SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF GEOLOGY

Scope & Guideline

Uncovering the Earth's mysteries, one study at a time.

Introduction

Welcome to your portal for understanding SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF GEOLOGY, featuring guidelines for its aims and scope. Our guidelines cover trending and emerging topics, identifying the forefront of research. Additionally, we track declining topics, offering insights into areas experiencing reduced scholarly attention. Key highlights include highly cited topics and recently published papers, curated within these guidelines to assist you in navigating influential academic dialogues.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1012-0750
PublisherGEOLOGICAL SOC SOUTH AFRICA
Support Open AccessNo
CountrySouth Africa
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1987 to 2024
AbbreviationS AFR J GEOL / S. Afr. J. Geol.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressPO BOX 61809, MARSHALLTOWN 2107, SOUTH AFRICA

Aims and Scopes

The South African Journal of Geology serves as a significant platform for disseminating research on various aspects of geological sciences, particularly focusing on southern Africa's geological history, mineral resources, and environmental geology. The journal encourages diverse methodologies, including field studies, geochemical analyses, and advanced geochronological techniques, to contribute to the understanding of geological processes and formations.
  1. Geological History and Stratigraphy:
    The journal emphasizes studies that explore the geological history of southern Africa, including stratigraphic frameworks, sedimentary processes, and basin analyses.
  2. Mineral Resources and Geochemistry:
    Research focused on mineral deposits, their formation, and geochemical characteristics is a core area, with papers often discussing the petrogenesis and economic significance of various minerals.
  3. Palaeoclimate and Environmental Change:
    The journal includes studies that investigate past climate changes through geological records, contributing to the understanding of environmental shifts over geological time scales.
  4. Geochronology and Provenance Studies:
    A significant focus is placed on the dating of geological formations and the provenance of sedimentary rocks through advanced techniques such as U-Pb zircon dating.
  5. Tectonics and Structural Geology:
    Research on tectonic processes, structural geology, and their implications for the geological evolution of the region is a recurring theme in the journal.
  6. Geohazards and Environmental Geology:
    The journal also addresses contemporary issues related to geohazards, their assessment, and the environmental implications of geological processes.
Recent publications in the South African Journal of Geology indicate several emerging themes that reflect current scientific interests and advancements in geological research. These trends highlight the journal's responsiveness to evolving geological challenges and discoveries.
  1. Archaean Geology and Ancient Earth Processes:
    There is a rising interest in Archaean geology, particularly studies related to the Barberton Greenstone Belt and its implications for early Earth processes and crustal evolution.
  2. Geochemical and Isotopic Studies:
    An increasing number of papers are utilizing geochemical and isotopic analyses to investigate mineral genesis, provenance, and environmental changes, showcasing a trend toward precision in geological investigations.
  3. Advanced Geochronological Techniques:
    Publications utilizing sophisticated geochronological methods, such as high-precision U-Pb dating, are on the rise, reflecting a trend towards improving the chronological understanding of geological events.
  4. Environmental Geology and Geohazards:
    Research addressing environmental impacts of geological processes and the assessment of geohazards is gaining traction, highlighting the journal's engagement with contemporary issues.
  5. Integration of Remote Sensing and Geospatial Technologies:
    The application of remote sensing and geospatial technologies in geological studies is increasingly common, indicating a shift towards modern methodologies in geological research.

Declining or Waning

While the South African Journal of Geology has consistently focused on various geological aspects, certain themes appear to be declining in frequency or prominence in recent publications. This shift may reflect changes in research priorities or advancements in methodologies.
  1. Late Quaternary and Archaeological Geology:
    Research related to late Quaternary geological processes and archaeological implications has seen a reduction, possibly due to a shift towards more ancient geological studies.
  2. Non-mineral Resource Geology:
    Themes focusing on geological aspects unrelated to mineral resources, such as general geological mapping or non-economic geology, seem to be receiving less attention in favor of economically relevant studies.
  3. Geological Modeling and Theoretical Studies:
    There is a noticeable decline in purely theoretical or modeling studies, with a trend towards empirical research that provides direct geological insights.
  4. Regional Geology Outside Southern Africa:
    Papers focusing on geological aspects of regions outside southern Africa have become less frequent, indicating a more concentrated focus on local geological studies.

Similar Journals

GEOLOGICAL QUARTERLY

Exploring Earth's Mysteries, One Quarter at a Time.
Publisher: POLISH GEOLOGICAL INSTISSN: 1641-7291Frequency: 4 issues/year

GEOLOGICAL QUARTERLY, published by the Polish Geological Institute, is a respected journal in the field of geology, offering insights into Earth and planetary sciences since its inception in 2000. With an ISSN of 1641-7291 and an E-ISSN of 2082-5099, this journal serves as a vital platform for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to expand their knowledge in geological disciplines. The journal is positioned in Q3 within the geology category as of 2023 and ranks #172 out of 321 in Scopus, placing it in the 46th percentile among its peers. Although currently not an open-access publication, GEOLOGICAL QUARTERLY reflects the policy of fostering scientific communication and collaboration by disseminating valuable geological research. Its commitment to publishing original articles, reviews, and technical notes ensures that it plays a significant role in advancing geological science and its applications within the academic community. With its base in Warsaw, Poland, the journal stands as an important resource for anyone engaged in or studying the Earth sciences.

