Twintig jaar fisiese oseanologie in Suid-Afrika: 'n persoonlike beskouing

Abstract

Physical oceanology in South Africa has undergone some significant changes over the past 20 years. These changes include a dramatic growth in perceptual knowledge about the circulation patterns of all the ocean areas that border southern Africa. Other changes have occurred in apparatus, instrumentation, in the structure of research organizations and in funding. Areas on which research has focussed have also shifted substantially over this period. These developments are briefly sketched, perceived causes are discussed and conclusions are reached on what factors have been beneficial and which detrimental to the development of the science in South Africa.