Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
School of Physical Sciences
Department of Geology
Selected Highlights from Research Findings
Investigations by Dr Adam Bumby and colleagues from Rhodes University and the University of Alberta, Canada, have been undertaken on sandstone pillars exposed in the circa 190 million year old Clarens Formation in southern Africa.
Research findings indicate that these pillars are interpreted as fossilised termite mounds, and show that termites were building very large-scale structures. In order to achieve this level of complexity in their architecture, it is most likely that the termites had evolved eusocialism in their behaviour.
This is at odds with previous suggestions that eusocial behaviour in insects only evolved in the Cretaceous (some ninety millions years later), co-evolving with flowering plants. In addition, findings suggest that the evolution of such behaviour is in part controlled by environment and, in turn, plate tectonics.
The enigmatic northwards orientation of these sandstone pillars are less easy to explain, but remain under investigation.
Dr AJ Bumby
Geology
+27 (0) 12 420 3316
adam.bumby@up.ac.za
The Cradle of Humankind, a World Heritage Site, is underlain by the karstified Malmani Dolomites of the Chuniespoort Group. High yielding karst aquifers, which represent the only water source for many towns, rural settlements and farms in the region, are developed in its chert-rich Eccles and Monte Christo formations.
The aim of this research project is to develop groundwater management strategies for the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site as per UNESCO requirements.
Findings include:
· Chemical characterisation of source (Acid Mine Drainage);
· Geochemical identification of contamination plume down to Sterkfontein (mixing of contaminated and clean water);
· Identification of a negative frame (i.e. uncontaminated background water quality); and
· Proposal to DWAF for new monitoring sites.
Future research will focus on the continuous monitoring of selected springs and boreholes; characterising of plume movement (water quality); the drilling and monitoring of new boreholes under discussion in the Cradle Task Team (amongst others DWAF & CGS); characterising of plume movement to determine recharge in the Cradle of Humankind; determining dilution and sustainable yield through vulnerability mapping of the Cradle of Humankind and identifying sensitive areas and developing groundwater management strategies.
Dr KT Witthueser
Geology
+27 (0) 12 420 2794
kai.witthueser@up.ac.za
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