GEOLOGICA CARPATHICA

Connecting Researchers Through Open Access Geoscience
Publisher: SLOVAK ACAD SCIENCES GEOLOGICAL INSTISSN: 1335-0552Frequency: 6 issues/year

GEOLOGICA CARPATHICA, with ISSN 1335-0552 and E-ISSN 1336-8052, is a distinguished open access journal published by the Slovak Academy of Sciences Geological Institute, serving as a pivotal platform for the dissemination of research in the field of Geology. Established in 1991 and continuing through 2024, the journal is recognized for its significant contributions to Earth and Planetary Sciences, evidenced by its 2023 Scopus ranking placing it in the second quartile (Q2) within Geology. With an H-index that showcases its impactful publications, GEOLOGICA CARPATHICA is committed to fostering scholarly communication while promoting accessible research, having adopted an open access model since 2009. Located in beautiful Bratislava, Slovakia, this journal aims to engage a global audience of researchers, professionals, and students interested in ecological, geological, and environmental studies, making it a prominent resource for enriching the scientific community's understanding of the Carpathian region and beyond.

Gondwana Research

Advancing the Frontiers of Geological Discovery
Publisher: ELSEVIERISSN: 1342-937XFrequency: 12 issues/year

Gondwana Research is a premier academic journal published by Elsevier, specializing in the field of geology, with a robust focus on the geological history and processes of the Gondwana supercontinent. With an impressive impact factor and ranking as Q1 in the 2023 Geology category, it stands as a leading platform for disseminating high-quality research. The journal features articles that advance the understanding of Earth and planetary sciences, making significant contributions to geological education and research. Researchers will find its curated content particularly valuable, as it encompasses a wide array of topics including stratigraphy, paleontology, and tectonics, all relevant to both contemporary and historical geological inquiries. Given its substantial reach and esteemed standing—ranked 5th out of 321 in its field—Gondwana Research plays a crucial role in fostering scientific exchange among global experts. Located in the United States with publication continuity from 1997 to 2024, this journal consistently attracts submissions from leading scientists, ensuring that its readership is kept at the forefront of geological discovery and innovation.

JOURNAL OF THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Exploring Earth's Mysteries Through Rigorous Research
Publisher: GEOLOGICAL SOC PUBL HOUSEISSN: 0016-7649Frequency: 6 issues/year

JOURNAL OF THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY, published by GEOLOGICAL SOC PUBL HOUSE, is a premier academic journal dedicated to advancing the field of geology. With a rich history dating back to 1845 and continuously published until 2024, this journal caters to a diverse audience of researchers, professionals, and students involved in earth sciences. The journal is recognized for its high impact factor, situating it in the top Q1 category in the field of geology, as indicated by its impressive Scopus rank of #49 out of 321, positioning it at the 84th percentile in Earth and Planetary Sciences. This esteemed scholarly platform promotes rigorous peer-reviewed research, ensuring that novel findings contribute to the global geological discourse. Although it operates under a subscription model, the journal's archive offers valuable insights for anyone pursuing excellence in geological research. The JOURNAL OF THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY stands as a vital resource for disseminating scientific knowledge and fostering educational growth within the field.

Boletin de Geologia

Innovating Earth Science: Discover, Share, Collaborate.
Publisher: UNIV INDUSTRIAL SANTANDERISSN: 0120-0283Frequency: 2 issues/year

Boletin de Geologia is a prominent open-access journal published by UNIV INDUSTRIAL SANTANDER, dedicated to advancing the field of Earth and Planetary Sciences. Since its transition to open access in 2000, this journal has provided a platform for researchers to disseminate their findings and engage with the global scientific community. With an ISSN of 0120-0283 and an E-ISSN of 2145-8553, it is indexed in Scopus and has secured a notable Q3 ranking in the category of miscellaneous Earth and Planetary Sciences as of 2023, reflecting the impact and relevance of its published articles. The journal's geographical scope, rooted in Colombia, allows it to highlight significant geological research pertinent to the region while also contributing to global discussions. Scholars and practitioners interested in innovative research within this field will find Boletin de Geologia an invaluable resource for unlocking knowledge and fostering collaboration in the geological sciences.

