Piecing together processes in the 'kloof

Baviaanskloof (SA): Students from Rhodes University (Grahamstown) have recently emerged from the field after an intense but rewarding 10 days in the field. Led by Prof. Fred Ellery from the Dept. Environmental Sciences, the purpose of their research was to collect important data which could enable them to better understand the fluvial / catchment processes of the Baviaanskloof.

The three main projects set out to:
1. Determine the effects of current human activities on the what scientists call “alluvial fans” (i.e. the side inflow tributaries depositing soil, rock and minerals in the main river channel). The primary emphasis is in understanding the impact of roads, channels and other human-made constructions in how they alter the flows of the natural system.
2. Determine the current topographic ‘view’ of the Baviaans River floodplains and channels to record any human-made constructions that during a period of approx. 50 years of historic photographic reconstruction could have influenced the state of the river as it is today;
3. Determine the behaviour of the river using a more detailed surveying ‘snap shot’ to understand the Baviaans River’s behaviour on a local scale. This is being done by mapping the sediment accumulation and erosion occurring on the river’s sand banks. A parallel task is to also try and determine the connection between the level of the underlying water table with the river channel.

This information is feeding into the overarching Baviaanskloof integrated catchment restoration programme (PRESENCE in the Baviaanskloof ). The insights are helping to determine priority focus areas for planned pilot restoration measures in terms of learning where to get the ‘biggest bang for the buck’ with least risk and most benefit.

Thanks to participating students ofr their efforts, to Zandvlakte for their willingness to host these activities on their land and to PRESENCE intern Jose David Diaz for his motivated and active supporting role.

Contact: presence@livinglandscapes.co.za