Current Geoscientific Research in Uganda and Tanzania

This volume contains another compilation of geoscientific research in East Africa by a group of scientists, working in different disciplines, but with common interests and needs for interdisciplinary ties. The preceding volume of this kind (Documenta Naturae, 77, published in 1993), had 9 articles, now there are 17 contributions, all concerned with various aspects of the geology of East Africa. It was therefore convenient to group them in a certain order: Three articles on the Precambrian geology (Usagaran System, Karagwe-Ankolean System and Mozambique Belt) are followed by those concerned with the Neogene (volcanism, geomorphology, limnology and vegetation). Two articles deal with economic geology. That geoscientific research has changed its traditional role from the exploration of potential resources to the protection of them, may be noted by five articles that are concerned with environment and hazards. This volume is intended to provide an insight into the work and interests of geoscientists of East Africa, who see the Earth's crust as a principal component of our living. Although mineral earning as percentage of the GDP at present in Tanzania is less than 0.3% and in Uganda is less than 0.03, the interest in the geology of these countries has steadily increased - about 100 publications are estimated to be published every year on the geology of Tanzania and Uganda. But most of these publications are very scattered distributed or not available because the particular journals are too expensive to be obtained by institutions or by individuals. It is another aim of this volume to build up a scientific link with other geoscientific communities in Africa to exchange knowledge and ideas. The specialists who have contributed to this volume also recognize the need to convey their messages to other specialists. They are hopeful that this can be done with the here presented volume of Berliner geowissenschaftliche Abhandlungen.