Passion for Ocean’s Mysteries Leads Geologist to MSc

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Ms Tamera Heeralal, a graduate of UKZN’s MSc in Geology programme, is a trailblazer in the field of marine geology.

Her research on ancient diamond-bearing gravel shorelines submerged off the coast of Namibia not only contributes to the scientific understanding of sea-level fluctuations, but also highlights the importance of sustainable resource management in the context of offshore diamond exploration.

Heeralal’s decision to pursue her MSc at UKZN was motivated by the University’s distinguished marine geology programme, which is recognised as a leader in Africa. The opportunity to engage with real-world data, develop practical skills and benefit from UKZN’s strong ties with industry made the University a perfect choice.

The programme’s emphasis on marine geoscience gave her the ideal platform to dive into a field she was deeply passionate about, while honing her academic expertise and gaining hands-on research experience.

Her research - titled: “Submerged Gravel Shorelines of the Inner to Mid-Shelf Offshore Hottentot’s Bay, Namibia” - focused on ancient shorelines off Namibia’s coast and explored the history of diamond-bearing gravel that had been transported by the Orange River during periods of low sea levels.

As sea levels rose, these gravel shorelines were submerged and preserved beneath the ocean. Using cutting-edge technologies such as high-resolution sub-bottom sonar, multibeam bathymetry and data from over 6 400 boreholes, Heeralal was able to reconstruct the ancient land surface and sediment layers.

This groundbreaking work allowed her to map ancient beach systems, offering insights into how they formed, evolved and were preserved over millennia.

Heeralal’s research is not only a significant contribution to our understanding of past coastal processes but also has practical implications for the future. The study of these submerged features, including the diamond-rich gravels, provides essential knowledge about how coastlines respond to sea-level changes.

As global warming accelerates sea-level rise, understanding these ancient shorelines helps scientists predict how coastal areas might behave in the future, thus informing strategies for coastal resilience and resource management.

Heeralal’s fascination with ocean research has been a driving force throughout her career. Oceans cover some 70% of the Earth’s surface, yet 80% of the ocean floor remains unexplored. ‘We’ve mapped the moon in more detail than our own oceans, which I found truly intriguing,’ she said.

Reflecting on the significance of her research, Heeralal emphasised its relevance to both scientific inquiry and real-world applications, saying that the ability to study how ancient shorelines responded to fluctuating sea levels is invaluable in the context of climate change. By understanding past patterns of coastal erosion and deposition, we can develop more effective strategies to mitigate the impacts of rising sea levels on coastal communities and ecosystems.

Looking ahead, Heeralal has ambitious goals for her future. Professionally, she plans to continue advancing her career in geophysics, with a focus on seismic detection and monitoring. She is also eager to pursue a PhD to deepen her expertise and make further contributions to the field.

On a personal level, Heeralal is passionate about animal welfare and hopes to get involved in animal rescue and rehabilitation. Her long-term vision is to align her professional journey with her values, creating a balanced life that enables her to make a meaningful impact on both science and society.

In her spare time, she can be found either cooking up a storm, crocheting “questionable fashion choices” for her cats (who have zero patience for fittings), or ‘playing armchair detective while binge-watching true crime documentaries, solving the case in my head before the detectives do.’

Heeralal credited her supervisor, Professor Andrew Green, for his unwavering guidance, insightful feedback and dedication to her academic and professional growth; and acknowledged the crucial role her family played in keeping her grounded and motivated throughout her research journey.

Words: Sally Frost

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini