Daniel Botha

MSc candidate

Thesis title: Neotectonics of the Kenya Central Rift

Research interests: Structural geology, tectonic geomorphology, hydrogeology

The Kenya Rift is one of the oldest sections of the Eastern African Rift system (EARS). Extensive rift-related research has been done in northern and southern Kenya, but the modern tectonic geomorphology of the Kenya Central Rift (KCR) remains understudied. This study aims to map active faulting in this area for the purpose of understanding its modern tectonics, which may give insight into seismic hazard. Existing fault maps show a change in the orientation of the EARS within the KCR, although previous work has not mapped these faults in detail. Additionally, earthquakes are rare within the KCR relative to the adjacent rift segments. A detailed fault database will shed light on the reasons that the rift changes character in the KCR. This database will be constructed by rigorous analysis of the high-resolution TanDEM-X Digital Elevation Model (DEM) alongside satellite imagery. This geomorphological analysis will also reveal faults along which slip is actively occurring, which will give insight into rift evolution and the balance between extension accommodated by larger border faults versus smaller intra-rift faults. Faulting may still be active along border faults in the KCR, which stands in contrast to the idea that extension transitions to intra-rift faults over time. This balance is likely controlled by the presence of structural weaknesses in the basement and magmatism in the rift itself – both providing possible rifting pathways. The detailed fault database will also provide the basis for a further seismic hazard study in the KCR. This is imperative, since Kenya’s population is growing rapidly.

Supervisor: Associate Prof. Alastair Sloan (UCT), Dr Simon Kübler (LMU Munich), Dr Beth Kahle (LMU Munich)

Degrees

  1. BSc (Hons) Geology, with distinction (UCT, 2024)

  2. BSc Geology and Ocean & Atmosphere Sciences, with distinction (UCT, 2023)

Awards

  1. Class award for BSc (Hons) Geology (UCT, 2024)

  2. J Barry Hawthorne Centennial Prize for highest mark in 3rd-year Geology (UCT, 2024)

  3. Invitation to join the Golden Key Society (2022-2024)

  4. Class medals for 7 BSc undergraduate modules (UCT, 2021-2023)