of five populations of forked-marked dwa rf lemurs corresponding to the four recognized species were recorded along existing trails in the night with the aid of a professional sound recorde r and directional microphone. Calls were analyzed using Sound Analysis Pro 2011 and the data subjected to multivariate analysis to produce a dendrog ram and an ordination diagram based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Calls from all studied populations showed distinctive clusters based on t he described species of Phaner. These results support pelage colouration a nd reflect species specificity. Differences in acoustic structure may be c aused by genetic divergence\, divergence in size and mass of laryngeal str ucture\, the rate at which vocal cords open and close as well in muscles f or breathing and vocal production. Equally\, specific acoustic adaptation to the environment\, genetic drift\, founder effects and selection factors may have played a role in the evolution of species specificity in the lou d calls of Phaner. Loud call fingerprinting may therefore be used as a non -invasive tool for species diagnosis and discrimination in Phaner. In addi tion\, it offers an easy and inexpensive way to determine species in the f ield as well as in the laboratory.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/40/ contributions/3971/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3971/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Characteristics of Permian gas-shales in the lower Karoo Supergrou p nearJansenville in the Eastern Cape\, South Africa DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141001T075500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141001T081000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3972@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Claire Geel (NMMU MSc)\nThis is a study on the geoch emical and petro-physical properties of shales from the Prince Albert\, Wh itehill and Collingham Formations of the Lower Karoo Supergroup\, near Jan senville in the Eastern Cape. Results are based on two boreholes sited on a southerly dipping limb of a shallowly plunging syncline. Lithological\, sedimentological\, structural\, geochemical and petro-physical analyses pr ovide detail of the characteristics of these rocks which have become the f ocus of interest for potential shale gas. \n\nPetrographic\, XRF\, XRD and SEM analyses from black shales of the Whitehill Formation\, show that the se rocks are composed of quartz\, illite\, muscovite and chlorite\, with l esser plagioclase and accessary pyrite. The Collingham Formation rocks hav e the largest proportion of quartz content which gives this formation a hi gher brittleness factor than that of the Prince Albert and Whitehill Forma tions. Mercury porosimetry analyses yield meso- and macro porosity in blac k shales of the Whitehill Formation of 0.83%. This confirms that these sed iments are tightly packed. Thin layers of dolomite within the shales have porosities of 2.9%\, and pores measuring 1.5µm wide.\n\nTotal organic car bon content (TOC) and Rock Eval pyrolysis data show that black shales of t he Whitehill Formation are high in organic carbon and have an average TOC value of 4.5 wt%. The TOC of shales in the Collingham and Prince Albert Fo rmations is <1 wt%. XRF and (13C and 15N) light stable isotope analyses su ggest that the Prince Albert and Whitehill Formations were deposited under anoxic conditions\, sourced by a mix of marine and terrestrial organic ma tter\, whereas the Collingham Formation was deposited under more oxidizing conditions.\n\nHigh maximum temperature values (Tmax average: 528)\, low hydrogen index values (HI average: 6.7) and high reflectance measurements on bitumen (BRo= 4%) characterise these sediments as overmature. As a cons equence pyrolyses and thermovapourization data display few hydrocarbon yie lds. \n\nThe main characteristics of black shales in the study area indica te that their overmaturity with respect to hosting gas deposits is attribu ted to tectono-metamorphic overprinting during the Cape Orogeny. Rocks of the lower Karoo Supergroup outcropping within the area of the Cape Fold Be lt therefore have limited potential for hosting gas deposits.\n\nKeywords: shale gas\; TOC\; Whitehill Formation\; overmaturity\n\nhttps://events.sa ip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3972/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3972/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Distribution Patterns of Contaminants in the Mogale Gold Tailing D am\; Case Study from South Africa DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T100000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T101500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3973@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Oluseyi Abegunde (University of the Western Cape)\nT his study evaluated the magnitude of possibly leachable metals and predict ed the AMD discharge over time\, from Mogale tailings dam into the environ s in Randfontein area\, Witwatersrand Basin\, South Africa. Drill core sam ples were analysed for multi-elements and evaluated using multivariate sta tistical and geochemical mass balance techniques. \nThe tailings dam litho logy was grouped into four distinct layers. The uppermost oxidized layer i s siliceous and contains the highest SiO2 (87.32%) contents\, which is acc ompanied by the lowest contents in U\, As\, Zn\, Ni\, Co\, and Cu. A downw ards decrease in SiO2 (76.39%) contents occurs\, coupled by an increase in U\, As\, Zn\, Ni\, Co\, and Cu\, reaching maximum contents in layer 3. La yer 4 is the least weathered horizon.\nThe cluster analysis grouped the sa mples into four sub-clusters based on the variation in SiO2 and Al2O3 cont ents. Factor analysis\, which explained 83.542% of the total data variance \, related the seven controlling factors of element distribution to the oc currence in ore elements (sulphides)\, silicates\, mining additives and re fractory minerals. The geochemical mass balance showed variable gain and l oss of oxides and trace elements within each layer. Based on the variation patterns of the total sulphur contents and other mobile elements\, about 0.164kg/tonne/yr(±0.02) of the tailings materials are leached yearly. Lay er 1 is the most altered. \nKeywords: Acid Mine Drainage\; Assessment\; Prediction\; Weathering\; Geochemical data\; Geochemical mass balance\; Mu ltivariate statistics\; Contamination\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/ 40/contributions/3973/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3973/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Development of a Solar Power Plant DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140930T124500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140930T130000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3974@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Louis Beneke (Tshwane University of Technology)\nSou th Africa has limited electricity resources and many parts of the country have limited access to electricity. Electricity capacity is at maximum and almost each Giga Watt is accounted for. Predictions suggest South Africa would have a serious electricity allocation problem in the very near futur e and current rolling blackout in many of our cities can attain to the loo ming problem. The energy crisis in South Africa has highlighted the need t o increase electricity generation capacity and to search for alternative e nergy sources.\n\n Solar chimney plants could form part of the solution in the near future in South Africa to create additional power. Solar radiati on energy is abundant in South Africa\, while wind sources are limited to some coastal regions. This study will aim in developing a wind generation system in areas where wind is very low. A solar chimney power plant is exp ected to provide remote areas in South Africa with electric power\, or com plementing the current electricity grid.\n\nResearch on alternative design s within the South Africa context and particularly on increasing the effec tiveness of the solar chimney power plant technology is lacking\, therefor e this study proposes the development of an alternative solar chimney plan t technology which endeavour to improve the effectiveness of the solar chi mney power plant. \n\nThe outcomes of the simulations have shown that you can generate power if the relative ratio between the height and the inlet aperture of the power plant is optimized. The completed small pilot power plant was used to test the effectiveness of the power plant.\n\nhttps://e vents.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3974/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3974/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:The vegetation of the proposed Karoo fracking sites and ecophysiol ogical responses of plants to fracking chemicals DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141001T092000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141001T093000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3975@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Annah (obo Kristen Ellis) Mabidi (AEON-ESSRI)\nHydra ulic fracturing or fracking is an extraction technique that is used to ext ract gas from rocks of low permeability. A number of companies have been e ither applied for\, or been granted Exploration Rights for fracking in the Karoo. Shell’s application area is in the magisterial districts of Aber deen\, Beaufort-West\, Carnarvon\, Graaff-Reinet\, Middelburg\, Murraysbur g\, Noupoort\, Richmond and Victoria-West and covers an area of approximat ely 30 000 km2. Fracking has recently received much publicity due to conce rns over the environmental\, social\, human health and aesthetic risks ass ociated with this unconventional method of gas extraction. The objectives of this study are to survey the proposed fracking areas and evaluate the f lora and vegetation of the area\, highlighting Species of Conservation Con cern. Furthermore\, the study will investigate ecophysiological responses of Karoo plants to exposure to fracking fluid\, with particular emphasis o n phreatophytes. Boscia albitrunca (Burch.) Gilg & Gilg-Ben. will be used as a representative of phreatophytes\, but examples of all the major life forms in the study area will be used. This study forms part of the AEON-ES SRI Baseline Research Program at NMMU that is undertaking a technical eval uation and socio-economic analyses of shale gas in the Eastern Cape. The a rea to be affected by fracking contains mostly Albany Thicket and Nama-Kar oo and preliminary research indicates a number of Species of Conservation Concern at risk in these areas should fracking go ahead.