School of Geosciences - University of Witwatersrand

Aug 27

On 26 August, a large section of a glacier high in the Himalayas collapsed into the valley below, generating an enormous ice-and-rock avalanche and debris flow. The event was powerful enough to produce a magnitude 5.2 seismic signal, initially interpreted as an earthquake. Further analysis by the ...Read more

On 26 August, a large section of a glacier high in the Himalayas collapsed into the valley below, generating an enormous ice-and-rock avalanche and debris flow. The event was powerful enough to produce a magnitude 5.2 seismic signal, initially interpreted as an earthquake. Further analysis by the USGS determined that no earthquake had occurred and that the seismic signal was generated by the glacial collapse and debris flow itself. As geoscientists, we study the immense forces that shape our planet, but it is sobering to see those forces unfold with such speed and devastating consequences for communities. The scale of the glacial collapse, debris flow and subsequent flooding is difficult to comprehend. At this time, our thoughts remain with the communities mourning loved ones, those still waiting for news of missing family and friends, and the rescue teams working under incredibly difficult conditions. We encourage those in our community who are able to do so to consider supporting established relief organisations responding to the disaster, including All Hands & Hearts, whose team in Nepal is mobilising to provide emergency relief: https://allhandsandhearts.org/our-work/programs/nepal-flood-relief #Geoscience #NaturalHazards #WitsGeosciences

Aug 21

🌍 This week’s Geotalk is a particularly special one as we welcome Borbor Gibson, one of our own PhD candidates at the Wits School of Geosciences. Borbor will be presenting research from his PhD: Geometallurgical assessment of selective base metal sulfide dissolution from a complex, oxidised PGM flo...Read more

🌍 This week’s Geotalk is a particularly special one as we welcome Borbor Gibson, one of our own PhD candidates at the Wits School of Geosciences. Borbor will be presenting research from his PhD: Geometallurgical assessment of selective base metal sulfide dissolution from a complex, oxidised PGM flotation tailings material Reaching this stage represents years of research and hard work. While the examination process still lies ahead, we’re excited to see Borbor share the fruits of that work with the School, and wish him all the best and many blessings for the final stages of his PhD! 👏 📅 Thursday, 27 August 🕓 16:00–17:00 📍 G101, Wits Geosciences 📺 Live on YouTube @WitsGeosciences Please note: due to data protection requirements, the recording will not be immediately available after the talk, so join us live if you would like to catch it online. #Geotalk #WitsGeosciences #PhDResearch #Geometallurgy #EconomicGeology #PGM #Research #WitsUniversity

Aug 14

Bring a coffee and your best science banter as we welcome Prof. Pieter Vermeesch (University College London) for a lunch-time talk. Did Australopithecus africanus Live 2 or 4 Million Years Ago? 📅 Thursday, 20 August 🕐 13:15–14:15 📍 Ground Floor Theatre (GLT), Wits Geosciences 💻 Also live on Yo...Read more

Bring a coffee and your best science banter as we welcome Prof. Pieter Vermeesch (University College London) for a lunch-time talk. Did Australopithecus africanus Live 2 or 4 Million Years Ago? 📅 Thursday, 20 August 🕐 13:15–14:15 📍 Ground Floor Theatre (GLT), Wits Geosciences 💻 Also live on YouTube @WitsGeosciences Join us in person or online, everyone is welcome! #Geotalk #WitsGeosciences #Geochronology #Palaeoanthropology #Australopithecus #WitsUniversity

Aug 11

Join us for this week’s geotalk with Nivea Magalhaes from the Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter. Speaking on "Abiotic gas occurrences in the Precambrian crust." Thursday, 13 August 2026 16:00–17:00 SAST G101, Wits Geosciences Livestreamed on YouTube @WitsGeosciences #WitsGeosciences #...Read more

Join us for this week’s geotalk with Nivea Magalhaes from the Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter. Speaking on "Abiotic gas occurrences in the Precambrian crust." Thursday, 13 August 2026 16:00–17:00 SAST G101, Wits Geosciences Livestreamed on YouTube @WitsGeosciences #WitsGeosciences #geotalk #Geoscience #EarthScience #Precambrian #Geology https://youtube.com/live/74-zT2uRXag?feature=share

Aug 1

Last Friday, 31 July, the Wits School of Geosciences was honoured to welcome representatives from the Minerals Education Trust Fund (METF) and its industry partners. We extend our sincere thanks to the METF and all its participating organisations for taking the time to see the work we do on a daily...Read more

Last Friday, 31 July, the Wits School of Geosciences was honoured to welcome representatives from the Minerals Education Trust Fund (METF) and its industry partners. We extend our sincere thanks to the METF and all its participating organisations for taking the time to see the work we do on a daily basis and to hear our vision for the future of geoscience education at the School of Geosciences and in southern Africa. Your commitment to developing the next generation of geoscientists continues to make a lasting difference! The METF has been a steadfast supporter of geoscience education in South Africa for more than two decades, helping to strengthen teaching, facilities, and collaboration between academia and industry. Thank you for your support of the School over this period. We greatly appreciated the opportunity to share our recent achievements, discuss future opportunities, and strengthen the partnerships that underpin geoscience education in South Africa. #WitGeosciences #WitsForGood #GeoscienceEducation #Geoscience