Natural resources and the environment

South Africa's first oil spill revisited Oceanographers who oversaw the historical World Glory oil spill cleanup may have unknowingly held the key to understanding the surprising drift pattern of the oil in their hands. This is suggested in a paper co-authored by Dr Marten Gründlingh, CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment, who recently revisited data from the incident.

Space geodetic observatory proposed for Matjiesfontein South Africa is set to take another bold step towards its space observation proficiency. Following an extensive scientific survey near Matjiesfontein in the Great Karoo, it has been revealed that the area is ideal for the proposed new space geodetic observatory.

Studying tree cover through the lens of a super satellite camera Ecosystem and remote sensing researchers from the CSIR are on a quest to detect and map tree density in the Kruger National Park through remote sensing technology. The study aims to contribute to climate change research by assessing the landscape's ability to sequestrate carbon.

Antarctic research may hold answers to climate change Scientists from the CSIR and the University of Cape Town (UCT) have set sail for the Antarctic aboard the French vessel, Marion Dufresne. Dr Pedro Monteiro of the CSIR's ocean systems and climate research group is leading the South African team, who joins some 60 international scientists on the journey.

Aligning EIA and management processes in the energy sector Researchers have undertaken a study to determine how environmental impact assessment (EIA) processes relate to the broader project management context typical of industries in the energy sector.

Remote sensing takes to the oceans Remote sensing technology is, literally, being taken to new depths as a newly-established multi-institutional marine remote sensing unit aims to determine how one would optimally use this technology in an unstable and untested marine environment. The group is based in Cape Town.

Airborne geophysical survey conducted of Waterberg coalfield The Waterberg in Limpopo has one of the most abundant coal deposits in the country. As a result, the CSIR has been employed by Coaltech as part of a panel of experts to conduct an extensive airborne geophysical survey between Lephalale (formerly Ellisras) and the Botswana border towards the north.