\n\nhttps://events .saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3975/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3975/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:The Seismicity of the Eastern Cape Province DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141003T073000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141003T074500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3976@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Mpho Mogoswane (Tshwane University of Technology)\nT he most important requirements to the study and understanding of seismicit y in any region is through the accurate location of earthquakes within the area of interest. Earthquake bulletins compiled from routine seismic ana lysis basically forms the basis of this research. These bulletins in princ iple consist of phase information (most often body-wave travel-time readin gs) observed at different seismological stations. These observations are then reduced to earthquake locations (epicenters). The principle aim of th is study is re-evaluating the phase readings and location of the instrumen tally recorded earthquakes in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa du ring the period 1970 to 1979.\nThe phase readings mentioned above are dete cted from the seismic stations built in an area depending on how quiet the local conditions are\, the lower the background noise from human and natu ral resources such as traffic\, the more likely the station will be able t o detect earthquake signals. The phase information was typed in as digita l record\, to re-locating the event using seisan earthquake analysis softw are.\nIn the Eastern Cape I used local and regional earthquakes to enter p hase readings manually locating events\, editing events\, azimuth of arriv al from a single component stations and plot epicenters. Using this progra m you are able to search the data base for particular events without extra cting the events. In addition\, secondary seismic phases will be determine d through a ray-tracing technique to better restrain earthquake depths in the region. A uniform magnitude scale will be adopted and the focal mechan ism of the largest earthquakes determined where sufficient phase readings are available. The resulting database will be used to ascertain whether t he recorded seismicity can be related to existing geological lineaments an d tectonics in the Eastern Cape.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/40/co ntributions/3976/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3976/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:A geological study of the lower Ecca Group north of Grahamstown\, South-East Karoo Basin\, South Africa DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141001T072500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141001T074000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3977@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Shereen Slamang (Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Univers ity)\nThe area of study lies in the Eastern Cape\, approximately 20km nort h of Grahamstown\, in the direction of Fort Beaufort. The main rock outcro ps are along the Ecca Pass and approximately 10km east of the pass\, along the Committees Drift Road. The area was chosen as it incorporates an exce ptionally well exposed outcrop portraying all the formations of the lower Ecca Group of the SE Karoo Basin in succession. The research aims at docum enting the structural and sedimentological characteristics of the lower Ec ca Group\, with emphasis on the Prince Albert\, Whitehill\, and Collingham Formations. Geologic cross sections completed to date provide the basis f or understanding the 3-D anatomy of the three formations. Facies character isation and petrographic analysis are still to be undertaken\, in order to infer the sedimentary environment of the lower Ecca Group. \nThe mudstone s of the Prince Albert Formation along the Ecca Pass are mostly light colo ured (e.g. light yellow brown)\, and the mudstones along the Committees dr ift road are mostly darker in colour (e.g. deep green). Open folding is pr esent in the Whitehill Formation along the Ecca Pass and duplex faulting e vident in the Prince Albert Formation along the Committees Drift Road. The Collingham Formation comprises of many layers of ash of various tints of yellow. The Ecca Group is thought by some to have been deposited in a larg e body of water surrounded by land and consists of approximately 2000m of sedimentary rock composed predominantly of rhythmites (comprising of tuff\ , mudstones\, sandstones\, and shales). The combined thickness of the Prin ce Albert\, Whitehill\, and Collingham Formation is approximately 130m. Th is makes up about 6.5% of the total thickness of the Ecca Group. These for mations contain mostly organic rich shales and lesser tuffaceous and silts tone horizons.\nThe shales of the Whitehill Formation are of particular in terest to exploration companies as a potential reservoir of natural gas\, as they are rich in organic content. Fracking in the U.S. has grown over t he past decade\, as has the wealth of information around the industry. Bec ause of the large scale success in the U.S.\, many countries including Sou th Africa that have potential shale gas reserves have started exploring fo r shale gas. There is currently a great deal of speculation as to the amou nt of shale gas reserves\, and exploration is necessary to determine the g as potential.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3977/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3977/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Hotel Check-In Hotel Reception DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140928T100000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140928T150000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3978@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3978/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Hotel Reception URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3978/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Shale Gas Discussion DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141001T103500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141001T110000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3979@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3979/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3979/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Introduction to Topics DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141001T071500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141001T072500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3980@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Claire Geel (NMMU Masters Student)\nhttps://events.s aip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3980/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3980/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Time- and Length-series analysis within artificial deltas DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T131500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T133000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3981@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Richard Berry (Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Universit y)\nThe internal structure of natural deltaic systems can be analysed thro ugh interpretation of vertical logs and seismic sections. If we are to qua ntitatively investigate the correlation between the internal structures of a delta and the factors influencing them\, we should start with simple-ca se examples. We expect that the complexity of natural deltas be at least a s complex as that of artificial deltas.\nThe different deltaic structures exist within a physical space and thus have a length component to them. Th e factors that influence the formation of these structures\, such as sea l evel change and tectonic subsidence\, exist within the domain of time. Sed imentologists regularly compare these influencing factors with the structu res they observe within sedimentary logs and seismic cross sections\, and attribute physical changes to certain signal changes within the time domai n. The implication of this being constant and homogenous sedimentation thr oughout the entirety of the delta.\nWe notice from artificial deltas that this is not the case. Sedimentation is discontinuous and localized to cert ain regions of the delta at different times. This creates periods of depos ition that are not seen throughout the delta that result in a hiatus withi n the sedimentary history of the delta at a given location.\nFor correlati on between different dimensions \,time and space\, to be considered\, we m ust construct a True-Time series from the evolution of the artificial delt as and compare it to the Time-series control factors and quantify the misf it to give an error range.\nFrom this error range we can more accurately c onclude comparisons between influencing factors and the internal structure of artificial deltas can be made.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/40/ contributions/3981/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3981/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Introduction to Shale Gas DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141001T070000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141001T071500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3982@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Doug Cole (CGS)\, Maarten de Wit (AEON - NMMU)\nhttp s://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3982/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3982/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:FRACTURE SYSTEMS in the Karoo basin: Differentiating brittle struc tures related to DYKE AND SILL EMPLACEMENT from those related to Tectonics DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141001T082000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141001T083000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3983@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Thomas Muedi (AEON - NMMU)\nThe Karoo Basin is an ar ea intruded by dolerite sills and dykes. It is also speculated that those dolerite rocks may have intruded through pre-existing fractures. Fractures are well known as joints by geologists. Fractures are commonly formed whe n the stress exceed the rock strength and they acts as pathways to the hyd rocarbon migration\, water and other fluids during Karoo dolerite emplacem ent. \nThe presence of opening of natural fractures networks in the Karoo Basin defines an economic shale gas potential. This project is going to ex plore the tectonic fracture systems and fractures related to the emplaceme nts of dolerite sill and dykes. The emplacement of the dolerite dykes and sills are going to be modeled from the coastal plain of the Eastern Cape P rovince coastal region toward the Lesotho Escapement in order to test thei r chemistry and geochronological relationships. The density of joints will be statistically analyzed and joints density will establish the relations of joints with faults\, lithology types and intensive brittle deformation s. \nThe fracture or joint systems will be analyzed using the stereo-plot open source software. Fractures can display self-similarity pattern\, thei r geometry is also going to be tested using ImageJ software. The GIS and r emote sensing will be used to compile satellite images and map productions of the Shixini area geology. A radiometric dating technique is going to b e used to date dolerite sill and dykes from the coast towards inland empla ced dolerites in order to establish and to test emplacement relationship. The outcome of this project could be an open window to the decision makers and could stimulate more interest on more studies to be conducted to unde rstand the Karoo well before fracking could take place.