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Author Heaton, T.H.E.; Talma, A.S.; Vogel, J.C. url  openurl
  Title Origin and history of nitrate in confined groundwater in the western Kalahari Type Journal Article
  Year 1983 Publication Journal of Hydrology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 62 Issue 1 Pages 243-262  
  Keywords  
  Abstract Data are presented for nitrate, dinitrogen and argon concentrations and 15N14N ratios in groundwater, with radiocarbon ages up to 40,000 yr. for three confined sandstone aquifers in the western Kalahari of South West Africa/Namibia. The nitrate is probably generated within the soil of the recharge areas, and its production rate during the period 3000-40,000 B.P. has remained between 0.5 and 1.6 meq NO−3l−1 of recharge water, with ° 15N between + 4 and + 8‰. Variations in the amount of nitrate and of “excess air” in groundwater recharge are found, and can only reflect changes in the environmental conditions during recharge. They must therefore be caused by the climatic changes that have taken place during the past 25,000 yr.  
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  ISSN 0022-1694 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ heaton_origin_1983 Serial 95  
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Author Gasse, F. url  openurl
  Title Hydrological changes in the African tropics since the Last Glacial Maximum Type Journal Article
  Year 2000 Publication Quaternary Science Reviews Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 19 Issue 1 Pages 189-211  
  Keywords  
  Abstract Paleohydrological data from the African tropics and subtropics, including lake, groundwater and speleothem records, are reviewed to show how environments and climates from both hemispheres are inter-related. Although orbitally induced changes in the monsoon strength account for a large part of long-term climatic changes in tropical Africa, the Late Pleistocene–Holocene hydrological fluctuations rather appear to have been a series of abrupt events that reflect complex interactions between orbital forcing, atmosphere, ocean and land surface conditions. During the Last Glacial Maximum (23–18ka BP), most records indicate that generally dry conditions have prevailed in both hemispheres, associated with lower tropical land- and sea-surface temperatures. This agrees with simulations using coupled ocean–atmosphere models, which predict cooling and reduced summer precipitation in tropical Africa; the global hydrological cycle was weaker than today when the extent of large polar ice-sheets and sea-ice was a prominent forcing factor of the Earth’s climate. Glacial-interglacial climatic changes started early: a first wetting/warming phase at ca. 17–16ka BP took place during a period of rapid temperature increase in Antarctica. Next, two drastic arid-humid transitions in equatorial and northern Africa occurred around 15–14.5ka BP and 11.5–11ka BP. Both are thought to match the major Greenland warming events, in concert with the switching of the oceanic thermohaline circulation to modern mode. However, part of the climatic signal after 15 ka BP also seems related to the Antarctica climate. During the Holocene, Africa has also experienced rapid hydrological fluctuations of dramatic magnitude compared to the climatic changes at high latitudes. In particular, major dry spells occurred around 8.4–8ka and 4.2–4ka BP in the northern monsoon domain. Comparison with other parts of the world indicates that these events have a worldwide distribution but different regional expressions. In the absence of large polar ice sheets, changes in the continental hydrological cycles in the tropics may have a significant impact on the global climate system. Climate information gathered here allows to identify geographical and methodological gaps, and raise some scientific questions that remain to be solved to better understand how the tropics respond to changes in major climate-forcing factors, and how they influence climate globally.  
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  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0277-3791 ISBN Medium  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ gasse_hydrological_2000 Serial 96  
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Author Brook, G.A.; Marais, E.; Srivastava, P.; Jordan, T. url  openurl
  Title Timing of lake-level changes in Etosha Pan, Namibia, since the middle Holocene from OSL ages of relict shorelines in the Okondeka region Type Journal Article
  Year 2007 Publication Quaternary International Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 175 Issue 1 Pages 29-40  
  Keywords  
  Abstract In 2003 examination of aerial photographs revealed a series of previously unknown relict shorelines on the arcuate ridge, possibly a clay lunette dune, that marks the western boundary of Etosha Pan in Namibia. The shorelines are 120–600m wide and the most prominent extend for tens of km around the lunette dune. The shorelines were examined on the ground in 2004 and an attempt was made to date the three lowest levels at ca. 5, 2.5 and 1m above the present pan surface. The OSL ages obtained indicate higher and more prolonged lake conditions than today at ca. 6.4, 4.0 and 2.1ka with the youngest shoreline sediments resting on an ancient pan surface dating to ca. 13ka. The evidence indicates dry conditions in the pan at ca. 13ka, wetter conditions and higher lake levels in the middle Holocene followed by a decline in lake levels to the present. Periods of inundation were of sufficient duration to produce shorelines at the southwestern end of the pan due to the prevailing northeasterly winds that would have maximized wave action along this section of the pan margin. The Etosha findings, together with other regional paleoclimate data, suggest four periods of increased wetness in SW Africa during the Holocene at 7–5, 4.5–3.5, 2.5–1.7 and ca. 1.0ka. There is widespread evidence for the oldest of these periods suggesting that it was a prominent and widespread interval of wetness. Prior to ca. 8.0ka the climate may have been drier than today.  