Journal of Geosciences

Navigating the Frontiers of Earth's Science
Publisher: CESKA GEOLOGICKA SPOLECNOSTISSN: 1802-6222Frequency: 4 issues/year

Journal of Geosciences is a distinguished peer-reviewed journal published by CESKA GEOLOGICKA SPOLECNOST, based in the Czech Republic, that serves as a vital platform for the dissemination of innovative research in the field of Earth and Planetary Sciences. With an ISSN of 1802-6222 and E-ISSN of 1803-1943, this journal has established its significance within the academic community, evidenced by its Q3 ranking in both Earth and Planetary Sciences and Geology. The journal covers a broad array of topics, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students interested in geoscientific advancements and discoveries. The Journal of Geosciences reflects a commitment to high-quality scholarship, embracing a variety of methodologies and interdisciplinary approaches, and provides open access to its content, thereby encouraging global collaboration and knowledge sharing among geoscientists. With a publication history converging from 2007 to 2024, it continues to be a prominent venue for critical conversations and developments in the ever-evolving field of geosciences.

Bulletin of the Mineral Research and Exploration

Unlocking Earth’s Secrets Through Open Access Research
Publisher: MADEN TETKIK VE ARAMA GENEL MUDURLUGU-MTAISSN: 0026-4563Frequency: 3 issues/year

Bulletin of the Mineral Research and Exploration, published by MADEN TETKIK VE ARAMA GENEL MUDURLUGU-MTA in Turkey, is a prominent open-access journal that has been disseminating vital research in the fields of geology and geotechnical engineering since 1936. With an ISSN of 0026-4563 and a commitment to sharing knowledge without barriers, this journal fosters an inclusive environment for researchers, professionals, and students alike. The journal is recognized for its contribution to the scientific community, illustrated by its Q3 ranking in Geology and Q4 ranking in Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology for the year 2023. Despite its solid performance, the journal remains dedicated to improving its Scopus rankings, currently positioned at #230 out of 321 in Earth and Planetary Sciences for Geology, and #169 out of 229 in Geotechnical Engineering. The journal's historical convergence of years emphasizes its longstanding relevance and adaptability in disseminating cutting-edge research. By offering open access, it ensures that vital geological and engineering insights are readily available to a global audience, thereby enhancing collaboration and advancing knowledge in these crucial fields.

Frontiers of Earth Science

Connecting Researchers to the Frontiers of Discovery
Publisher: SPRINGERISSN: 2095-0195Frequency: 4 issues/year

Frontiers of Earth Science is a prominent academic journal in the field of Earth and Planetary Sciences, published by Springer. With an ISSN of 2095-0195 and an E-ISSN of 2095-0209, this journal serves as a significant platform for researchers and professionals to disseminate their findings from 2007 to 2024. It is recognized for its impactful contributions within the category of Earth and Planetary Sciences, boasting a respected Q2 ranking in 2023. With a Scopus ranking of 64 out of 195, placing it in the 67th percentile, Frontiers of Earth Science continues to drive academic dialogue and innovation. The journal is dedicated to exploring a diverse range of topics, including geology, meteorology, and environmental science, and amplifying the understanding of Earth systems through rigorous research. Located in New York, USA, this journal embraces an Open Access model, ensuring that groundbreaking research is readily available to the global scientific community, thereby enhancing its accessibility and impact.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE

Fostering Insights into Geological Processes
Publisher: AMER JOURNAL SCIENCEISSN: 0002-9599Frequency: 1 issue/year

The American Journal of Science, published by the esteemed Amer Journal Science, stands as a leading platform for groundbreaking research in the field of Earth and Planetary Sciences. With an impressive impact factor and distinguished Scopus rank 34/195 in its category, the journal occupies a prestigious position in the academic community, reflecting its high-quality and influential contributions to scientific knowledge. The journal’s objective is to disseminate original research, comprehensive reviews, and critical discussions that advance our understanding of geological processes and planetary phenomena, supporting scholars and practitioners in their pursuit of knowledge. Despite its traditional publication structure, viewers can explore its rich repository of works dating from 1945 to present, offering a wealth of insights into the dynamic Earth sciences. The journal remains a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students eager to engage with the latest scientific findings and foster further innovation in the field.

GEOLOGICAL JOURNAL

Connecting disciplines to deepen our geological understanding.
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0072-1050Frequency: 6 issues/year

GEOLOGICAL JOURNAL, an esteemed publication by WILEY, has been at the forefront of geological research since its inception in 1951. With an ISSN of 0072-1050 and E-ISSN of 1099-1034, this journal serves as a vital platform for disseminating high-quality, peer-reviewed research in the field of geology. Operating out of the United Kingdom, the journal proudly features a Scopus rank of 80 out of 321 in the Earth and Planetary Sciences category, reflecting its commitment to scholarly excellence, with a 2023 category quartile ranking of Q2. As part of its innovative approach, GEOLOGICAL JOURNAL seeks to foster interdisciplinary collaborations, advancing our understanding of earth processes, materials, and history. Although it does not offer open access options, its robust subscription model ensures that both professionals and students have access to groundbreaking insights. With a publication history that spans over seven decades, the GEOLOGICAL JOURNAL continues to be an indispensable resource for the global geological community, encouraging discoveries that shape our comprehension of the planet.