\n\nKEY WORDS: Frac ture systems\, dolerite dykes and sill\, Fracking\, Fractals and geochrono logy\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3983/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3983/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Baseline Geochemical study of the natural gas and Karoo formation waters prior to Fracking DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141001T091000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141001T092000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3984@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Moipone Precious Mokoena (AEON - NMMU)\nThe potentia l for shale gas extraction in the South African Karoo has been one of the most controversial issues because of the unknown extent of socio-economic and environmental impacts. Although we can learn about the pros and cons o f shale gas development from the US and other countries\, South Africa’s unique geology and semi-arid climate makes the extraction of gas more com plex. South African geohydrological challenges include limited water reso urces\, gaps in geohydrological research\, potential release of the thermo genic gas into the shallow aquifers and dolerite intrusions associated wit h high yielding wells that create preferential pathways for water between solid dolerite and adjacent Karoo sediments. \nThe aim of this research is to establish a geochemical baseline data of groundwater resources in the South African Eastern Cape Karoo by primarily focusing on methane gas emis sions (with emphasis on previously deep Soekor boreholes)\, the origin of methane gas and the analysis of current water quality. Stray-gas discharg e via connected fractures into shallow formation waters or to the surface can result in contamination of domestic groundwater and air.\nIsotope char acterization of 13C/12C\, 18O\\16O and 2H\\1H ratios analysed by the Picar ro cavity ring-down spectrometer and Gas Chromatograph-ICP-MS will be used as environmental tracers to fingerprint the origin of methane and also ev aluate whether gases originating at deeper horizons will have impact on sh allow aquifers. Compilation of historic and current water quality results will be used to compare and construct a database of groundwater quality\, characterise the groundwater type and status. Along with laboratory exper iments\, computational (chemical-mass-transport models) studies will be co nducted to further reach the objectives of the research.\nThe geochemical database from this research will serve as benchmark against which future g roundwater qualities can be evaluated to identify contaminant impacts that might originate from deep wells. The understanding gained during the rese arch is likely to be valuable to farmers\, communities and government inst itutions affected by deep drilling\, hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and o ther processes related to the shale gas development.\nKeyword: Isotopes\, Methane\, Natural gas\, Karoo water quality\, Fracking\, Hydraulic Fractur ing\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3984/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3984/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:A systematic approach to the interpretation of conductivity anomal ies recorded with the Geonics EM34-3 electromagnetic instrument across int rusive dolerite dykes and sills in the Karoo Supergroup DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T143000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T144500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3986@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Dakalo Makhokha (Institute of Groundwater Studies-IG S:UFS)\nGroundwater exploration has become increasingly dependent on the u se of geophysical techniques to gain insight into the subsurface condition s to minimise the risk of drilling unsuccessful production boreholes. Dole rite dykes and sills are often targeted during groundwater exploration pro grammes in Karoo rocks. Due to the high pressures and temperatures that re igned during the emplacement of these structures\, the sedimentary host ro cks along the margins of the intrusive structures are typically strongly a ltered. These altered zones are often heavily fractured and\, as a result\ , have increased hydraulic conductivities as compared to the unaltered hos t rock. The altered zones often act as preferential pathways for groundwat er migration\, making them preferred targets during groundwater exploratio n.\nIn conjunction with magnetic methods\, electromagnetic (EM) methods ar e the techniques most often used for groundwater exploration in Karoo rock s. In South Africa\, the ground EM system most commonly used is the Geonic s EM34-3 frequency-domain system. This system has already been in use for a few decades\, yet a great deal of uncertainty still remains regarding th e interpretation of anomalies recorded over geological structures associat ed with lateral changes in electrical conductivity. This uncertainty resul ts from the fact that the Geonics EM34-3 system employs measurements of th e out-of-phase components of the secondary magnetic field relative to the primary magnetic field to calculate an apparent conductivity for the subsu rface. The apparent conductivity profiles across lateral changes in conduc tivity often do not make intuitive sense. \nThis project focuses on the de velopment of guidelines for the interpretation of anomalies recorded with the EM34-3 system across intrusive structures of geohydrological significa nce in Karoo rocks. Geophysical surveys were conducted across known dykes and sills in an attempt to systematically investigate the responses record ed across these structures. Data from magnetic and two-dimensional electri cal resistivity tomography surveys\, as well as from geological borehole l ogs in some cases\, were used as controls to assist in the interpretation. \n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3986/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3986/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:INVITED LECTURE: Evolving stress patterns across southern Africa s ince the end of Gondwana: puzzling clues to the intraplate seismicity of S outh Africa DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140929T100000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140929T103000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3989@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Marco Andreoli (Necsa\, University of the Witwatersr and)\nOnce again\, after the M5.5 event of 05 08 2014 near Orkney (North W est Province) many South Africans wondered whether it was of tectonic orig in or mining induced\, given the exceptional amount of seismic energy cumu latively released in that area over 50 years. The concept that mining stre ss includes a natural\, tectonic component calls for mining and civil engi neers to consider the intensity and orientation of the natural principal c ompressive stresses (σ1>σ2>σ3)\, or at least the maximum horizontal com pressive stress (σH) in their operational planning. Unfortunately\, much of the African subcontinent is under-represented in the World Stress Map d atabase.\nOur consortium is addressing the problem of the scarcity of stre ss data by steadily unravelling previously unknown Post-Jurassic tectonic episodes in South Africa. We think that this holistic approach offers robu st constraints when numerical models are used to duplicate the observed co ntemporary stress data. \n*Palaeostress analysis. Published data for the Vaalputs site in Namaqualand demonstrate that strength and azimuth of σ1>σ2>σ3 waxed and waned during the Cretaceous-Palaeocene leading to l east 6 successive\, different tectonic regimes. The most robust of these e pisodes\, at ~84 Ma\, was compressive\, with σ1 oriented NNW-SSE\, and pr obably affected the Waterberg plateau and Karas Mountains of Namibia. We are now studying Cenozoic tectonic events in the Cape Fold belt west of Ca pe Agulhas\, and in the Kaapvaal craton at Bultfontein (NW Free State) and near Douglas (SE Northern Cape). In this area the Dwyka diamictite and th e palaeo-Orange gravels are locally tightly co-folded and cut by thrusts w ith vertical throws of up to ~7m.\n*Present day stress. To monitor and int erpret the Grootvloer seismic cluster in the Northern Cape we replaced an obsolete TELS seismic instrument at the Vaalputs site with a compact\, bro ad-band Trillium seismic sensor\, and added two 1-sec sensors of the same make at Aggeneys and Koffiemeul (Bushmanland). The data from these statio ns will be integrated with those from the national network to obtain the f ocal mechanisms of the events. These stress tensors are then combined wit h σH parameters obtained from calliper logs of off-shore wells\, in situ σ1>σ2>σ3 measurements\, and geodetic data. \nOur body of data consisten tly indicates a NNW-SSE oriented σH (nicknamed the Wegener Stress Anomaly or WSA) that prevails across most of central\, southern and western South Africa and Namibia up to the Angola border. In the Congo basin\, however\ , focal mechanisms of a few earthquakes suggest rotation of σH to an E-W direction\, whereas σH oriented NE-SW prevails in E Mpumalanga\, N Natal\ , and northern Limpopo. These NE-SW orientated σH vectors may define the southerly extension of the E African Rift System\, whereas the strike-slip to transpressional character of the WSA and the thrust regimes of Mesozoi c and Cenozoic age elude an explanation based on existing numerical models .