About AfricaArray

Vision

Across Africa, geoscientists are in high demand by oil, gas and mineral exploration companies. Geoscientists also are needed in the monitoring of and mitigation against natural hazards, and in the development of geothermal energy and water resources. Yet, there is insufficient capacity within Africa to provide high quality geosciences training for the number of geoscience professionals needed by industry, government and academia.

The implementation goals of AfricaArray are:

• Phase I (2005-2007): Expansion of geophysics programme at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits); development of an international geophysics field course; building of a network of permanent seismic observatories; and initiation of a multi-project research programme. This phase has been completed with all goals reached.
• Phase 2 (2008-2010): Creation of regional centers of excellence at several African universities; expansion into other geoscience fields; addition of new sensors to the observatory network for obtaining GPS, meteorological and hydrological data; institution of a firm management structure.
• Phase 3 (2011-2013): Expansion of AfricaArray into West and North Africa through partnerships with academic institutions and inclusion into the observatory network of the seismic stations already operating in those regions; addition of new seismic stations as well.
• Phase 4 (2014 and beyond): Maintenance and continued support of the established scientific community through data exchanges, collaborative projects and continual training and academic programmes.

For more information please contact:
Dr. Andrew Nyblade, Department of Geosciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
Email: aan2@.psu.edu | Telephone: 814.863.8341

Dr. Raymond Durrheim, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3 Wits 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa
Email: Raymond.Durrheim @wits.ac.za | Telephone: +27 11 717-6547