Dr Stephanie Enslin

Dr. Stephanie Scheiber-Enslin is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Geosciences at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), known for her multidisciplinary approach to geophysics that bridges the gap between deep crustal imaging and near-surface applications. Her expertise lies in the integration of diverse geophysical datasets to solve complex geological problems across Southern Africa.

Her research group’s work showcases a versatile command of geophysical methods, ranging from regional-scale potential field modeling (gravity and magnetics) and seismic reflection/refraction studies to high-resolution near-surface techniques. She utilizes this methodological breadth to investigate a wide array of environments:

  • Tectonics and Lithospheric Structure: Dr. Scheiber-Enslin has extensively modeled the crust and upper mantle beneath South Africa. Her research integrates satellite gravity (including GOCE data) and aeromagnetic data to constrain the architecture of the Kaapvaal Craton and the Beattie Magnetic Anomaly, contributing to broader Gondwana plate reconstructions.
  • Oil and Gas: A significant portion of her research focuses on the Karoo Basin, where she employs vintage and modern seismic data alongside potential fields to model the basin’s depth and internal structure. Her work is critical for assessing shale gas potential, particularly in mapping dolerite sills and dykes that influence reservoir prospectivity. Students from her research group have expanded this work in the Karoo Basin, as well as offshore basins like the Bredarsdorp Basin.
  • Minerals: In the minerals sector, herself and her research group have applied seismic and potential methods to complex magmatic systems. This includes investigating the Bushveld Complex and the Kunene Complex to delineate geological features for mine planning and risk reduction, as well as guiding kimberlite exploration.
  • Groundwater and Near-Surface: expanding her scope to hydrogeophysics, herself and her research group utilizes InSAR (satellite radar) and satellite gravity data to monitor ground deformation and assess groundwater potential. This is often complemented by high-resolution shallow techniques like GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) to characterize near-surface aquifers and environmental conditions.

She is currently president of the South African Geophysical Association committee (2025-2027) and SAGA 2026 conference committee. And the newest Wits PI for the AfricaArray, a pan-African public-private partnership dedicated to strengthening geophysics and geoscience capacity across the continent. Launched in 2004, its primary goal is to train the next generation of African geoscientists to manage the continent’s vast natural resources (minerals, oil, gas, and groundwater) and mitigate geohazards.

Recent Publications 

  1. Adam, M., Scheiber-Enslin, S.E., Ali, K.A. (2026). Application of Random Forest to Evaluate the Groundwater Storage Changes. Hydrogeology Journal. In press
  2. Adam, M.A., Scheiber-Enslin, S.E., Ali, K.A. (2025). Estimating water storage change from GRACE satellite data over the Breede Water Management Area, Western Cape, South Africa. Hydrogeology Journal. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-025-02946-8
  3. Scheiber-Enslin, S. E., Webb, S.J. and Manzi, M. (2024). Uncovering the Central Bushveld Complex, South Africa using reflection seismic and gravity data. South African Journal of Geology. 127 (4): 731–748.
  4. G. Nwaila S.E. Zhang, J. E. B., E. Carranza, S.E. Enslin, M. Manzi, F. Andriampenomanana, Y. Ghorbani (2024). Mineral Reconnaissance Through Scientific Consensus – First National Prospectivity Maps for PGE–Ni–Cu–Cr and Witwatersrand-type Au Deposits in South Africa. Natural Resources Research. In press.        
  5. Jones, M.Q.W. and Scheiber-Enslin, S.E. (2022). Heat flow in the main Karoo Basin, South Africa. South African Journal of Geology. 125 (3-4): 345–360.  
  6. Ebbing, D. Yixiati, P. Haas, F. Ferraccioli, S. Scheiber-Enslin (2021). East Antarctica magnetically linked to its ancient neighbours in Gondwana. Scientific Reports. Scientific Reports, 11, Article number: 5513.
  7. Scheiber-Enslin, S.E., Manzi, M. & Webb, S.J. (2021). Seismic imaging of sills and vents in the Central Main Karoo Basin, South Africa: implications for shale gas potential. South African Journal of Geology. 124 (2): 465–480.
  8. Webb, S.J., Scheiber-Enslin, S.E., and Cole, J. (2019). The importance of large-scale geophysical investigations for mineral exploration. In: Decree, S. and Robb, L.. (eds). Ore Deposits: Origin, Exploration, and Exploitation, Wiley, 209- pp. ISBN: 978-1-119-29053-7
  9. Scheiber-Enslin, S.E. and Manzi, M. (2018). Integration of 3D reflection seismics and magnetic data for deep platinum mine planning and risk mitigation: a case study from Bushveld Complex, South Africa. Exploration Geophysics, doi: 10.1071/EG17083