Geological sampling

The Mendon Formation of the Barberton Greenstone Belt in South Africa offers a unique window into a critical period of Earth's history, ~3.3 billion years ago. This research project aims to investigate the effect of giant meteorite impacts on the early Earth's surface environment and its potential influence on the nascent biosphere.

Our objectives are to analyze sedimentary rocks within the Mendon Formation, particularly those containing signatures of large meteorite impacts (spherule layers), evaluate the environmental consequences of these ancient impacts, focusing on potential changes in surface conditions, to ultimately assess the potential link between these impacts and the evolution of early life forms.

Fieldwork will be conducted in the Songimvelo Nature Reserve between June 24th and July 20th. Sites with well-defined distal impact layers will be the primary focus. We will measure detailed stratigraphic sections (~20 meters thick) across the spherule layers, meticulously document rock types, structures, and variations within the section, map geological units laterally to understand the regional context. We will take representative fist-sized rock samples from various intervals within the section for further analysis in the university laboratory.

With this work we hope to provide a deeper understanding of the role giant meteorite impacts played on the evolution of life on Earth. This work is purely academic. The findings of this research will be disseminated through presentations at scientific conferences, publication in peer-reviewed journals, and potential outreach activities to communicate the significance of this geological record to the public.

Planned Localities:
Location 1: -25.908333°, 31.045556°
Location 2: -25.901326°, 31.005232°
Location 3: -25.909198°, 31.045096°
Location 4: -25.887237°; 31.056887°

Methods of Research:
We will mostly study the rocks through non-distructive geological mapping and the measuring of samples. For some locations that are not a gazetted area, we would like to take a limited number of samples using hammer and chisel. While sampling, we will limit ourselves to loose rock from outcrop where possible and otherwise focus on fist-sized samples of sedimentary rock amounting to approximately 20 kg of rock per sample site. We will be mindful of preserving the outcrop in as pristine a condition as possible.


Names of role-players:
Prof. Nadja Drabon (field trip leader, Harvard University)
Mr. David Madrigal Trejo (PhD Student, Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
Ms. Oyku Zumra Mete (PhD Student, Harvard University)

Name of province:
Mpumalanga, Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains