Southern Africa is underlain by some of the oldest rocks on earth, rocks that record a complex history of several billion years of continental growth and destruction. The fact that the most southern part of Africa is relatively isolated from present day tectonic plate boundaries means this history is preserved like few places on earth.
Ancient geological systems, frozen in space and time, preserve not only the history of the formation of the African continent, but also the history of life on earth. Additionally, these “old rocks” preserve incredible mineral riches. Whether for good or bad, riches such as diamonds, gold and platinum, have been exploited by prospectors and governments for centuries, playing a critical role in forming the societal and political structures we see in the region today.
This month, I will join ShareScraan Africa and explore some of the continent’s geological highlights, through the lens of my own experience as a exploration geologist working throughout Southern Africa. The variety of geological treasures on the content are vast and during my talk I will touch on some of the highlights, like carbonate rocks that preserve evidence of the first life on earth, the goldfields which give South Africa’s currency, the Rand, it’s name, the diamond mines that drive Botswana’s economy, and the chrome and platinum resources of the Great Dyke in Zimbabwe.
The multitude of geological wonders here are broad and the relationship between society, the environment and geology is complex. Through a series of geological stories I will try to convey the uniqueness of the geology of the region and to show the role that mere rocks have played in shaping our natural and political environment.
You can join my talk by following this link!