\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3989/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3989/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Development of a Solar Desalination Plant DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140930T130000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140930T131500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3990@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Danel Van Tonder (University of the North-West)\nDev elopment of a Solar Desalination Plant\nBy\nD. van Tonder\, Department of Geology University of the North West (danel.vantonder@nwu.ac.za)\nC.J.S. F ourie. Environmental Water and Earth Sciences\, TUT (fouriecjs@tut.ac.za) \n\nABSTRACT\nSouth Africa is considered a water scarce country and water quality is an additional stress affecting available water supply. In the semi-arid to arid regions of the country significant salt loading in grou ndwater occurs where anthropogenic influences can be excluded. Treatment o f these water sources requires desalination. The conventional desalination process requires large amounts of energy\, either in the form of waste he at or grid electricity\, which are not available in many rural areas in So uth Africa. However\, many rural communities in South Africa that do not have reliable access to clean drinking water are situated in geographical areas where the annual solar radiation levels are high and where saline gr oundwater is available. The development and optimization of the solar dist illation designs had to conform to the project goals of affordability\, du rability and performance in supplying sufficient volumes of drinking and c ooking water\, conforming to national health standards. There is a strong argument to use clean energy generation techniques to power desalination plants. The research adopted was largely exploratory and adapted using th e limited number of previous studies available. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the system a simulation of the entire system\, including the solar water heating panels and proposed distillation system\, was cond ucted. Although the proposed design was a solar-assisted distillation syst em\, the distillation process could be viewed as a convective heat and mas s transfer problem\, as in any other distillation processes. The mechanis m involves a temperature rise in the water due to absorbed solar energy an d heat transfer\; in turn the heated water evaporates at the air-water int erface which increases the humidity of the air\, the humid air is cooled t o condense as clean water. This process depends on the water temperature\, vapour pressures\, initial air humidity and a variety of moist air proper ties including specific heat capacity\, thermal diffusivity\, thermal cond uctance\, density and viscosity. The accuracy depends mainly on two temper atures\, namely the evaporation and condensation temperatures of a system. The measured evaporation temperature in the reactor and the condensate te mperature of the condensation tank throughout an average winter day. \n\nT he results revealed that for rural areas not connected to the electricity grid\, it is feasible to invest in solar powered desalination systems inst ead of diesel powered generators. In conclusion the results have provided preliminary novel evidence of the effectiveness in provision of drinking w ater quality water through combining renewable energy technologies with lo w cost desalination technology.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/40/con tributions/3990/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3990/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Structural deformation features of the Bokkeveld Group (Cape Super group) in the Eastern Cape\, South Africa DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141003T070000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141003T071500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3991@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Gideon Brunsdon (Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Univers ity)\nPrevious studies of the Bokkeveld Group focussed mostly on the sedim entation and sedimentary features of this group with a view to interpretin g the depositional environment. This study aims to contribute new informa tion on the structural features of the Bokkeveld Group north-west of Uiten hage in the Eastern Cape\, where there is evidence of folding and pervasiv e thrust faulting\, similar to that occurring in the under- and overlying groups of the Cape Supergroup. \nField work to date shows that predominant ly argillaceous units comprising siltstones\, mudstones\, with lesser aren ites and thin conglomerate beds making up the Bokkeveld Group conformably overly the Table Mountain Group of predominantly arenaceous beds. Both gro ups have been folded into asymmetric anticlines and synclines\, with a pro minent\, south-dipping pervasive cleavage developed in the Bokkeveld Group . The fissile nature of argillaceous beds on outcrop have required that ve ry careful observations of the all important bedding-cleavage relationship in the field are made so that correct interpretations of facing direction of strata can be applied. Thrust faults showing fore-and backthrusts are present in the Bokkeveld Group\, similar to those occurring in the overly ing Witteberg Group. These structures are interpreted to have formed durin g a main deformation phase of the Cape Orogeny\, during the Permian. \nIn places structural orientation data indicate that bedding planes dip predom inantly to the Northeast and to the Southwest. Cleavage dips consistently to the Southeast\, although the dip of the cleavage varies from steeper t o less steep in different formations. A section studies along the Hottent otspoort road revealed that the more arenaceous beds often display folding as the main structural feature\, whilst the argillaceous layers display m ore faulting and small scale folding. Faulting is present throughout the whole section\, mostly in the form of south-southwest dipping reverse faul ts and shallow dipping thrust faults. Strike-slip faulting has also been recorded. Flexure-slip faults occur mainly in the more arenaceous units a nd are associated with large scale folding in the area.\nThis study so far indicates that structural characteristics of the Bokkeveld Group have bee n identified on macro and microscopic scale\, and detailed analyses of the se structures should reveal valuable information with regard to the deform ational history of these rocks. In the field cleavages may easily be mist aken for bedding and this relationship needs to be carefully verified thro ugh microscopic studies. A significant emphasis is placed on this aspect t o avoid incorrect interpretations in the field. The results of this study will inevitably point to the fact that strata have been disrupted by struc tures such as folds and thrust faults to the extent that the stratigraphic order of the Bokkeveld Group in this area will have to be re-assessed.\n\ nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3991/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3991/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Development of a D.C. Resistivity Modelling Laboratory for the Sim ulation of Wenner\, Schlumberger and Dipole-dipole Configurations DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T144500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T150000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3992@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Vincent Mabunda (Tshwane University of Technology)\n D.C. resistivity is an active geophysical method that employs the measurem ent of electrical potential associated with subsurface current flow\, gene rated by a D.C. source. The purpose of any D.C. resistivity survey is to determine the vertical and lateral subsurface resistivity distribution thr ough measurements on the ground surface. \n\nD.C. resistivity is one of th e principal electrical methods that have been used for many decades in geo hydrological\, geotechnical and mining exploration. Due to time constrain ts for students to go to the field and gain practical experience\, a scale modelling tank was designed and developed to simulate the field geology a nd D.C. Resistivity field operations in a laboratory. This improves the s tudent’s study and understanding of the D.C. Resistivity techniques by t he means of simulating the field D.C. Resistivity survey within a laborato ry. \n\nOne modelling tank represents a normal fault and the second tank r epresents normal layering. The Wenner and Dipole-dipole configurations ar e simulated to detect the fault and the normal layering. The Schlumberger configuration is used to simulate D.C. Resistivity soundings. The result s are processed and interpreted using sounding curves\, inversion software and resistivity maps.\n\nKeywords: D.C. resistivity\, Wenner Configuratio n\, Schlumberger Configuration\, Dipole-dipole Configuration\n\nhttps://ev ents.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3992/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3992/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Drying effects on mineral surface catalyzed atrazine degradation DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T094500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T100000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3995@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Adrian Adams (University of Stellenbosch)\nAtrazine\ , a popular herbicide\, endocrine disruptor and possible carcinogen\, is f requently detected in water systems. Its biodegradation in soils is well d ocumented\, but its degradation on soil mineral surfaces is only partially understood. Furthermore\, changing global climate and increased temperatu res could possibly increase occurrences of extreme drying (evaporation) in soils\, a process known to affect various soil mineral surface reactions. Therefore\, the first part of this study investigated atrazine degradatio n on the drying surfaces of Mn-oxide\, Fe-oxide\, Al-oxide\, Al-saturated smectite and quartz. Atrazine degradation appeared to be controlled by sur face redox potential\, with the extent of degradation being: Mn-oxide (66% ) > Fe-oxide (18%) >> other surfaces (~ 0%). The only degradation products formed were atrazine-2-hydroxy (A-OH) and atrazine-desethyl (A-DE). In pa rt two\, the effect of drying rate on degradation was investigated\, by dr ying moist Mn-oxide-atrazine mixtures under gradual (ambient) drying condi tions and rapid drying with an air stream. After 30 days of gradual drying \, 90% of the atrazine was degraded\, however the same extent of degradati on was achieved after only 4 days of rapid drying. In part three\, the rea ction mechanism was investigated. The same rapid drying experiment was per formed under a nitrogen (N2) stream to eliminate oxygen (O2) as possible o xidant. Dissolved Mn2+ was also measured in both rapid drying experiments to detect possible oxidation. No differences were found between air-drying and N2-drying in terms of products formed and extent of degradation\, wit h no Mn2+ being formed either. In all experiments\, only A-OH and A-DE wer e formed\, and degradation initiated only after drying to a critical gravi metric moisture content of 22%. It was concluded that atrazine was degrade d by an overall net non-redox catalysis reaction on drying mineral surface s\, and that this degradation reaction is highly applicable in agricultura l soils where extreme drying\, due to windrowing/tilling\, is possible.\nK EYWORDS: atrazine\, drying-enhanced degradation\, mineral surfaces\, cata lysis\, net non-redox\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions /3995/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3995/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Geotechnical Properties and Foundation Requirements of the Lunar L aser Ranger at Matjiesfontein Space Geodesy Observatory DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140930T123000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140930T124500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3996@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Susan Bothma (Stellenbosch University)\nThe intentio n of this project is to investigate and analyse the requirements for the e mplacement of the Lunar Laser Ranger (LLR) at the Matjiesfontein Space Geo desy Observatory (MGO). To ensure accurate measurements and pointing to th e exact location on the moon the LLR needs a very stable foundation. The f oundation of the LLR should be such that it would cushion the smallest mov ement of the ground. To ensure that the ground on which the 7 ton LLR will be built is stable a complete slope stability analysis needs to be done. This includes investigations for circular slip failure\, wedge failure and planar failure. Other slope stability analyses that have been done at the MGO include the area adjacent to the Gravimeter Vault site\, a proposed s ite for the LLR and the proposed site for the main buildings. All of these studies have determined that these areas are safe to circular slip\, topp ling and wedge failure. The only instability that may occur on the site is possible planar failure if an access road with a cut of 2m is to be made on the northern side of the site. The cut will expose the toe of the incli ned quartzitic sandstone that may lead to a failure. A retaining wall was designed for the site where the administrative buildings will be placed to ensure the safety of the building as a cut will be made into the toe of t he slope. More detailed analysis will be done to determine the rock proper ties of the LLR site and to confirm the stability. \nThe main concern duri ng construction is early thermal shrinkage. Early thermal shrinkage can in fluence the geometry and dimensions of a structure. The cracks can cause d isplacement of the LLR and lower the accuracy of the measurements. Various construction risks have to be taken into consideration to ensure smooth o perations during construction. A complete risk register will be developed prior to the start of construction operations.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org. za/event/40/contributions/3996/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3996/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Light bending General Relativity test during the forthcoming March 2015 total solar eclipse DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140929T124000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140929T130000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3997@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Ludwig Combrinck (Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Obs ervatory)\nAccording to Einstein's General Theory of Relativity (GRT)\, sp acetime curvature in the vicinity of a large mass such as the Sun will cau se light to bend. The measurement of light from stars close to the Sun dur ing a total solar eclipse provides an opportunity to test this light bendi ng\, thus evaluating GRT. During 1919\, Eddington performed such an experi ment\, obtaining results which supported the GRT concept\, catapulting Ein stein into fame. The last documented experiment of this nature was perform ed in 1973\, by the University of Texas\, also producing reasonably convin cing results. All of these test were conducted using long focal length tel escopes\, equipped with photographic plates. Light bending due to spacetim e curvature is an effect which must be compensated for in space geodetic m easurements.\nHere we propose another light bending experiment\, but perfo rmed with a dual refractor telescope\, equipped with a CMOS and CCD camera . A totally different observation strategy is proposed\, where instead of capturing an image of the Sun and its immediate surrounds\, selected star fields will be captured\, and differential astrometry will be used to dete rmine the apparent displacement of stars. Using this approach\, we hope to capture a larger number of stars. Combining this with the higher sensitiv ity of the CCD and CMOS cameras\, as well as by using modern astrometric s oftware\, we expect more accurate results to be obtained than before.\n\nh ttps://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3997/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3997/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Quantifying groundwater-surface water exchange fluxes based on ste ady state riparian area aquifier water balance DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T124500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T130000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3998@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Teboho Shakhane (University of the Free State)\nThe aim of this study was to perform a riparian area aquifer groundwater budge t with an objective to estimate water exchange fluxes at an ungagged Modde r River groundwater-surface water interaction research site. The study was based on the conceptual and quantitative knowledge on hydrogeological-lan dscape units\, recharge to the riparian-area-aquifer\, groundwater evapotr anspiration\, influx from terrestrial-area-aquifer and change in groundwat er storage of the riparian-area-aquifer. Using heat pulse velocity method\ , the riparian evapotranspiration was estimated as 15.15 Mm3/month. For th e southeastern side terrestrial-area-aquifer\, the slope of groundwater ta ble was estimated to approximately be 0.042 with the transmissivity of abo ut 91.73 m2/month. The aquifer width was estimated to be 3000m\; subsequen tly\, influx from the terrestrial-area-aquifer into the riparian-area-aqui fer was computed to be 235.68 Mm3. On the northwestern terrestrial-area-aq uifer\, the slope of groundwater table was estimated to approximately be 0 .041 with the transmissivity of about 1.44 m2/month. With similar average aquifer width\, influx from the terrestrial-area-aquifer into the riparian -area-aquifer was approximated to be 6.71 Mm3. Change in storage was appro ximated to be -18087.15 m3/month for the southeastern riparian-area-aquife r and 5166.45 m3/month for the northwestern riparian-area-aquifer. Using t he soil moisture balance model\, the average annual recharge computed for the riparian-area-aquifer was approximately 8.67 mm. Subsequently baseflow was estimated for the southeastern reach to be 220.54 Mm3/month and -8.45 Mm3/month for the northwestern reach using a groundwater budget model.\nK eywords: Modder River\, Riparian-area-aquifer\, Terrestrial-area-aquifer\, Groundwater budget\, Baseflow\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/40/cont ributions/3998/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3998/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Baseline Groundwater Hydrochemistry and Aquifer Connectivity of th e Eastern Cape Karoo Prior to the Proposed Hydraulic Fracturing of Shale G as DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141001T091000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141001T092000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-3999@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Moipone Precious (obo Divan Stroebel) Mokoena (AEON - NMMU)\nThe anticipated exploration and exploitation of Karoo Shale Gas h as raised considerable debate about the benefits and risks associated with this process for both the Karoo\, and the country as a whole. Focus has b een placed on the potential impact of hydraulic fracturing on ecological\, environmental and especially its scarce water resources. The Karoo region is highly dependent on groundwater as an important water resource and it will become increasingly so. Thus\, groundwater management and the sustain ability thereof are of prime importance.\nThis research will aim to hydroc hemically characterise both the shallow groundwater (<300m) and deeper sal ine groundwater in the vicinity of the Shale Gas bearing formations\, base d on major and trace elements\, as well as gas isotope analyses. Sampling will include water sampling and gas measurements from shallow boreholes (< 300m)\, SOEKOR drillholes (oil exploration holes drilled in the 60’s and 70’s up to 4km deep) and thermal springs (source of water >500m).\nTo-d ate\, a desktop study includes the collation of information determining th e areas with the highest potential for Shale Gas Exploration throughout th e Eastern Cape Karoo. All recorded boreholes obtained from online database s of the Department of Water Affairs (DWA) have been spatially visualised in these areas. A Hydrocensus will follow\, during which downhole electric al conductivity profiling of the water column will be recorded. Borehole s election will be finalised from the acquired information. These boreholes will be sampled a minimum of three times which will occur after summer (Ap ril/May) and winter (October/November). The sampling will be preceded by purging of all inactive boreholes.\nThe hydrochemical results will be pres ented as chemical ratios by use of graphs\, Piper Diagrams\, Durov Diagram s and Expanded Durov Diagrams. Relevant parameters will be compiled and tr anslated into spatial GIS maps.\nThe possible hydraulic connectivity betwe en the shallow and deep aquifers will be tested\, particularly in those ar eas where dolerite intrusions as well as fault systems may enhance prefere ntial flow of water\, using the chemical forensics complemented with passi ve seismic profiling/imaging and deep penetrating Magneto-Telluric imaging .\nThe research is critical for the successful governance of groundwater i n light of the proposed Shale Gas development. In its absence\, effective regulation of the sector will not be possible.