Research overview
The Department of Earth Sciences is one of the leading training and research centres in South Africa in general geology, including structural and economic geology, palaeontology, petrology, and geoochemistry. It is equally successfully engaged in hydrogeology and environmental biogeochemistry.
Prof Susanne Fietz
Environmental Geochemistry
My research helps understanding how global changes affect structure and functioning of aquatic ecosystems and air quality. To that end, I study modern systems and sedimentary archives. This approach provides essential information on past and present conditions for those...
Prof Alakendra Roychoudhury
Marine biogeochemistry & environmental geochemistry
My research interests involve understanding of elemental cycling in low-temperature aquatic environments. This includes the role of bioactive trace metals in ocean processes within Southern and Atlantic oceans, which are linked to primary production...
Dr Amy Allwright
Hydrogeology
I am a groundwater scientist and university lecturer whose work integrates numerical modelling, isotope hydrogeology, and field-based investigations to solve applied water problems in southern Africa. My research focuses on groundwater system characterisation, contaminant transport...
Prof Bjorn von der Heyden
Petrography, Geometallurgy
My research interests include understanding the processes of ore mineralisation in hydrothermal, magmatic and chemical sedimentary sub-classes, and modelling the detailed geometallurgical characterisation of these deposits to facilitate enhanced efficiencies in downstream...
Dr Matthew Mayne
Phase equilibria modelling
I am interested in developing methods in phase equilibria modelling and petrological analysis of rocks. Concurrent to this methodology research, I focus on research that uses process-oriented investigations involving mass transfer. This work focuses on 3 key areas:
- Anatexis...
Prof Christiano Lana
Geochemistry
I specialize in Laser Ablation ICP-MS applications, focusing on isotope and trace element geochemistry with applications in metamorphic, igneous, and hydrothermal systems. My expertise extends to coding and software development for data reduction and visualization, driving innovation in...
Dr Ryan Tucker
Sedimentology & Paleontology
Dr. Tucker is a field-based geologist with a strong interest in the fossil record and the tectonics of sedimentary basins. In particular, Dr. Tucker’s expertise draws upon a strong background in sedimentary environments, chemical tracers of sedimentary provenance (e.g...
Dr Merrily Tau
Geochemistry, Igneous Petrology
Merrily Tau is a PhD candidate in mantle geochemistry at UCT. His research is focused on the use of olivine as a kimberlite indicator mineral for characterising the underlying subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) in southern Africa.
Prof Gary Stevens
Experimental petrology
Dr Martin Klausen
Igneous Petrology
I do research in Igneous Petrology (including Volcanology and Mineralogy), as well as Tectonics and Structural and Economic Geology. My main research interest centres on Large Igneous Provinces, best investigated through their mafic dyke swarms, but also associated volcanic rocks...
Emeritus Prof John D Clemens
Geological chemistry & petrology
I am a retired professor with an emeritus position in the Department of Earth Sciences, where I carry out research in geological chemistry and petrology.