Magister Scientiae - MSc (Earth Science)
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Item Application of the minalyzer core scanner in sandstone reservoirs of the orange basin, South Africa for reservoir zonation(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Snyman, DianThis thesis investigates the elemental and petrophysical properties of tight sandstone reservoirs in the Orange Basin, South Africa, focussing on two wells, AC1 and AJ1. The study employs the Minalyzer Core Scanner for high- resolution X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis to characterize reservoir zonation and heterogeneity. The integration of continuous elemental data with petrophysical information from the Petroleum Agency of South Africa (PASA) provides a comprehensive approach to understanding reservoir quality and hydrocarbon potential. Key findings indicate that the sandstone reservoirs are predominantly composed of silica, with significant concentrations of potassium, calcium, and aluminium, suggesting a mixed depositional environment. Variations in elemental composition between wells AC1 and AJ1 reflect differences in sedimentary processes and diagenetic history, with well AJ1 exhibiting superior permeability and fluid flow potential. Additionally, Sr/Cu ratios are used to infer depositional environments and climate influences on sedimentation. Five distinct flow zones were identified with porosity ranging from 1.0 to 24.7%, permeability from 0.1 to 7777mD, and pore throat radius from 0.1 to 17.5 μm.Item A structural analysis of the Ou Kaapse Weg fault zone, Cape Peninsula, South Africa(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Arnold, Andy AntonioThis thesis presents a structural analysis of the Ou Kaapse Weg Fault Zone, situated within the Silvermine Nature Reserve, with a specific focus on its interactions with the Muizenberg Fault Zone. The study aimed to characterise the fault systems, document their structural complexities, and place them within the broader tectonic framework of the region. A combination of detailed field mapping, remote sensing techniques, lineament extraction, and kinematic analysis was employed to identify and interpret the fault and joint systems in the area. Results indicate that thefaults within the Ou Kaapse Weg Fault Zone, particularly the Silvermine, Waterfall, and Boyes-Drive Faults, as well as the Muizenberg Fault Zone are predominantly strike-slip in nature, with significant evidence of left- lateral (sinistral) movement. Additionally, four major joint sets were identified: joint set-1 (NW-SE), joint set-2 (NE-SW), joint set-3 (E-W), and joint set-4 (N-S), which are spatially associated with the dominant fault trends. The spatial distribution and density of joints were found to increase significantly near fault zones, forming well-defined damage zones. These areas of intense fracturing are characterised by both orthogonal and conjugate joints. The presence of displaced joints and joint step-overs further underscores the complex stress regime and kinematics of the area.Item The geology, geochemistry, and geochronology of proterozoic gneisses in the Lüderitz area, southern Namibia: insights into the evolution of the NW Namaqua Metamorphic Province(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Shifotoka, Gerhard Mekondjo NaatangweThe basement rocks of the Lüderitz area, SW Namibia are dominated by migmatitic metavolcanic and intrusive gneisses that resemble those of the Paleoproterozoic Richtersveld Magmatic Arc (~1890 Ma; RMA; of the Namaqua Natal Metamorphic Province (NNMP)). Detailed geological mapping, geochemistry, isotopic and geochronological analysis was undertaken to establish a new, modern lithostratigraphy for the area and to determine whether the Lüderitz gneisses indeed form part of the RMA. The mafic, andesitic and dacitic metavolcanic gneisses (1876 ± 9 Ma) are grouped in the Albatrosskop Formation and occur as rafts within the coeval orthogneisses (1918-1855 Ma). Six main types of orthogneiss were mapped, namely: the Kolmanskop Migmatite, Adventure Bay metagabbro-metadiorite, the Radford Bay, Kowisberg and Albatross Bay granodiorite-granite gneisses and the Elizabeth Point leucogranite gneiss. The volcanic and plutonic rocks are overlain by the Dagger Rocks Group that yielded a youngest detrital grain age of 1731 ± 46 Ma. The supracrustal and plutonic rocks were strongly deformed and metamorphosed during the polyphase Mesoproterozoic Namaqua Orogeny.Item The petrophysical analysis and evaluation of hydrocarbon potential of sandstone units in the Bredasdorp Central Basin(University of the Western Cape, 2005-12-01) Olajide, Oluseyi; Carey, Paul F.This research was aimed at employing the broad use of petrophysical analysis and reservoir modelling techniques to explore the petroleum resources in the sandstone units of deep marine play in the Bredasdorp Basin.