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  ISSN 1040-6182 ISBN Medium  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ brook_timing_2007 Serial 97  
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Author Stone, A.E.C.; Thomas, D.S.G. url  openurl
  Title Casting new light on late Quaternary environmental and palaeohydrological change in the Namib Desert: A review of the application of optically stimulated luminescence in the region Type Journal Article
  Year 2013 Publication Journal of Arid Environments Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 93 Issue Pages 40-58  
  Keywords Namib Desert, Optically stimulated luminescence dating, Palaeoenvironment, Palaeohydrology, Quaternary, Southern Africa  
  Abstract The application of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating in the Namib Desert is casting new light on late Quaternary environments. OSL has been applied to: (i) complex linear dunes, alongside ground penetrating radar stratigraphy in order to establish dune migration rates, (ii) fluvial lithofacies associations that distinguish between flood deposits and river end points, in order to constrain the timing of periods of higher discharge and conditions relatively drier than present and (iii) aeolian sand interbedded with carbonate deposits in order to provide chronologies for water-lain interdune sediments. We present and review the contribution of these data to enhancing reconstructions of the palaeoenvironments and palaeohydrology of the west coast of Namibia, particularly the increased confidence in interpretations provided by lithofacies analysis of the river deposits. This includes major silt deposits, which have had a contested palaeohydrological interpretation, such as the Kuiseb River Homeb Silts. We conclude that OSL should remain a key chronological technique to further elucidate the palaeoenvironmental history of southern Africa.  
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  ISSN 0140-1963 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ stone_casting_2013 Serial 98  
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Author Uugulu, S.; Wanke, H. url  openurl
  Title Estimation of groundwater recharge in savannah aquifers along a precipitation gradient using chloride mass balance method and environmental isotopes, Namibia Type Journal Article
  Year 2020 Publication Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 116 Issue Pages 102844  
  Keywords Chloride mass balance, Groundwater recharge, Isotopic values, Precipitation gradient  
  Abstract The quantification of groundwater resources is essential especially in water scarce countries like Namibia. The chloride mass balance (CMB) method and isotopic composition were used in determining groundwater recharge along a precipitation gradient at three sites, namely: Tsumeb (600 mm/a precipitation); Waterberg (450 mm/a precipitation) and Kuzikus/Ebenhaezer (240 mm/a precipitation). Groundwater and rainwater were collected from year 2016–2017. Rainwater was collected monthly while groundwater was collected before, during and after rainy seasons. Rainwater isotopic values for δ18O and δ2H range from −10.70 to 6.10‰ and from −72.7 to 42.1‰ respectively. Groundwater isotopic values for δ18O range from −9.84 to −5.35‰ for Tsumeb; from −10.85 to −8.60‰ for Waterberg and from −8.24 to −1.56‰ for Kuzikus/Ebenhaezer, while that for δ2H range from −65.6 to −46.7‰ for Tsumeb; −69.4 to −61.2‰ for Waterberg and −54.2 to −22.7‰ for Kuzikus/Ebenhaezer. Rainwater scatters along the GMWL. Rainwater collected in January, February and March are more depleted in heavy isotopes than those in November, December, April and May. Waterberg groundwater plots on the GMWL which indicates absence of evaporation. Tsumeb groundwater plots on/close to the GMWL with an exception of groundwater from the karst Lake Otjikoto which is showing evaporation. Groundwater from Kuzikus/Ebenhaezer shows an evaporation effect, probably evaporation occurs during infiltration since it is observed in all sampling seasons. All groundwater from three sites plot in the same area with rainwater depleted in stable isotopic values, which could indicates that recharge only take place during January, February and March. CMB method revealed that Waterberg has the highest recharge rate ranging between 39.1 mm/a and 51.1 mm/a (8.7% – 11.4% of annual precipitation), Tsumeb with rates ranging from 21.1 mm/a to 48.5 mm/a (3.5% – 8.1% of annual precipitation), and lastly Kuzikus/Ebenhaezer from 3.2 mm/a to 17.5 mm/a (1.4% – 7.3% of annual precipitation). High recharge rates in Waterberg could be related to fast infiltration and absence of evaporation as indicated by the isotopic ratios. Differences in recharge rates cannot only be attributed to the precipitation gradient but also to the evaporation rates and the presence of preferential flow paths. Recharge rates estimated for these three sites can be used in managing the savannah aquifers especially at Kuzikus/Ebenhaezer where evaporation effect is observed that one can consider rain harvesting.  
