Earth Sciences
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Research is organized in the broad fields of Environmental Water & Science and Applied Geology. The main research areas are in Petroleum Geology, Economic Geology/ Exploration Geochemistry, Tectonic Evolution, Integrated Water Resource Management and Groundwater studies under the leadership of the UNESCO Chair.
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Determining optimal new generation satellite derived metrics for accurate C3 and C4 grass species aboveground biomass estimation in South Africa
(MDPI, 2018)While satellite data has proved to be a powerful tool in estimating C3 and C4 grass species Aboveground Biomass (AGB), finding an appropriate sensor that can accurately characterize the inherent variations remains a ... -
Ecosystem engineering by hummock-building earthworms in seasonal wetlands of eastern South Africa: Insights into the mechanics of biomorphodynamic feedbacks in wetland ecosystems
(Wiley, 2018)This paper resolves the origin of clay hummock micro-topography in seasonal wetlands of the Drakensberg Foothills, providing a review and appraisal of previously-suggested mechanisms of hummock formation in the context ... -
The Pongola Floodplain, South Africa – Part 2: Holistic environmental flows assessment
(Water Research Commission, 2018)A holistic environmental flows (EFlows) assessment, undertaken as part of Ecological Reserve determination studies for selected surface water, groundwater, estuaries and wetlands in the Usuthu/Mhlatuze Water Management ... -
Environmental flow assessments are not realizing their potential as an aid to basin planning
(Frontiers Media, 2018)Multiple planned dams in developing countries, mostly for hydropower, are threatening some of the world’s great river systems. Concern over their social and environmental impacts has led to hydropower being excluded from ... -
Geochemistry and weathering history of the Balfour sandstone formation, Karoo basin, South Africa: Insight to provenance and tectonic setting
(Elsevier, 2018)Geochemical analysis on sandstones from clastic sediments was carried out to understand the tectonic setting and subsequent post-depositional change in the Karoo basinal fill of the fluvial deposits of the Balfour Formation ... -
Pinpointing areas of increased soil erosion risk following land cover change in the Lake Manyara catchment, Tanzania
(Elsevier, 2018)Lack of long-term scientific land cover and erosional data impedes the development of sustainable land management plans to tackle land degradation and soil erosion problems in Tanzania. Using Landsat imagery, almost three ... -
Application of multi‑method approach to assess groundwater–surface water interactions, for catchment management
(Springer, 2018)Globally, the dependence of river systems to delayed discharge of subsurface water to augment flows during dry seasons is well documented. Discharge of fresh subsurface water can dilute concentrated river flow quality ... -
Water use dynamics of young and mature apple trees planted in South African orchards: a case study of the Golden Delicious and Cripps’ Pink cultivars
(Copernicus Publications, 2018)Apple orchards have previously been bearing 60–80 t ha-1 at most. However in recent years yield has increased to more than 100 t ha-1. There is need to understand the water requirements of the high yielding orchards, ... -
Near real time water quality monitoring of Chivero and Manyame lakes of Zimbabwe
(Copernicus Publications, 2018)Zimbabwe’s water resources are under pressure from both point and non-point sources of pollution hence the need for regular and synoptic assessment. In-situ and laboratory based methods of water quality monitoring are ... -
An overview of trace elements in soils of Keana-Awe Brine-Fields, Middle Benue Trough, Nigeria
(Taylor & Francis: STM, Behavioural Science and Public Health Titles, 2017)The objective of this study was to determine the concentration of trace elements in soils of Keana-Awe brine-fields. Composite soil samples were randomly collected at a depth of 0–15 cm and were analysed for molybdenum, ... -
Estimating above-ground biomass in sub-tropical buffer zone community Forests, Nepal, using Sentinel 2 data
(MDPI, 2018)Accurate assessment of above-ground biomass (AGB) is important for the sustainable management of forests, especially buffer zone (areas within the protected area, where restrictions are placed upon resource use and special ... -
Characterising the water use and hydraulic properties of riparian tree invasions: A case study of Populus canescens in South Africa
(Water Research Commission, 2018)Invasive alien plants (IAPs) pose a serious threat to the already limited water resources in dry countries like South Africa which are facing increasing water shortages. Much of South Africa is expected to get drier in ... -
Developments in the remote sensing of soil erosion in the perspective of sub-Saharan Africa. Implications on future food security and biodiversity
(Elsevier, 2018)The remote sensing of soil erosion has gained substantial consideration, with considerable scientific research work having been conducted in the past, due to technological improvements that have resulted in the release of ... -
The organisation of urban agriculture in Cape Town, South Africa: A social capital perspective
(Taylor & Francis, 2018)This article explores urban agriculture in Cape Town and its organisational forms. Based on a literature review of peerreviewed articles and grey literature, it examines the state of linkages among urban farmers and various ... -
Transformation between phreatic water and soil water during freeze–thaw periods
(MDPI, 2018)During freeze–thaw periods, the exchange between shallow groundwater and soil water is unusually strong and bidirectional, which causes soil salinization and affects the accuracy of water resources assessment. The ... -
Understanding the spatial distribution of eroded areas in the former rural homelands of South Africa: Comparative evidence from two new non-commercial multispectral sensors
(Elsevier, 2018)In this study, we determine the most suitable multispectral sensor that can accurately detect and map eroded areas from other land cover types in Sekhukhune rural district, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Specifically, the ... -
Effect of landcover/land-use changes on water availability in and around Ruti Dam in Nyazvidzi catchment, Zimbabwe
(Water Research Commission, 2018)The aim of this study was to quantify the upstream land-use and landcover changes and assess their effect on Ruti Dam levels and water availability in Nyazvidzi catchment. Remote-sensing techniques, hydrologic modelling ... -
Characterizing the spatio-temporal variations of C3 and C4 dominated grasslands aboveground biomass in the Drakensberg, South Africa
(Elsevier, 2018)C3 and C4 grass species composition, with different physiological, morphological and most importantly phenological characteristics, influence Aboveground Biomass (AGB) and their ability to provide ecosystem goods and ... -
Characterization of macropore structure of Malan loess in NW China based on 3D pipe models constructed by using computed tomography technology
(Elsevier, 2018)Malan loess is a grayish yellow or brownish yellow, clastic, highly porous and brittle late Quaternary sediment formed by the accumulation of windblown dust. The present-day pore structure of Malan loess is crucial for ... -
A synthesis of past, current and future research for protection and management of papyrus (Cyperus papyrus L.) wetlands in Africa
(Springer Verlag, 2014)Papyrus wetlands (dominated by the giant sedge Cyperus papyrus L.) occur throughout eastern, central and southern Africa and are important for biodiversity, for water quality and quantity regulation and for the livelihoods ...
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