Browsing Faculty of Science by Title
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Le Gall, B.; Tshoso, G.; Dyment, J.; Kampunzu, A.B.; Jourdan, F.; Fe´raud, G.; Bertrand, H.; Aubourg, C.; Ve´tel, W. (Elsevier www.elsevier.com/locate/jsg, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: The structural organization of a giant mafic dyke swarm, the Okavango complex, in the northern Karoo Large Igneous Province (LIP) of NE Botswana is detailed. This N1108E-oriented dyke swarm extends for 1500 km with a maximum width of 100 km through Archaean basement terranes and Permo-Jurassic sedimentary sequences. The cornerstone of the study is the quantitative analysis of NO170 (exposed) and NO420 (detected by ground magnetics) dykes evidenced on a ca. 80-km-long section lying in crystalline host-rocks, at high-angle to the densest zone of the swarm (Shashe area). Individual dykes are generally sub-vertical and parallel to the entire swarm. Statistical analysis of width data indicates anomalous dyke frequency (few data !5.0 m) and mean dyke thickness (high value of 17 m) with respect to values classically obtained from other giant swarms. Variations of mean dyke thicknesses from 17 (N1108E swarm) to 27 m (adjoining and coeval N708E giant swarm) are assigned to the conditions hosting fracture networks dilated as either shear or pure extensional structures, respectively, in response to an inferred NNW–SSE extension. Both fracture patterns are regarded as inherited brittle basement fabrics associated with a previous (Proterozoic) dyking event. The Okavango N1108E dyke swarm is thus a polyphase intrusive system in which total dilation caused by Karoo dykes (estimated frequency of 87%) is 12.2% (6315 m of cumulative dyke width) throughout the 52-km-long projected Shashe section. Assuming that Karoo mafic dyke swarms in NE Botswana follow inherited Proterozoic fractures, as similarly applied for most of the nearly synchronous giant dyke complexes converging towards the Nuanetsi area, leads us to consider that the resulting triple junction-like dyke/fracture pattern is not a definitive proof for a deep mantle plume in the Karoo LIP. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/400 Files in this item: 1
Kampunzu2005Okavangogiant.pdf (3.456Mb) -
Mapeo, R.B.M.; Ramokate, L.V.; Corfu, F.; Davis, D.W.; Kampunzu, A.B. (Elsevier Ltd. www.elsevier.com/locate/jafrearsci, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: The Okwa Basement Complex crops out at the northwestern edge of the Kaapvaal craton within the Okwa Inlier, an isolated exposure of Precambrian basement in the Kalahari Desert. New U–Pb zircon dating was performed on all the major Palaeoproterozoic lithologies of the complex. Results are 2055.3 ± 1.3 Ma for augen gneiss, 2056.3 ± 1.3 Ma for foliated monzogranite and 2057 ± 2 Ma for microgranite. A meta-rhyolite gives an age of 2055 ± 4 Ma, based on one concordant zircon, and contains an inherited zircon with an age of 2101 ± 4 Ma. All precisely dated rocks are indistinguishable in age at 2056 ± 2 Ma. This age can be broadly correlated with Palaeoproterozoic geologic events in the Magondi belt at the northwest margin of the Zimbabwe craton and the Triangle Shear Zone in the Limpopo belt. However, the most precise correlation is with the Bushveld Complex, whose age is indistinguishable from that of the Okwa Basement Complex. This suggests a link between marginal and intra-cratonic Bushveld-age magmatism on the Kaapvaal craton. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/272 Files in this item: 1
The Okwa basement complex.pdf (5.655Mb) -
Massamba, F. (Birkhäuser Basel. http://www.springerlink.com/content/107580/?p=1930c3cc1de944feae211b785b3b42a4&pi=0, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: We study semi-parallel lightlike hypersurfaces of an indefinite Kenmotsu manifold, tangent to the structure vector field. Some Theorems on parallel and semi-parallel vector field, geodesibility of lightlike hypersurfaces are obtained. The geometrical configuration of such lightlike hypersurfaces is established. We prove that, in totally contact umbilical lightlike hypersurfaces of an indefinite Kenmotsu manifold which has constant φ-holomorphic sectional curvature c, tangent to the structure vector field and such that its distribution is parallel, the parallelism and semi-parallelism notions are equivalent. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/539 Files in this item: 1
