Atmospheric Research
CSIR and University of Pretoria collaborate in atmospheric laser remote sensing research in SA. The CSIR National Laser Centre and the Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology at the University of Pretoria (UP) have embarked on a project involving specialized laser research into atmospheric remote sensing using laser radar, more popularly known as light detection and ranging (lidar). This high-tech remote sensing tool for monitoring the atmosphere is being used by the CSIR, which has developed a mobile lidar system. Lidar is a relatively new field of research in South Africa. The interpretation of measurements can accurately reflect the state of the atmosphere at the time of the measurements. The CSIR lidar system is the only of its kind in South Africa and can remotely monitor the atmosphere up to an altitude of 30 km. The initiative forms part of the Southern Education and Research Alliance (SERA), which seeks to create the education, research and technology transfer infrastructure and competence needed to significantly contribute to South Africa's global competitiveness. Its founders are the CSIR and the UP. Collaborating locally and abroad, SERA's activities are rapidly and effectively applying knowledge and human resources to the science, engineering and technology value chain to support economic growth and sustainable development, locally and in the region. In July 2008, the UP will introduce two new undergraduate courses in remote sensing to its curriculum. In addition, the university has a strong meteorology group, the research of which into boundary layer meso-scale meteorology has become increasingly important in the light of global climate change. As such, the project specifically aims to establish combined research and academic training activity between the CSIR and the UP and entails the following: