Research Overview

The present economic growth and reconstruction of Southern Africa has led to large infrastructure and resource development programmes.  The research focus in Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology provides opportunities to contribute to this development.

Research in hydrogeology, including the characterization of pollution and groundwater flow into mines, the characterization and sustainable utilization of fractured aquifers in crystalline rocks as well as the vulnerability of karst aquifers, is contributing to the safeguarding of the precious groundwater resource. Presently, research is focussed strongly around vadose zone hydrology with interdisciplinary collaboration between hydrogeologists, geologists, hydrologists, engineering geologists, soil scientists, geomorphologists and geotechnical engineers.

Engineering geological properties of soils and rocks, rock slope stability in open cast mines and the influence of geology on the Gautrain tunnels are aspects covered in engineering geological research. The long-standing association of the Engineering and Environmental Geology Section within the Department of Geology with dolomite stability has been maintained and extended to contribute towards the vulnerability mapping on karst aquifers; especially the surface stability issue if these aquifers are utilized as emergency water supply sources.

Latest developments resulted in establishment of a strong research focus on vadose zone hydrology and engineering hydrogeology.  Here, the unsaturated zone (comprising both soil and rock) is investigated with the emphasis of addressing the impact of partial saturation of earth materials on contamination, seepage, drainage and risk posed by land use changes and urban development. Infrared thermography and tracers were used to characterise these flow systems.

Capillary Pressure Mercury System (CPMS)

More information and updates are available.

Current and Research

Vadose Zone Hydrology: Complexity and Anthropogenic Influences

This project builds on the previous with focus on field-based investigation of rock mass and tracer tests in quarries, saprolite and residual soils, and socio-environmental studies following the establishment of the Timbavati Water Forum. The latter has a 5-year project with SANPARKS and will continue to build on water data. The contribution to fraactured rock and soils in the intermediate vadose zone is in itself a contribution to international knowledge of the subject matter.

Enhancing Sustainable Groundwater Use in South Africa (ESGUSA-2)

This project is funded by DANIDA and is done incollaboration with Danish counterparts. There is a postdoctoral candidate at UP that works on the Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) component in Polokwane. 

Completed Research Projects 

The Vadose Zone: From Theory to Practise

Authors: Matthys A Dippenaar, Brendon R Jones, J Louis van Rooy, Mampho Maoyi, Duan Swart

Date: January 2022

WRC Report No:  TT 869/21 

ISBN: 978-0-6392-031303

Funding: Water Research Commission (www.wrc.org.za) 

Project Leader/ Editor: Prof Matthys Dippenaar

The Karst Vadose Zone: Influences on Recharge, Vulnerability and Surface Stability

Authors: Matthys A Dippenaar, duan Swart, J Louis van Rooy, Roger E Diamond

Date: September 2019

WRC Report No: TT 719/19

ISBN: 978-0-6392-0080-4

Funding: Water Research Commission (www.wrc.org.za) 

Project Leader/ Editor: Prof Matthys Dippenaar

Environmental Risk Assessment, Monitoring and Management of Cemeteries

Authors: Matthys A Dippenaar, Jana Olivier, Simon Lorentz, Akebe LK Abia, Roger E Diamond

Date: May 2018

WRC Report No: 2449/1/18

ISBN: 978-1-4312-0978-1

Funding: Water Research Commission (www.wrc.org.za) 

Project Leader/ Editor: Prof Matthys Dippenaar

Advances in the Understanding of Variably Saturated Fracture Flow

Authors: Brendon R Jones, J Louis van Rooy, Matthys A Dippenaar, Luke R Brouwers, Jacobus I Roux, Andre Joubert, Katlego P Segole

Date: June 2016

WRC Report No: 2326/1/16

ISBN: 978-1-4312-0794-7

Funding: Funding: Water Research Commission (www.wrc.org.za) 

Project Leader/ Editor: Prof Matthys Dippenaar

Vadose Zone Hydrology: Concepts and Techniques

Authors: Dippenaar MA, Van Rooy JL, Breedt N, Huisamen A, Muravha SE, Mahlangu S, Mulders JA

Date: February 2014

WRC Report No: TT 584/13

Funding: Water Research Commission (www.wrc.org.za) 

Project Leader/ Editor: Prof Matthys Dippenaar

 

Hydrogeological Heritage Overview: Pretoria's Fountains - Arteries of Life

Hydrological Heritage Overview: Johannesburg - Gold in the Rand, Water from the Land

Hydrological Heritage Overview: Cape Town - Where Sweet Waters meet the Sea

Geology and Weathering Profiles of the Kruger National Park Research Supersites

Funding: Departmental

Project Leader: Prof Matthys Dippenaar and Prof Louis van Rooy

Purpose Statement:

Contributing towards a large database for research supersites established in the Kruger National Park through detailed geological mapping of bedrock, weathering profiles and hillslope processes.

Get the Report: Database available from SANParks or as peer-reviewed publications

Characterisation of Large Volume Light Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid Spill

Funding: Departmental and Industrial

Project Leader: Prof Louis van Rooy and Dr Matthys Dippenaar

Purpose Statement:

Hydrological characterisation of the impact of millions of litres of kerosene spilt into a fractured gneiss aquifer.

Get the Report: Confidential; limited information published as articles or dissertations