Johann Lutjeharms | |
|---|---|
| Born | Johann Reinder Erlers Lutjeharms (1944-04-13)April 13, 1944 South Africa |
| Died | June 8, 2011(2011-06-08) (aged 67) |
| Occupation | Marine scientist |
| Known for | Authority in the oceanography of the Agulhas Current |
Johann Reinder Erlers Lutjeharms (13 April 1944 - 8 June 2011), was a leading South African marine scientist and an authority in the oceanography of theAgulhas Current, who authored a definitive work on the subject,The Agulhas Current (Springer 2006). His main field of investigation was the large-scale circulation patterns of the oceans adjacent to southern Africa and their influence on weather and climate, and he participated in 17 research cruises and was responsible for a further 48 projects undertaken on such cruises.[1][2]
Lutjeharms joined the National Research Institute for Oceanology of the South AfricanCouncil for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), where he held the position of chief specialist researcher. He became the Chair of Ocean Climatology at theUniversity of Cape Town in 1990 and, in 1993, became the founding director of UCT's Centre for Marine Studies.[1][2] He was made Professor Extraordinarius at theUniversity of South Africa in 2009.
He coined the term ‘Natal pulse’ in 1988 to describe a large offshore meander in the Agulhas Current originating nearDurban. This meander travels slowly down the east coast of South Africa towardsPort Elizabeth, then leaves the coast in a U-turn known as theretroflection. Becoming theAgulhas Return Current, it then turns east, before looping back towards Madagascar.[3]
Lutjeharms also described and named the cyclonic Delagoa Bight eddy.[4]
Lutjeharms was a recipient of South Africa's highest honour, theOrder of Mapungubwe (Silver)(2010), for his contribution to and achievements in oceanographic science. The University of Cape Town has three main forms of recognition for its academic staff; Lutjeharms received all three, and he held honorary degrees from the universities of Johannesburg, Pretoria and Rhodes.
Lutjeharms extended his academic endeavours to theAfrikaans language by compiling a dictionary of oceanographic terms, and contributing to the leading dictionary of the language.[1]
Lutjeharms was born inBloemfontein on 13 April 1944, and attendedGrey College. He completed his undergraduate studies in physics and, in 1971, received his MSc (cum laude) in oceanography at theUniversity of Cape Town and was awarded the Harry Crossley Bursary, the Fisheries Development Corporation postgraduate overseas bursary and the CSIR overseas bursary to study for a PhD at the University of Washington, where he graduated in 1977.[1][2]
Lutjeharms was married to Ronel and they have two children, Wilhelm and Maria.
Lutjeharms died at his home inStellenbosch, aged 67, on World Oceans Day, 8 June 2011, after a 10-year battle with cancer.