50 Must-See Geological Sites of South Africa

About this book

This colorful book highlights the most spectacular and interesting geological sites and features in South Africa. Each of the 50 geosites is given lavish treatment across a number of pages, with clear text describing how it came to be, interest boxes, photographs, diagrams and maps. Some of the sites featured are Table Mountain, Bourke's Luck potholes, Kimberley's Big Hole and the Drakensberg Amphitheatre. 50 Must See Geological Sites of South Africa will appeal to both local travelers and those visiting from afar – anyone with an interest in the significant features of our landscape.

Contents

I. PREFACE – geological wonderland, great diversity, geotourism destination

II. INTRODUCTION – 2 maps (National Geology & Landscape maps)
1. Essentials of Geology – how rocks are formed
2. Minerals and Rocks – classification
3. Geological Formations – how they are named
4. Geological Time – diagram – rock ages and fossils
5. The Rock Cycle – geological events
6. Essentials of Landscapes – how geology influences the land
7. Land-forming Processes – types and results
8. South Africa’s Scenery

III. WESTERN AND EASTERN CAPE (joint) – 4 maps (Reg. Geol. & Landscapes)
Geological & Landscape
Overview
1. Table Mountain
2. Chapman’s Peak Drive
3. Paarl Rock
4. West Coast Fossil Park
5. Stadsaal Caves
6. Cogmans Kloof
7. Swartberg Pass
8. Cango Caves
9. Meiringspoort
10. Knysna Heads
11. Robberg Peninsula
12. Storms River Gorge
13. Gamtoos Valley
14. Valley of Desolation
15. Hole-in-the-Wall

IV. KWAZULU-NATAL & FREE STATE (joint) – 2 maps (Reg. Geol. & Landscapes)
Geological & Landscape Overview
16. Oribi Gorge
17. Sani Pass
18. Amphitheatre
19. Howick Falls
20. Valley of a Thousand Hills
21. Golden Gate
22. Platberg
23. Vredefort Dome

V. MPUMALANGA (Reg. Geol. & Landscapes)
Geological & Landscape Overview
24. Makhonjwa Geotrail
25. Kaapsehoop Escarpment
26. Waterval Boven
27. Sudwala Caves
28. Lone Creek Falls
29. God’s Window
30. Bourke’s Luck Potholes
31. Blyde River Canyon

VI. LIMPOPO (Reg. Geol. & Landscapes)
Geological & Landscape Overview
32. Dwars River Chromite
33. Wyllie’s Poort
34. Sand River Gneiss
35. Mapungubwe
36. Eersteling Gold Mine
37. Makapans Valley
38. Kloof Pass

VII. GAUTENG & N W PROVINCE (joint) (Reg. Geol. & Landscapes)
Geological & Landscape Overview
39. Pilanesberg Complex
40. Hartbeespoort Dam
41. Tswaing Meteorite Crater
42. Cullinan Diamond Mine
43. Sterkfontein Caves
44. Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden
45. Gold Reef City No. 14 Shaft

VIII. NORTHERN CAPE (Reg. Geol. & Landscapes)
Geological & Landscape Overview
46. Kimberley’s Big Hole
47. Eye of Kuruman
48. Augrabies Falls
49. Old Koperberg Mine
50. Fraserburg Fossil Surface

IX. FURTHER READING

X. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

XI. GLOSSARY OF GEOSCIENTIFIC TERMS

Customer Reviews

Biography

Gavin Whitfield has an MSc in Geology from Rhodes University. He has worked in a research laboratory, done mineral exploration in various countries and has been involved in significant mining exploration successes. He is a Fellow of the Geological Society of South Africa and been active on its Conservation Committee. He has co-authored several technical publications and the best-selling book (with Nick Norman) – Geological Journeys: A Traveller's guide to South Africa's Rocks and Landforms.