On semi-parallel.pdf (1.027Mb) -
Kumar, P.; Sathiaraj, T.S.; Thangaraj, R. (Taylor & Francis, NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: The measurements and analysis of optical transmission and far-infrared (IR) reflectivity spectra of thermally evaporated Sb2Se3:Sn films are reported. The refractive index and film thickness have been determined from the upper and lower envelopes of the transmission spectra (Swanepoel’s standard envelope method), measured at normal incidence, in the spectral range from 800 to 2500 nm. Values of the refractive index fit well to Cauchy’s dispersion relation. The optical gap decreases with an increase in the Sn content, while a maximum in the tailing parameter and Urbach’s energy occurs with only a small amount ( 1 at %) of this additive. Characteristic vibrational bands for SbSe3 structural units are revealed in the far-IR spectrum with no additional ones arising from the Sn additive. The Kramers–Kronig analysis has been used to calculate the dielectric constants and hence the longitudinal optic and transverse optic splitting for various compositions. The inclusion of Sn as a charged entity along with the Coulomb interactions which serve to polarize the glass medium is found to be responsible for these results. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/547 Files in this item: 1
Optical properties.pdf (1.116Mb) -
Moyo, S.; Gashe, B.A.; Collison, E.K.; Mpuchane, S. (Elsevier / www.elsevier.com/locate/ijfoodmicro, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: This present study was undertaken to find optimum conditions of pH, temperature and, period of incubation for the pectinolytic activity of Kluyveromyces wickerhamii isolated from rotting fruits and to assess the effect of these factors by use of response surface methodology (RSM). A central composite rotatable design was used as an experimental design for the analysis of the allocation of treatment combinations. A second order polynomial regression model was fitted and was found adequate, with an R2 of 0.94469 ( P < 0.001). The effects of temperature and pH were the most significant factors in influencing enzyme production. Estimated optimum conditions were as follows: pH 5.0, temperature, 32 jC and an incubation period of 91 h. Pectinesterase (PE), pectin lyase (PL), and cellulase activities were not detected. Pectinase production was partially constitutive. Pectin was degraded by the isolated strain of K. wickerhamii in the current study, and the pectinolytic activity is referred to as polygalacturonase (PG) activity. Crude enzyme extract was thermostable at various temperatures and, stimulated by the presence of Ca2 + ions but inhibited by other ions like Mg2 +, Zn2 +, Co2 +, Mn2 + and Na+. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/228 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)Moyo_IJFM_2003.pdf (2.012Mb) -
Ringrose, S.; Kampunzu, A.B.; Vink, B.W.; Matheson, W.; Downey, W.S. (John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/117935722/grouphome/home.html, NaN, 2002)[more][less]
Abstract: Quaternary sedimentation in the Moshaweng dry valley of southeastern Botswana is evaluated on the basis of geomorphological evolution and sedimentological analyses. Stratigraphic evidence reveals an 'upper surface (1095 m) containing abundant sil-calcrete, an intermediate surface (1085 m) in which sil-calcrete underlies nodular calcrete and lower (1075 m) surface in which sil-calcrete and nodular calcrete are interbedded. This subdivision is reflected in the geochemical composition of the sediments which show an overall trend of decreasing Si02 content (and increasing CaC03 content) with depth from the highest to the lowest surface levels. The calcretes and sil-calcretes represent modifications of pre-existing detrital Kalahari Group sand and basal Kalahari pebbles which thinned over a Karoo bedrock high. Modification took place during wet periods when abundant Ca++ -rich groundwater flowed along the structurally aligned valley system. With the onset of drier conditions, water table fluctuations led to the precipitation of nodular calcretes in the phreatic layer to a depth of about 20 m. A major geochemical change resulted in the preferential silicification of the nodular calcrete deposits. Conditions for silica mobilization may be related to drying-induced salinity and in situ geochemical differentiation brought about by pebble dissociation towards the top of the sediment pile. As calcretization and valley formation progressed to lower levels, silica release took place on a diminishing scale. Thermoluminescence dating infers a mid-Pleistocene age for sil-calcrete formation suggesting that valley evolution and original calcrete precipitation are much older. Late st~ge dissolution of CaC03 from pre-existing surface calcretes or sil-calcretes led to the formation of pedogenic case-hardened deposits during a time of reduced flow through the Moshaweng system possibly during the upper or late Pleistocene. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/310 Files in this item: 1
Ringrose_ESPL_2002.pdf (3.095Mb) -
Ringrose, S.; Harris, C.; Huntsman-Mapila, P.; Vink, B.W.; Diskins, S.; Vanderpost, C.; Matheson, W. (Elsevier www.elsevier.com/locate/sedgeo, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: Trace elements togetherwith some O and C isotope analysiswere undertaken on duricrust strandline deposits in the palaeo-Makgadikgadi sub-basin (PMSB) to provide insight into palaeo-climatic conditions through the interpretation of calcrete, silcrete–calcrete intergrade and silcrete deposits. Trace element content and relative abundance suggest that the duricrust origins are associated with the long-term weathering of the Karoo Large Igneous Province which underlies the PMSB. This work shows that duricrust origins are related to Ca2+ and Si (and associated trace elements) being transported mainly through the groundwater and then subsequently precipitated at different strandline elevations over time. Local groundwater feeding in towards the pan margin and accumulating in near-neutral pan-marginal pools, appears to facilitate Si concentration and permeation of pre-existing calcretes. The silica precipitates as the pH drops when renewed freshwater enters the pools. Hence the inferred palaeo-climatic regime for silcretisationmay be similar to that occurring in Botswana at present being dry semi-arid with lowseasonal rainfall. In contrast the extensive calcrete precipitation in the strandlines results from abundant Ca2+ in adjacent waters which appear to be derived from both local and regional sources. The arrival of Ca2+ from regional sources (shown by trace element evidence) infers heavy rainfall in the upper catchment suggesting a major humid event followed by regional drying. Palaeo-climatic inferences suggest the juxtaposition ofmajor humid events interspersedwithmore normal semi-arid palaeo-climateswith an exception obtained from isotope data, of drier and cooler conditions than usual for the region around 80–90000 years ago. Whereas trace element data can greatly assist in the interpretation of complex deposits such as duricrusts, care should be taken over the use of particular ratios (such as Yb/Gd ratio) which may produce spurious results. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/560 Files in this item: 1
RINGROSE2009Makgadikgadi Pans.pdf (3.500Mb) -
Milesi, J.P.; Toteu, S.F.; Deschamps, Y.; Feybesse, J.L.; Lerouge, C.; Cocherie, A.; Penaye, J.; Tchameni, R.; Moloto-A-Kenguemba, G.; Kampunzu, H.A.B.; Nicol, N.; Duguey, E.; Leistel, J.M.; Saint-Martin, M.; Ralay, F.; Heinry, C.; Bouchot, V.; Mbaigane, J.C. Doumnang; Kula, V. Kanda; Chene, F.; Monthel, J.; Boutin, P.; Cailteux, J. (Elsevier www.elsevier.com/locate/jafrearsci, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper is prepared within the frameworks of IGCP Project 470 and the associated BRGM scientific project ‘‘Africa 1999–2004’’ to accompany the 1:4,000,000 scale map ‘‘Geology and major ore deposits of Central Africa, presented at the 20th Colloquium of African Geology in Orleans in June 2004. It incorporates geological and metallogenic data from eight countries in Central Africa (Angola, Cameroon, Chad, Central African Republic, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Equatorial Guinea and Zambia). The map is a harmonised and geo-referenced preliminary map, based on a GIS at 1:2,000,000 scale, and focusses on the spatial and temporal distribution of selected major deposits. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/384 Files in this item: 1
Kampunzu2006MajorOreDeposits.pdf (2.307Mb) -