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org .za/event/40/contributions/3999/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/3999/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Seismic vault construction and challenges\; HartRAO and Klerefonte in DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141003T080000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141003T081500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-4000@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Malebo Sharon Rakgalakane (Tshwane University of Tec hnology)\nThe National Academic Co-located Seismology Network is a collabo rative project between Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO ) and Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) whereby at least twelve seism ic stations are to be built across South Africa\, Marion and Gough islands . These stations are to continuously monitor real-time seismic events for scientific use and seismic risk determination.\nBefore construction of eac h station various parameters need to be carefully considered: a geological survey of the site and the civil engineering design that will suit this g eology\, to cater for different environmental conditions. It is best for a seismic station to be located on bedrock\, so as to ensure good coupling between instrumentation and the local geology.\nAn underground vault was c onstructed at HartRAO utilizing precast chamber sections: these sections a re engineered to withstand the pressure of overburden safely. \nThe constr uction at Klerefontein is to have a similar design as at HartRAO with the main difference being the excavation process. Due to the shallow bedrock\, the vault can be constructed at a site where it can be partly buried. The structure is to be placed directly on the surface and boulders of rock wi ll be added around the structure to create a small man-made hill\, blendin g with the local environment and effectively burying the vault. Klerefonte in is a challenging site as it is remote and there is no easy access to bu ilding material and earth-working machinery.\nThe construction process and challenges experienced with the HartRAO vault will be discussed\, togethe r with an overview of anticipated construction steps and challenges at Kle refontein.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/4000/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/4000/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Understanding source rock contribution to hydrocarbon accumulation and natural gas leakages in the Bredasdorp Basin- a 3D basin modelling st udy DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140930T131500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140930T133000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-4001@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Wasiu Sonibare (Stellenbosch University)\nTo assess the total petroleum system and prospectivity of the Western Bredasdorp Bas in (WBB)\, this study investigates the contribution of Upper Jurassic-Cret aceous source rocks to the reservoired hydrocarbons and natural gas leakag es using a 3D basin modelling technique. The established 3D model is based on an integration of subsurface datasets (2D seismics\, well data and cor es) and links the present-day configuration and related tectonic/geodynami c evolution of the basin at a crustal scale (Sonibare et al.\, 2014) with the local- to regional-scale thermal histories of the Southern African con tinental margin. By analysing the temporal and spatial distribution of cri tical moment for hyrocarbon generation\, migration and accumulation\, we f ind that three periods\, coinciding with the main phases of hydrocarbon ge neration and expulsion\, characterise the reservoir filling history of the basin. The first period corresponds to the Early Cretaceous syn-rift rapi d subsidence and sedimentation rates. While the second period indicates th e significance of post-rift thermal subsidence and the heating effect of t he Late Cretaceous-Early Tertiary hotspot-related heat flow pulse\, the th ird period corresponds to the Miocene margin uplift and thermal perturbati on. According to our results\, the largest amounts of hydrocarbon accumul ations and possible seafloor gas leakages are respectively contributed by the syn-rift Late Hauterivian and Mid Hauterivian source rocks. By perform ing a series of sensitivity tests\, we further gain better insights into t he timing of migration pathways and dynamics. We consider the scenario tha t couples faulting activity\, seal bridging mechanism and facies heterogen eity as our best approximation of the probable controlling factors of migr ation\, accumulation and leakage\, as it gives the best location of discov ered accumulations and observed leakages in the WBB.\n\nKeywords: Southern South Atlantic\, Basin modelling\, Sensitivity analysis\, Basin dynamics\ , Source rocks\, Reservoir history\, Seafloor leakage\n\nhttps://events.sa ip.org.za/event/40/contributions/4001/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/4001/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Geotechnical investigations at Matjiesfontein Space Geodesy Observ atory for the emplacement of geodetic and geoscience instruments DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140930T120000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140930T121500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-4002@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Leon Croukamp (Stellenbosch University)\nThe donatio n of a 1 m Cassegrain telescope by France to HartRAO facilitated the devel opment of a combined Satellite and Lunar Laser Ranger (S/LLR). The S/LLR w ill be located at Matjiesfontein\, South Africa and will be collocated wit h a gravimeter\, seismograph and a Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GN SS) receiver. In addition to the mentioned instruments\, the site could be considered for the installation of two 34 m dishes as part of the NASA De ep Space Tracking Network. These dishes may be suitable for International Celestial Reference Frame VLBI experiments. The possible future installati on of a DORIS system will further enhance satellite tracking and orbit cal culations.\nGeotechnical properties of the terrain at Matjiesfontein are o f crucial importance for the stability of these instruments as they should be anchored to firm bedrock. This will allow the measurement of the Earth ’s crust and allow precise orbit and range determination. The LLR is des igned to achieve sub-cm accuracy ranges from Earth to the retro-reflectors placed on the lunar surface during the Apollo and Lunokhod era. Geotechni cal work undertaken at the designated Matjiesfontein site includes measure ments of the strength of materials\, slope stability\, road design and exc avation depth. An accurate 3D model (within 10 cm) of the terrain is also being created through the collection of high density height measurements w ith the use of GPS instruments.\nInvestigations also include appropriate p lacement of administrative buildings\, sewerage tank placement and install ation and distribution of services such as access\, water\, electricity an d potential future communication lines such as fibre-optic cable. The acce ss road to the site is severely eroded and an appropriate design inclusive of low level river crossings will be done based on predicted future use. An environmental impact assessment is currently underway and should be com pleted by the year end. Here we report on the progress to date and provide an outline of future work to be done.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event /40/contributions/4002/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/4002/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Pore pressure prediction of some selected wells\; Insight from the Southern Pletmos\, Bredasdorp basin\, Offshore South Africa DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T130000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T131500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-4003@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Oluwatoyin Ayodele (University of the Western Cape)\ nAn accurate prediction of pore pressure is an essential in reducing the r isk involved in a well or field life cycle. This has formed an integral pa rt of routine work for exploration\, development and exploitation team in the oil and gas industries. Several factors such as sediment compaction\, overburden\, lithology characteristic\, hydrocarbon pressure and capillary entry pressure contribute significantly to the cause of overpressure. Hen ce\, understanding the dynamics associated with the above factors will cer tainly reduce the risk involved in drilling and production. This study exa mined three deep water drilled wells GA-W1\, GA-N1\, and GA-AA1 of lower c retaceous Hauterivian to early Aptian age between 112 to 117.5 (MA) Southe rn Pletmos sub-basin\, Bredasdorp basin offshore South Africa. The study a imed to determine the pore pressure prediction of the reservoir formation of the wells. Eaton’s resistivity and Sonic method are adopted using de pth dependent normal compaction trendline (NCT) has been carried out for t his study. The variation of the overburden gradient (OBG)\, the Effectiv e stress\, Fracture gradient (FG)\, Fracture pressure (FP)\, Pore pressur e gradient (PPG) and the predicted pore pressure (PPP) has been study for the selected wells. The overburden change slightly as follow: 2.09g/cm3\, 2.23g/cm3 and 2.24g/cm3 across the selected intervals depth of wells. An a ccurate mud-weights of 1.98g/cm3\, 2.12g/cm3 and 2.6g/cm3 are observes for the wells which are within the ranges of least mud-weights constant value (200psi/ 0.461 g/cm3) at hydrostatic level required in drilling hole to a void loss of circulations or kicks. The predicted pore pressure calculat ed for the intervals selected depths of wells GA-W1\, GA-N1 and GA-AA1 als o varies slightly down the depths as follow: 3\,405 psi\, 4\,110 psi\, 5\, 062 psi respectively. The overpressure zone and normal pressure zone was e ncountered in well GA-W1\, while normal pressure zone was experienced in b oth well GA-N1 and GA-AA1.