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  ISSN 1474-7065 ISBN Medium  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ uugulu_estimation_2020 Serial 99  
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Author Burchi, S. url  openurl
  Title Legal frameworks for the governance of international transboundary aquifers: Pre- and post-ISARM experience Type Journal Article
  Year 2018 Publication Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 20 Issue Pages 15-20  
  Keywords International aquifers, International aquifers agreements, International groundwater law, UN draft articles on the law of transboundary aquifers  
  Abstract Study region Africa, Latin America, Europe. Study focus Through the extensive study and mapping of the world’s aquifers that lie astride the international boundary lines of sovereign States, ISARM has awakened concerned States to the existence of aquifers stretching beyond their borders, and precipitated cooperation in generating a body of knowledge that facilitated cooperation in governance arrangements for such aquifers. In parallel, ISARM influenced the shape and direction of the United Nations “Draft articles on the law of transboundary aquifers” appended to UN Resolution 63/124 of 2008. Both stimulated cooperation among concerned States, and provided a frame of reference for the legal grounding of such cooperation in aquifer-specific agreements. New hydrological insights Through this synergistic paradigm, ISARM has made an impact on the shape and direction of cooperation in the Guaraní Aquifer in South America, and in the Iullemeden and Taoudeni/Tanezrouft Aquifer Systems (ITAS) in the Sahel region of Africa. It is having an influence on the shape and direction of cooperation being negotiated on the Stampriet Aquifer System in Southern Africa, and on the Ocotepeque-Citalá Aquifer in Central America. The link of ISARM to other international aquifer agreements on record is tenuous, and ISARM’s influence on their generation speculative. The visibility of ISARM has faded since 2012, however its legacy is lasting.  
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  ISSN 2214-5818 ISBN Medium  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ burchi_legal_2018 Serial 100  
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Author Abiye, T. url  openurl
  Title Synthesis on groundwater recharge in Southern Africa: A supporting tool for groundwater users Type Journal Article
  Year 2016 Publication Groundwater for Sustainable Development Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 2-3 Issue Pages 182-189  
  Keywords Arid and semi-arid areas, Groundwater recharge, Recharge estimation methods, Southern Africa  
  Abstract This synthesis on groundwater recharge targets the Southern African region as a result of the dependence of the community and economic sector on the groundwater resource. Several literature based recharge studies were collected and assessed in order to find out the main controls to the occurrence of recharge. The Water Table Fluctuation and Base flow separation methods have been tested in the catchment that drains crystalline basement rocks and dolostones close to the city of Johannesburg, South Africa. Based on the assessed data the Chloride Mass Balance method resulted in groundwater recharge of less than 4% of the rainfall, while it reaches 20%, when rainfall exceeds 600mm. For the classical water balance method, recharge proportion is less than 3% of rainfall as a result of very high ambient temperature in the region. Based on the Saturated Volume Fluctuation and Water Table Fluctuation methods, recharge could be less than 6% for annual rainfall of less than 600mm. Observational results further suggest that sporadic recharge from high intensity rainfall has important contribution to the groundwater recharge in the region, owing to the presence of permeable geological cover, which could not be fully captured by most of the recharge estimation methods. This study further documents an evaluation of the most reliable recharge estimation methods in the area such as the chloride mass balance, saturated volume fluctuation and water table fluctuation methods in order to successfully manage the groundwater resource.  