Batumike, M.J.; Kampunzu, A.B.; Cailteux, J.H. (Elsevier www.elsevier.com/locate/jafrearsci, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: The Nguba and Kundelungu Groups constitute the middle and upper parts of the Neoproterozoic Katangan Supergroup, respectively, and consist of conglomerates, sandstones, mudrocks and carbonates. During deposition, the Katangan basin received sediments originating from both northern and southern sources. The Nguba and Kundelungu Groups siliciclastic rocks have elemental abundances and ratios suggestive of a relatively felsic TTG source, although slightly more mafic compositions occur in the Nguba Group and the overlying ‘‘Petit Conglome´rat’’ Formation at the base of the Kundelungu Group. Modal compositions of the Nguba Group rocks indicate a basement uplift provenance, and geochemical parameters indicate the source of both the Nguba and Kundelungu Groups had an active continental margin character. Source area weathering was moderate in the Nguba Group. Low Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) and Plagioclase Index of Alteration (PIA) indices and relatively uniform chemical compositions of the ‘‘Grand Conglome´rat’’ and the ‘‘Petit Conglome´rat’’ Formations lying respectively at the bases of the Nguba and Kundelungu Groups are compatible with deposition in a cool or frigid climate, and support their presumed petrographic based glaciogenic origin. High CIA and PIA indices in Upper Kalule rocks in the middle part of the Kundelungu Group point to the intensification of source weathering, possibly under tropical to subtropical climate under steady state conditions. Geochemical similarities between the Nguba Group and the ‘‘Petit Conglome´rat’’ are compatible with a change from an extensional setting to compression, with derivation of the ‘‘Petit Conglome´rat’’ by reworking of the underlying units during basin inversion. Change in provenance signatures and weathering indices in the Upper Kalule Formation may reflect reduced tectonism and resumption of supply of more weathered extrabasinal detritus, similar to that which fed the basal Roan Group. Overall the data suggest derivation mainly from pre-Katangan Proterozoic sources with continental arc characteristics. The adjacent Paleoproterozoic Ubendian Belt, particularly the Bangweulu block calcalkaline plutonic and volcanic province, is a suitable candidate as the source for the Nguba and Kundelungu Group sedimentary rocks. However, Mesoproterozoic and Archaean terrains have also contributed a minor component to the basin. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/392 Files in this item: 1
Kampunzu2006Petrologyandgeochemistry.pdf (1.585Mb) -
Kumar, J.; Ahmad, M.; Chander, R.; Thangaraj, R.; Sathiaraj, T.S. (EDP Sciences, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Effect of Pb substitution on the amorphous-crystalline transformation temperature, optical band gap and crystalline structure of Ge2Sb2Te5 has been studied. In Pb:GeSbTe chalcogenide films prepared by thermal evaporation, an amorphous to crystallization transition is observed at 124, 129, 136 and 138 ◦C in Pb0Ge20Sb24Te56, Pb1.6Ge19Sb26Te54, Pb3Ge17Sb28Te53 and Pb5Ge12Sb28Te55 respectively. XRD investigations of annealed samples reveal that Pb substitution retains NaCl type crystalline structure of GST but expands the lattice due to large atomic radii. The increase in amorphous-crystalline transformation temperature is followed with the increase in phase segregation. The optical gap shows marginal variations with composition. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/531 Files in this item: 1
Phase segregation.pdf (573.5Kb) -
Kumar, J.; Ahmad, M.; Chander, R.; Thangaraj, R.; Sathiaraj, T.S. (EDP Sciences. http://www.epjap.org/, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Effect of Pb substitution on the amorphous-crystalline transformation temperature, optical band gap and crystalline structure of Ge2Sb2Te5 has been studied. In Pb:GeSbTe chalcogenide films prepared by thermal evaporation, an amorphous to crystallization transition is observed at 124, 129, 136 and 138 ◦C in Pb0Ge20Sb24Te56, Pb1.6Ge19Sb26Te54, Pb3Ge17Sb28Te53 and Pb5Ge12Sb28Te55 respectively. XRD investigations of annealed samples reveal that Pb substitution retains NaCl type crystalline structure of GST but expands the lattice due to large atomic radii. The increase in amorphous-crystalline transformation temperature is followed with the increase in phase segregation. The optical gap shows marginal variations with composition. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/278 Files in this item: 1