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contribu tions/4003/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/4003/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:A structural and geochemical analysis of the Karoo sedimentary roc ks along dolerite dyke and sill contacts with implications on shale gas po tential DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141001T081000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141001T082000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-4004@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Vhuhwavhohau Nengovhela (Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University)\nThe main Karoo basin sedimentary sequence covers an approxim ate area of 700 000km2\, and attains a thickness of more than 5Km. The emp lacement of the Karoo Large Igneous Province (LIP) through dolerite dykes and sills\, and lava flows (ca 183Ma) led to extensive devolitilization\, metasomatism\, and out-gassing of approximately 2000Gt of carbon dioxide a nd methane into the atmosphere. The effects of these intrusive rocks chall enges shale gas reserves in Karoo Basin. \nThe purpose of this study is to address the effect of dolerite intrusions on the Karoo sedimentary strata along contact aureoles\, so as to understand the Pressure-Temperature (P/ T) conditions that prevailed at the time of contact metamorphism and ultim ately the effect on shale gas content. Field mapping and sampling of conta cts will be conducted along a transect from the Eastern Cape coastline to the basaltic outcrops. The changes in mineralogy of the host rocks\, therm al maturity\, and fluid inclusion chemistry will be investigated using ana lytical techniques such as SEM\, TEM\, and fluid inclusion microthermometr y on samples collected along contact aureoles. \nThe results of this study will assist in quantifying the effects of dolerite intrusions on the Karo o sediments in the Eastern Cape Province\; it will also shed light to P/T conditions prevailing at the time of magmatic activity and the subsequent effects on shale gas potential. \n\nKEY WORDS: Karoo Basin\, dolerite dike s and sills\, contact metamorphism\, gas content.\n\nhttps://events.saip.o rg.za/event/40/contributions/4004/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/4004/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Development of an integrated timing and photon detection system fo r the HartRAO Lunar Laser Ranger DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140930T103000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140930T104500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-4005@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Cilence Munghemezulu (HartRAO &\; UP)\nThe Harteb eesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in South Africa is currentl y developing a Lunar Laser Ranger (LLR) system in collaboration with the O bservatoire de la Côte d'Azur (OCA) and NASA. The station will improve th e current LLR network\, especially in the Southern Hemisphere\; this stati on will also contribute towards our current understanding of fundamental p hysics and the Earth-Moon system. To better understand the Earth-Moon syst em\, the measurements made by the station are required to be at sub-centim etre accuracy levels. \n\nTiming and photon detection systems are fundamen tal components which can affect the accuracy of the measurements. We prese nt a design of the timing and photon detection system for the LLR station. The design is modular and will allow addition of Satellite Laser Ranger ( SLR) capability at a later stage. The preliminary design indicates that th e timing sub-system will achieve picosecond-level (ps) timing resolution w ith an Allan deviation of 4 x 10-11 at 1 second and a drift rate of 1 x 10 -12 per 24 hours. The expected random error contributions by the photon de tection systems for LLR and SLR are ~ 200 ps RMS and ~ 52 ps RMS per photo n respectively\, if maximum errors are considered. These errors translate to ~ 30 mm and ~ 8 mm single shot for LLR and SLR respectively. These erro rs are introduced by electronic instabilities\, thermal variations and jit ter during ranging. Statistical effects during the computation of a normal point (an averaged number of single shots) reduce these errors significan tly. \n\nImplementation of the proposed timing and photon detection system s will contribute towards high accuracy measurements at sub-centimetre lev el.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/4005/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/4005/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Borehole stratigraphy\, organic geochemistry and petrography of Pe rmo-Carboniferous Lower Ecca black shales: Implications for their shale ga s potential DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141001T074000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141001T075500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-4006@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Naledi Chere (AEON - NMMU)\nIn the Main Karoo Basin\ , Permo-Carboniferous black shales of the Lower Ecca Group\, especially th e Prince Albert and Whitehill Formations\, are considered to be a potentia l source of shale gas. Core samples of shale were collected from eight bor eholes predominantly drilled in the 1960’s\, and stored at the Council f or Geosciences’ core library in Pretoria. The carbonaceous black shale o f the Whitehill Formation attains a maximum thickness of 60m in the wester n portion basin\, whereas an average thickness of approximately 33m is rec orded in the south western region of the basin. Due to the occurrence of s uch thick successions of black shales\, the Karoo Basin is one of the targ eted regions for shale gas exploration. \nThe samples were analysed for th eir gas potential\, using standard shale gas exploration parameters\, whic h entails detailed source rock characterization. This has been accomplishe d mainly through organic petrology and organic geochemistry. Organic petro graphy included techniques such as optical microscopy and electron microsc opy (i.e. SEM\, FIB-SEM). These are important in identifying compositional and textural variability within the rock. Complementary geochemical analy sis such as Rock Eval and GC MS were crucial in determining factors like f raction of gas present as adsorbed gas\, organic matter type and TOC conte nt. \nThe mineralogical composition\, as observed through thin section mic roscopy\, is dominated by quartz\, feldspars\, clays and carbonates. Moreo ver\, the shale samples were shown to predominantly consist of alternating layers of silt-enriched and mud-enriched horizons through thin section st udies. Investigations with the XRF technique showed SiO2 to be the dominan t major element component. In addition\, XRD analyses reveal quartz to be the dominant mineral phase in most of the samples. SEM further confirms th e dominance of quartz and clay minerals (illite). The enrichment in quartz indicates high brittleness of the shale which is crucial for controlled h ydraulic fracking and successful extraction of potentially tight gas. SEM was used to further identify minerals that appear opaque under the optical microscope (e.g. pyrite) as well as to identify organic matter. FIB-SEM w as utilized to study rock specimen at a nanometer scale\, enabling the ide ntification of organic matter\, porosity within the organic matter as well as intragranular porosity. \nTotal organic carbon (TOC) content must be g reater than 0.5 wt % for the rock to be a potential source rock. The Karoo shale samples reach a maximum of 7.3 wt% TOC in the south western region of the basin. The samples from borehole KI1/65 record the highest TOC valu es and adsorbed methane content\, as detected by thermovap-GC\, with up to 10.2 µg/g CH4. Open pyrolysis analysis show the organic matter from samp les of well LA 1/68 to be of Type III type kerogen\, the QU 1/65 to be Typ e I/II and the samples of KI 1/65 to consists organic matter of both Type I/II and Type III. The combination of the results from these geochemical t echniques and the understanding of the evolution of the Karoo basin (i.e. thickness variation\, thermal history\, variation in depositional environm ents) have been used to characterize the shales from the Main Karoo Basin for their gas potential.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributi ons/4006/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/4006/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:INVITED LECTURE (Shale Gas): Karoo GeoHydrology DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T140000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T143000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-4007@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Fanie de Lange (IGS UFS)\nhttps://events.saip.org.za /event/40/contributions/4007/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/4007/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Petrological investigation of Merensky Reef Unit lithologies at Tw o Rivers Platinum Mine and comparison to stratigraphically similar rocks n orth of the Steelpoort fault\, eastern Bushveld Complex\, South Africa DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T081500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141002T083000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-4008@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Jarlen Beukes (University of the Free State)\nThis r esearch study focuses on the enigmatic occurrence of noritic lenses (terme d “brown sugar norite” by mine geologists\, here after referred to as BSN)\, within the feldspathic pyroxenite of the Merensky Reef (MR) at Two Rivers Platinum Mine which is situated on the southern sector of the easte rn limb of the Bushveld Complex. The cumulate rocks associated with the MR unit are characterised by the use of geochemistry and mineralogy and comp ared to stratigraphically similar rock types north of the Steelpoort fault at Eerste Geluk.\nThe BSN are fine-grained and appear to only occur where the upper chromite stringer of the MR unit is present. Orthopyroxene is t he dominant cumulate phase in both the BSN and feldspathic pyroxenite foll owed by interstitial plagioclase. Clinopyroxene occurs mostly as exsolved lamellae phase within orthopyroxene and intermittent rims around orthopyro xene which could be attributed to a decrease in temperature and compositio nal change of the melt. Textural features of the different rock types sugg est recrystallization of minerals and disequilibrium of magma. At Eerste G eluk BSN is absent\, minerals of the Merensky lithologies display more alt eration or deformation and a higher concentration of hydrous minerals. Eer ste Geluk’s close proximity to the Steelpoort fault makes it plausible f or dynamic magmatic processes to have been active (Cawthorn et al.\, 2002) resulting in the alteration of minerals. Strontium isotope analyses of fi ve representative samples of the Merensky interval at TRP yielded 87Sr/86S r typical of Critical Zone Magma. The BSN has a lower 87Sr/86Sr ratio rela tive to pyroxenite. PGMs occur associated with base metal sulphides (BMS)\ , silicates and chromite (Kinloch\, 1982). Results show that pentlandite c ontains a higher concentration of PGEs relative to pyrrhotite and chalcopy rite. Pd is the most dominant PGE present in BMS analysed with concentrati ons ranging between 0.5 to 428 ppm.