HR: 1340h
AN: U33A-0803 INVITED    [Abstracts]
TI: US-Africa collaborative research on incipient continental rift zones
AU: * Atekwana, E A
EM: estella.atekwana@okstate.edu
AF: Boone Pickens School of Geology, Oklahoma State University 105 Noble Research Center, Stillwater, OK 74078, United States
AU: Atekwana, E A
EM: eliot.atekwana@okstate.edu
AF: Boone Pickens School of Geology, Oklahoma State University 105 Noble Research Center, Stillwater, OK 74078, United States
AB: Since 1999, we have been conducting research in Botswana in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Botswana (UB). Recently, we have expanded our research activities to include the University of Zambia (UNZA). The goal of the collaborative efforts center on investigating geologic processes operating during the initial stages of continental extension. During student training, US students partner with peers from UB and UNZA to conduct field-based research within a multi-disciplinary framework focused on investigating the interplay between neotectonics and surficial processes due to rifting. The student projects are designed to: 1) assess the role of pre-existing structures on rift basin development; 2) determine fault kinematics and direction of rift extension; 3) characterize the geometry of the basins; 4) assess current models for fault growth and propagation and linkage to form border faults; 5) investigate environmental change information preserved in rift basin sediments; 6) determine how magma below the rift basin affects surface water chemical properties; and 7) develop tectonic and geologic models for the evolution of rift basins during the incipient stages of continental extension. Our goal is to provide is to improve research and education in developing countries while providing talented and motivated US students with hands-on field research experience in near surface geophysical surveying, field geologic mapping, GPS mapping, and geochemical and hydrogeologic techniques necessary for addressing basic research questions in the geosciences, as well as resources exploration (e.g., hydrocarbon, water resources, mineral, geothermal, etc.). Our US students acquire an enriching cultural experience, make personal contacts, and build relationships that will form the core of future international research collaborations. At the same time, project activities introduce the African students to state-of the art geophysical equipment and research methodologies that will result in capacity building in the African nations involved. In this presentation, we will provide our perspective on both the opportunities provided and challenges faced while conducting basic research in sub-Saharan Africa.
DE: 0905 Continental structures (8109, 8110)
DE: 0994 Instruments and techniques
DE: 8107 Continental neotectonics (8002)
DE: 8109 Continental tectonics: extensional (0905)
SC: Union [U]
MN: 2007 Fall Meeting