David Eden
For my eight-month work term in the Co-op Geological Engineering programme at the University of Waterloo, I was employed by ISS International Limited in South Africa. ISS (originally standing for "Integrated Seismic System") deals in seismic monitoring systems, primarily for use in deep mines. ISS systems are being used in Australia, Canada, Chile, England, Poland, South Africa and Zambia.
ISS International is a world leader in "mine seismology" research. Mine seismology is a new science, motivated by the need to control damage from mine seismicity and "rockbursts." Seismic activity in mines results from large stress in deep in the earth. These stresses tend to close mine excavations, if the resulting movements are rapid, they are referred to as "seismicity." Rockbursts are violent expulsions of rock into mine openings, which have a frightening power to kill and injure. It is possible to interpret seismic data from geophysical instruments and use this information to avoid damaging seismic events and save lives.
My work at ISS involved mostly rock mechanics and mine seismology, and a little traditional structural geology. My main project of the term was to oversee a stress monitoring project. I helped ensure that a stress monitoring device was properly installed, and that the data from the instrument was interpreted properly. This task involved helping arrange all necessary equipment and going underground when the instrument was installed.
Overall, my experiences with ISS and South Africa were enjoyable and rewarding. I especially enjoyed living and working in a different culture and the practical experience underground. I think the best part of my job was my supervisor, Gerrie van Aswegen, who had a genuine concern for my education and allowed me great freedom in directing my work. Photographs donated by Dr. W.D. Ortlepp of Steffen, Robertson and Kirsten, consulting engineers, and ISS International Limited, both of South Africa.