Kumar_EPJAP41_2008.pdf (796.1Kb) -
Goodwin, J.W.; Hughes, R.W.; Kwaambwa, H.M.; Reynolds, P.A. (Elseview Science B.V. www.elsevier.nl/locate/colsurfa, NaN, 2000)[more][less]
Abstract: A series of well characterised cis-polyisoprene polymers have been added to dispersions of PHS coated PMMA particles in dodecane. At a molecular weight of 8000 g mol−1 and above, these systems showed phase separation at low particle volume fractions and above a critical polymer concentration. The rate of separation has been shown to be influenced by the viscosity of the polymer. At high polymer and particle volume fractions long lived metastable phases occurred. Above a critical concentration these were viscoelastic indicating an appreciable change in diffusion dynamics with two relaxation processes present. A significant Bingham yield stress was also observed. The Asakura Oosawa potential was not able to describe the observed rheological properties. At a molecular weight of 1000 g mol−1 no phase separation was observed. At high particle concentrations the yield stress was found to reduce with the addition of polymer. This was due to the polymer acting as a ‘solvent’ and penetrating the stabilising layer on the particles. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/329 Files in this item: 1
Phase separation behaviour.pdf (2.723Mb) -
Munkombwe N.M. (Elsevier Ltd. www.elsevier.com/locate/phytochem, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: Two phenylpropanoid glucosides, 2-O-b-d-glucosyloxy-4-methoxybenzenepropanoic acid and its methyl ester, together with syringin and adicardin were isolated from the stem of Gnidia polycephala and characterized by physical and spectroscopic data. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/275 Files in this item: 2
Phenylpropanoid glycosides.pdf (2.288Mb)Phenylpropanoid glycosides of Gnidia.pdf (155.6Kb) -
Nijegorodov, N.; Zvolinski, V.; Luhanga, P.V.C.; Mabbs, R.; Ahmad, J. (Elsevier Ltd. www.elsevier.com/locate/saa, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: The multi-banded fluorescence and laser properties of 11 new amino- and tosylamino derivatives of 2,5-di(phenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole and oxadiazole in various solvents at 293 K are reported. All the compounds investigated possess intra-molecular hydrogen quasi-bond (IHB) of 4.6-5.2 kcal mol-1 in the ground state. In the excited state they can undergo protolytic dissociation or intra-molecular photon-initiated transfer of proton and reveal anomalous fluorescence which cannot be explained within the framework of the Kasha and Kasha-Vavilov rules. Depending upon the excitation wavelength, solvent, concentration and pH of the medium, the compounds studied show a single, double, triple or even a four-banded fluorescence, which has not been reported earlier. The nature of multi-banded fluorescence is explained in terms of the possible photochromic processes in excited states. Quantum yields and decay times of the different fluorescence bands are reported. Anomalous dependence of quantum yield upon concentration of the solution is observed. Laser properties of the compounds studied are carefully tested. Laser action based on the fluorescence of the so-called bi-radical molecules is reported. Various possible arrangements of singlet and triplet levels of compounds investigated are discussed. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/176 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb) -
Nijegorodov, N; Zvolinski, V; Luhanga, P V C; Mabbs, R; Ahmad, J (Elsevier Science Ltd. www.elsevier.com/locate/saa, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: The multi-banded fluorescence and laser properties of 11 new amino- and tosylamino derivatives of 2,5-di(phenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole and oxadiazole in various solvents at 293K are reported. All the compounds investigated possess intra-molecular hydrogen quasi-bond (IHB) of 4.6–5.2 kcal mol−1 in the ground state. In the excited state they can undergo protolytic dissociation or intra-molecular photon-initiated transfer of proton and reveal anomalous fluorescence which cannot be explained within the framework of the Kasha and Kasha–Vavilov rules. Depending upon the excitation wavelength, solvent, concentration and pH of the medium, the compounds studied show a single, double, triple or even a four-banded fluorescence, which has not been reported earlier. The nature of multi-banded fluorescence is explained in terms of the possible photochromic processes in excited states. Quantum yields and decay times of the different fluorescence bands are reported. Anomalous dependence of quantum yield upon concentration of the solution is observed. Laser properties of the compounds studied are carefully tested. Laser action based on the fluorescence of the so-called bi-radical molecules is reported. Various possible arrangements of singlet and triplet levels of compounds investigated are discussed. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/247 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)Nijegorodov_SAa65_2006.pdf (2.225Mb) -
Murty, V.R.K.; Devan, K.R.S. (Elsevier Science Ltd. www.elsevier.com/locate/radphyschem, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: The interaction of photons with matter has been extensively studied over the past several decades in view of its importance in basic radiation physics research, medical, industrial and other applied fields. Large amounts of data have been complied on photon cross sections mostly in tabular and graphical forms (Hubbell, 1999, 1994; Berger and Hubbell, 1987). A careful survey of the latest bibliography (Hubbell, 1994) of experimental investigations shows gaps in the cross section data, especially in certain low-Z elements. These are mainly attributed to the difficulty in procuring thin absorbers in suitable form for low energy experiments. It was also evident from the bibliography that the cross section data was sparse for elements Mg and V, especially, using high resolution solid state detectors in the photon energy region below 100 keV. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/266 Files in this item: 1
Murty_RPC_2004.pdf (191.6Kb) -
Nijegorodov, N.; Zvolinsky, V.; Luhanga, P.V.C. (Elsevier Science Ltd. www.elsevier.com/locate/jphotochem, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Intramolecular processes and fluorescence properties of 32 specially chosen aromatic molecules, different in degrees of planarity and rigidity, but family related in -structure are experimentally and theoretically (using the PPP-method) studied at room temperature (293 K). The quantum yields of fluorescence , and decay times τf, of deaerated and non-deaerated cyclohexane solutions are measured. The oscillator strength fe, the fluorescence rate constants kf, the natural lifetimes τT o , and the intersystem crossing rate constants kST, are calculated. The investigations showed the following differences in the behaviour of the fluorescence parameters in transition from the non-planar molecule to the planar and more rigid-type: the value of the symmetry line wave-number υ00 (the frequency of the S0→S1 * transition) and the Stokes shift υST, decrease. The oscillator strength and fluorescence constant, normally decrease. The change in the quantum yield of the fluorescence depends upon the changes in the kf and kST values. Furthermore, the intersystem crossing rate constant generally decreases, sometimes very significantly. However, there are some interesting exceptions. For example, the kST value of the non-planar molecule of 9,10-diphenylanthracene is less than the kST value of the planar and very rigid molecule of anthracene. This important phenomenon is explained. The differences of the intramolecular processes of planar and non-planar molecules are discussed. The photochemical stability of planar and non-planar molecules is studied. The effect of planarity, rigidity and molecular symmetry upon laser properties is also traced. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/367 Files in this item: 1
Nijegorodov_JPPaC196_2008.pdf (1.901Mb) -
Mphale, K.M.; Heron, M.L. (Elsevier Science Ltd. www.elsevier.com/locate/jastp, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: The flames of wildfires are weakly ionized gas. The ionization is mainly due to omnipresent alkali and alkaline earth metal species that are emitted from thermally decomposing plant structure into the flame during a wildfire. The amount of ionization in flames with alkali impurities is a factor of both the temperature and the quantity of the emitted alkali species in vegetation. Assuming a Maxwellian velocity distribution of flame particles and collision frequencies much higher than plasma frequencies, the propagation of radio waves through wildfires is predicted