Publications
A catalogue of calcite vein types in porous sandstone and their formation conditions (Huab Basin, Namibia)
A catalogue of calcite vein types in porous sandstone from the UNESCO World Heritage Site Twyfelfontein (Namibia) reveals insights into fluid flow dynamics and climatic shifts over millions of years. The study identifies distinct calcite vein formations, including blocky, radial, and micritic structures, some intergrown with kaolinite or preceded by dolomite and iron oxide precipitation. U-Pb dating indicates most veins formed between 31 million years ago (Ma) to the present, with one outlier at ~65 Ma, while clumped isotope analysis suggests shallow burial depths (< 1 km) during formation, except for a high-temperature outlier linked to the older vein. Carbonate δ13C values show a trend from -8.3‰ to -1.3‰, reflecting a shift from warm, humid to (semi-)arid conditions in the region. The research suggests this climatic change is responsible for many observed vein characteristics, providing a link between geological processes and environmental evolution.
Mesozoic deposits of SW Gondwana (Namibia): unravelling Gondwanan sedimentary dispersion drivers by detrital zircon
A sediment homogenization system spanning from the Permo-Carboniferous to at least the Lower Cretaceous is identified in the Namibian Mesozoic successions, revealing dynamic sedimentary processes during the transition from an ice house environment to an arid desert. The study used a combination of isotopic and morphometric data on detrital zircon grains, along with whole-rock geochemical analysis of sandstones, to unravel sediment dispersion drivers in SW Gondwana. Detrital zircon age patterns indicate distinct provenance changes, with the Lower Triassic Neu Loore Formation sourced locally, while Middle Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous formations (Omingonde, Etjo, Twyfelfontein) reflect extensive recycling and homogenization facilitated by fluvial and eolian transport systems. This suggests a shift in sediment dynamics during the Mesozoic era.
Tourist and Recreational Facilities of Geosites. Theory and Practice
A comprehensive analysis of tourist and recreational facilities at Twyfelfontein/Ui-//aes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Namibia, reveals a robust infrastructure supporting geotourism. The study identifies numerous service facilities, including hotels, campgrounds, roads, airstrips, and an ethnographic museum, highlighting the region's potential for sustainable geotourism development. The research employs the territorial recreational systems (TRS) approach to assess five key sub-systems: tourists, natural and cultural resources, technical infrastructure, staff, and governing institutions. This method provides a holistic framework for understanding and optimizing the geotourism experience at this significant geological site.
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