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/40 /contributions/4008/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/4008/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:The effect of faulting and dolerite intrusions on gas-bearing pote ntial of lower Karoo strata DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140929T120000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140929T122000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-4009@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Peter Booth (Research Associate - NMMU)\nThere are t wo phenomena that would have had a detrimental effect on natural gas conta ined in strata of the Ecca Group\, in that at least some of the contained gas would have escaped\, or at least been redistributed. These phenomena a re (i) deformation features associated with the Cape Fold Belt (CFB) and\, (ii) large scale intrusion of dolerites during the Mesozoic. \nDeformatio n features of importance include faults\, joints and\, to a lesser extent\ , cleavages associated with folding during the Cape Orogeny. Normal faults are not that common in Karoo strata\, but thrust faults are prevalent. Th e latter are ubiquitous in Cape Supergroup strata near the coast. However\ , recent studies have shown that this type of faulting extends northwards from the coast for some 300 km\, and does affect Karoo strata. A deformati on front therefore is defined between Matjiesfontein to Beaufort West\, ex tending on to Fort Beaufort\, and then onwards towards East London. \nSeis mic surveys conducted by Stankiewiscz and Lindeque in the southern part of the Karoo Basin confirm the presence of thrust faults that transect and d isplace Cape and Karoo strata\, right up to the frontal zones of deformati on near Beaufort West. These surveys show that gas-bearing strata of the W hitehill Formation are disrupted\, thus providing escape channelways for r edistribution of gas in these and overlying horizons. It remains yet to be quantified to what extent these faults have caused redistribution and esc ape of gas originally contained in lower Karoo horizons. There is therefor e a need for petrophysical studies of fault zones to be conducted\, partic ularly in this fontal region of the CFB\, to arrive at some quantification of results.\nThe effect of dolerite dykes that have intruded gas bearing strata and effectively driven off gas in lower Karoo rocks would probably not be as great as those of sills and sheets of dolerite (e.g. Thabankulu) \, where heat from the larger igneous bodies would be more widespread. Th e latter intrusions would more effectively have driven off the gas from th e host rocks (Whitehill Formation). In a best case scenario\, exploration for gasfields north of the escarpment may be favourably pursued\, albeit i n smaller segments of the Karoo .\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/40/c ontributions/4009/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/4009/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Low-level river crossings and erosion repair of the access road fo r general ease of access and secure transportation of the Lunar Laser Rang er and Radio Telescope equipment to the Matjiesfontein Space Geodesy Obser vatory DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140930T121500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20140930T123000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-4010@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Cornel Janse van Rensburg (Stellenbosch University)\ nThe Matjiesfontein Space Geodesy Observatory will be home to large and se nsitive high-tech instruments which ought to be carefully transported to t he observatory. The access road to and on the site itself intercepts five drainage channels and there are currently no existing structures to allow for safe and reliable passage. Three low-level river crossings were design ed to withstand 1:20 year floods in order to grant access to heavy vehicle traffic for delivering the instruments securely and for hauling material during construction. Seasonal runoff is further responsible for a fair amo unt of erosion to the road itself\, causing damage to an extent such that access to the site per normal light vehicle is practically impossible. Rec ommendations are made for the repair of the road that would also allow acc ess to regular staff once the observatory is in operation. The problem is receiving further attention currently with the aim of implementing a final gravel road design with special consideration to sufficient side drainage . In addition to the Lunar Laser Ranger\, two 34m diameter NASA Radio Tele scope antennas will also require cautious transportation to the site. Appr opriate foundations will need to be designed to ensure exceptional stabili ty of the structures\, as they need to point accurately at distant celesti al objects\, survive high wind speeds and resist any seismic activity. The antennas will be used for conducting geodetic Very Long Baseline Interfer ometry (VLBI) experiments\, among others. This is the only long distance t echnique in earth observation to present the absolute orientation of the e arth in an inertial coordinate system to high accuracy (Clark\, 2003). The instruments would also have to be undisturbed in the case of disastrous e vents such as possible landslides\, flooding etc. These events will be ana lyzed and the optimum locations on site will be determined and identified for installing each of the structures.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event /40/contributions/4010/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/4010/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:The Seismicity of the Eastern Cape Province DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141003T074500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141003T080000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-4011@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Charmaine Mahlagaume (Tshwane University of Technolo gy)\nOne of the fundamental requirements to the study and understanding of seismicity in any region is through the accurate location of earthquakes within the area of interest\, determining spectral parameters and seismic moments. The principle aim of this study is re-evaluating the phase readin gs and location of the instrumentally recorded earthquakes in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa during the period 1980 to 1989. The basis of this research was formed from the earthquake bulletins compiled from rout ine seismic analysis. These bulletins in principle consist of phase inform ation (most often body-wave travel-time readings) observed at different se ismological stations. These observations are then reduced to earthquake lo cations (epicenters).\nThe phase readings mentioned above are detected fro m the seismic stations built in an area depending on how quiet the local c onditions are\, the lower the background noise from human and natural reso urces such as traffic\, the more likely the station will be able to detect earthquake signals. The phase information was typed in as digital record \, to re-locating the event using the SEISAN earthquake analysis software. \nIn the Eastern Cape I entered phase readings from registered local and r egional earthquakes manually and relocated the events from the existing ph ase reading data. Using this program you are able to search the data base for particular events without extracting the events. In addition\, second ary seismic phases will be determined through a ray-tracing technique to b etter restrain earthquake depths in the region. A uniform magnitude scale will be adopted and the focal mechanism of the largest earthquakes determi ned where sufficient phase readings are available. The resulting database will be used to ascertain whether the recorded seismicity can be related to existing geological lineaments and tectonics in the Eastern Cap\n\nhttp s://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/4011/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/4011/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Induced seismicity in South Africa. Failure mechanisms\, source pa rameters and magnitude estimates DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141003T081500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20141003T083000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260510T210115Z UID:indico-contribution-40-4012@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Rookshana Ebrahim-Trollope (University of Cape Town) \nNatural seismicity within South Africa is limited to low-moderate magnit ude intraplate activity broadly grouped into clusters such as Ceres\, Koff iefontein\, Lesotho and Namaqua clusters or swams. Intraplate seismicity i s ~ 10 % of global natural seismicity with a smaller Mmax in South Africa of about ML = 6.3. The vast majority of “recorded” seismicity in South Africa occurs in the centre of the very stable Kaapvaal Craton within the Witwatersrand gold basin. These events are almost wholly induced by minin g despite some suggestions of triggering of paleoenergy. The maximum magni tude induced event recorded to date was about a ML = 5.2 event.\nMethods a nd techniques for studying induced events have been transferred directly f rom earthquake seismology since no systematic differences have been found\ , though many have been observed. This includes failure models\, magnitude and source parameter estimates and statistical hazard quantifications. Ma jor differences between natural and induced events are details of heteroge neity and the proximity of infrastructure and people to the source. Natur al events are up to 10’s km while induced events are within 100’s of m eters. The Richter or local magnitude scale (ML) has been used\, with some modifications\, to measure the size of earthquakes since 1935. It has lon g been recognised that this single-number representation of a multi-dimens ional phenomenon is inadequate and cannot fully describe the energy releas ed by an earthquake or the displacement caused by it. This study aims to i dentify and quantify the effect of various factors on estimates of the siz e of events and how this affects hazard quantifications. I propose three p arameters to eatimate the size of a seismic event namely\, (i) Area of the source (m2)\, (ii) Energy per unit area of the source (KJ/m2and (iii) Azi muth of strongest shaking (degrees).\n\nKEYWORDS: Seismic magnitude\, spec tra and source parameters\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contribut ions/4012/ LOCATION:Matjiesfontein's Lord Milner Hotel Conference Room\, Matjiesfonte in Station URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/40/contributions/4012/ END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR