SANCOR marine sedimentology programme January 1984-December 1988

Abstract

The Marine Sedimentology Programme is the latest phase of a research activity which was initiated in 1966 by the late Professor E S W Simpson. Related research is currently carried out by NRIO, UCT and the Geological Survey. The main objectives of the Marine Sedimentology Programme are: the establishment of models for marine sedimentary environments; the recognition of the evolution of the eastern and western South African continental margins and ocean basins; the development of process models related to marine sedimentation; the synthesis of palaeo-oceanographic and palaeo-geographic models applicable to the geological record, and; the prediction of expected variations in sedimentological and other trends in the South African marine environment. Research done under the auspices of the Marine Sedimentology Programme is at present confined mainly to three fields: Pelagic sediments; sediments of the continental margins and nearby basins,studies on authigenic minerals and related geochemical aspects. New research is planned on: palaeoclimatology and palaeo-oceanography; the transportation and alteration of suspended sedimentary particles; and processes related to sediment accumulation and compaction. This programme document outlines the types of research needed in the next five years, and provides guidelines for project proposals and reporting.