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  ISSN 2352-801x ISBN Medium  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ abiye_synthesis_2016 Serial 101  
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Author Chase, B.M.; Meadows, M.E. url  openurl
  Title Late Quaternary dynamics of southern Africa’s winter rainfall zone Type Journal Article
  Year 2007 Publication Earth-Science Reviews Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 84 Issue 3 Pages 103-138  
  Keywords Last Glacial Maximum, palaeoenvironment, Quaternary, southern Africa, westerlies, winter rainfall zone  
  Abstract Variations in the nature and extent of southern Africa’s winter rainfall zone (WRZ) have the potential to provide important information concerning the nature of long-term climate change at both regional and hemispheric scales. Positioned at the interface between tropical and temperate systems, southern Africa’s climate is influenced by shifts in the Intertropical Convergence Zone, the westerlies, and the development and position of continental and oceanic anticyclones. Over the last glacial–interglacial cycle substantial changes in the amount and seasonality of precipitation across the subcontinent have been linked to the relative dominance of these systems. Central to this discussion has been the extent to which the region’s glacial climates would have been affected by expansions of Antarctic sea-ice, equatorward migrations of the westerlies, more frequent/intense winter storms and an expanded WRZ. This paper reviews the developing body of evidence pertaining to shifts in the WRZ, and the evolution of ideas that have been presented to explain the patterns observed. Dividing the region into three separate axes, along the western and southern margins of the continent and across the interior into the Karoo and the Kalahari, a range of evidence from both terrestrial sites and marine cores is considered, and potential expansions of the WRZ expansions are explored. Despite the limitations of many of the region’s proxy records, a coherent pattern has begun to develop of a significantly expanded WRZ during phases of the last glacial period, with the best-documented being between 32–17 ka. While more detailed inferences will require the recovery and analysis of longer and better-dated records, this synthesis provides a new baseline for further research in this key region.  
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  ISSN 0012-8252 ISBN Medium  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ chase_late_2007 Serial 102  
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Author Kharaka, Y.; Harmon, R.; Darling, G. url  openurl
  Title W. Mike Edmunds (1941–2015) Type Journal Article
  Year 2015 Publication Applied Geochemistry Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 59 Issue Pages 225-226  
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  ISSN 0883-2927 ISBN Medium  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ kharaka_w_2015 Serial 103  
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Author Belz, L.; Schüller, I.; Wehrmann, A.; Köster, J.; Wilkes, H. url  openurl
  Title The leaf wax biomarker record of a Namibian salt pan reveals enhanced summer rainfall during the Last Glacial-Interglacial Transition Type Journal Article
  Year 2020 Publication Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 543 Issue Pages 109561  
  Keywords -Alkanes, -Alkanols, Late Quaternary, Organic geochemistry, Palaeohydrology, Southern Africa  
  Abstract Conventional continental geoarchives are rarely available in arid southern Africa. Therefore, palaeoclimate data in this area are still patchy and late Quaternary climate development is only poorly understood. In the western Kalahari, salt pans (playas, ephemeral lakes) are common and can feature quasi-continuous sedimentation. This study presents the first climate-related biomarker record using sediments from the Omongwa Pan, a Kalahari salt pan located in eastern Namibia. Our approach to reconstruct vegetation and hydrology focuses on biogeochemical bulk parameters and plant wax-derived lipid biomarkers (n-alkanes, n-alkanols, and fatty acids) and their compound-specific carbon and hydrogen isotopic compositions. The presented record reaches back to 27 ka. During the glacial, rather low δ2H values of n-alkanes and low sediment input exclude a strong influence of winter rainfall. n-Alkane and n-alkanol distributions and δ13C values of n-hentriacontane (n-C31) indicate a shift to a vegetation with a higher proportion of C4 plants at the end of the Last Glacial Maximum until the end of Heinrich Stadial I (ca. 18–14.8 ka), which we interpret to indicate an abrupt excursion to a short wetter period likely to be caused by a temporary southward shift of the Intertropical Convergence Zone. Shifts in δ2H values of n-C31 and plant wax parameters give evidence for changes to drier conditions during early Holocene. Comparison of this dataset with representative continental records from the region points to a major influence of summer rainfall at Omongwa Pan during the regarded time span and demonstrates the potential of southern African salt pans as archives for biomarker-based climate proxies.  
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  ISSN 0031-0182 ISBN Medium  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ belz_leaf_2020 Serial 104  
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