to have attenuation and phase shift. A theoretical model has been developed to predict propagation characteristics of HF–VHF radio signals at normal incidence to a high intensity wildfire fuel–flame interface. At the interface, the flame medium is modelled by a series of mini-slabs, each with a different but fixed electron density and dielectric permittivity governed by the Rayleigh distribution of temperature. Electron density in each mini-slab is calculated from thermal ionization of alkali species assuming the existence of thermal equilibrium. The model predicts average electron densities ranging from 10¹4 to 10¹7m–³ for fuel–flame interfaces with maximum temperatures from 900 to 1200 K. Specific attenuation and phase shift for propagation in the ionized gas are calculated from the predicted average electron density and collision frequency. At collision frequency of 10¹¹ s–¹, radio signal specific attenuation for the simulated grassfires range from 0.001 to 0.49 dBm–¹ while specific phase shift ranged from 0.0002 to 152°m–¹ for the maximum temperature range of 900–1150 K. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/269 Files in this item: 1
Mphale_JASTP69_2007.pdf (2.265Mb) -
Kwadiba, M.T.O.G.; Wright, C.; Kgaswane, E.M.; Simon, R.E.; Nguuri, T.K. (Elsevier Science Ltd. www.elsevier.com/locate/lithos, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: Pn arrivals from mining-induced earthquakes on the edge of the Witwatersrand basin show that the P wavespeeds in the uppermost mantle are almost constant throughout most of the Kaapvaal craton. The presence of only small wavespeed variations allows the use of a simple method of estimating crustal thicknesses below the stations of the Kaapvaal broad-band network using Pn times that has been compared with results from receiver functions. One thousand three hundred thirty-seven Pn arrivals were used to derive crustal thicknesses at 46 stations on the Kaapvaal craton. The average crustal thicknesses for 19 centrally located stations on each of the northern and southern regions of the craton that yielded well-constrained thicknesses were 50.52 ± 0.88 km and 38.07 ± 0.85 km, respectively. In contrast, the corresponding average thicknesses determined from receiver functions were 43.58 ± 0.57 km and 37.58 ± 0.70 km, respectively. The systematically lower values for receiver functions in the northern part of the Kaapvaal craton that was affected by the Bushveld magmatism at 2.05 Ga, suggest that the receiver functions do not enable the petrological crust mantle boundary to be reliably resolved due to variations in composition and metamorphic grade in a mafic lower crust. The Pn times also suggest pervasive azimuthal anisotropy with maximum wavespeeds of about 8.40 km/s at azimuths of about 15° and 217° in the northern and southern regions of the craton, respectively, and minimum wavespeeds of about 8.25 km/s. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/281 Files in this item: 1
Kwadiba_L71_2003.pdf (2.747Mb) -
Meck, M.L.; Atlhopheng, J.; Masamba, W.R.L.; Ringrose, S. (Elsevier Science Ltd, http://www.elsevier.com/locate/pce, NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: The study set out to determine the weathering and dissolution of metal hosting minerals at Dorowa for purposes of deducing pollution potential to the nearby Save River. Phosphate rock is mined at Dorowa for the production of phosphate fertilizer. The major minerals found in the ring complex are feldspars, pyroxenes, apatite, magnetite and calcite. Chemical analysis established that the rocks are associated with metals that include copper, lead, zinc, cobalt, nickel, tin and cadmium. Among the many minerals present apatite and calcite host metals more than the other minerals due to their crystal structure. This study investigated the weathering and dissolution of these two minerals. Both apatite and calcite dissolve in natural environmental conditions prevalent at Dorowa. From the analysis the study concludes that the potential availability of metals trapped in the calcite and apatite structures is high. The understanding of weathering and dissolution of metal hosting minerals is important in predicting quality of water around the study area, because most villagers use the Save River as their primary drinking water source. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1021 Files in this item: 1
Atlhopheng_PCE_2010.pdf (758.1Kb)