Geological Society of South Africa
Encyclopedia
The Geological Society of South Africa (GSSA) is a learned society
for geological science
that was founded in 1895, making it one of the oldest such societies in Africa
. The GSSA publishes the peer-reviewed
scientific journal
, the South African Journal of Geology, and annually awards the Draper Memorial Medal (in honour of David Draper) to recognise achievement in geology, and the Des Pretorius Memorial Award (in honour of Desmond Pretorius) to recognise exceptional work on economic geology
in Africa.
Learned society
A learned society is an organization that exists to promote an academic discipline/profession, as well a group of disciplines. Membership may be open to all, may require possession of some qualification, or may be an honor conferred by election, as is the case with the oldest learned societies,...
for geological science
Geology
Geology is the science comprising the study of solid Earth, the rocks of which it is composed, and the processes by which it evolves. Geology gives insight into the history of the Earth, as it provides the primary evidence for plate tectonics, the evolutionary history of life, and past climates...
that was founded in 1895, making it one of the oldest such societies in Africa
Africa
Africa is the world's second largest and second most populous continent, after Asia. At about 30.2 million km² including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of the Earth's total surface area and 20.4% of the total land area...
. The GSSA publishes the peer-reviewed
Peer review
Peer review is a process of self-regulation by a profession or a process of evaluation involving qualified individuals within the relevant field. Peer review methods are employed to maintain standards, improve performance and provide credibility...
scientific journal
Scientific journal
In academic publishing, a scientific journal is a periodical publication intended to further the progress of science, usually by reporting new research. There are thousands of scientific journals in publication, and many more have been published at various points in the past...
, the South African Journal of Geology, and annually awards the Draper Memorial Medal (in honour of David Draper) to recognise achievement in geology, and the Des Pretorius Memorial Award (in honour of Desmond Pretorius) to recognise exceptional work on economic geology
Economic geology
Economic geology is concerned with earth materials that can be used for economic and/or industrial purposes. These materials include precious and base metals, nonmetallic minerals, construction-grade stone, petroleum minerals, coal, and water. The term commonly refers to metallic mineral deposits...
in Africa.