|   | 
Details
   web
Records
Author Kharaka, Y.; Harmon, R.; Darling, G.
Title W. Mike Edmunds (1941–2015) Type Journal Article
Year 2015 Publication Applied Geochemistry Abbreviated Journal
Volume 59 Issue Pages 225-226
Keywords
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0883-2927 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ kharaka_w_2015 Serial 103
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Chase, B.M.; Meadows, M.E.
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.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0012-8252 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ chase_late_2007 Serial 102
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Abiye, T.
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.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2352-801x ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ abiye_synthesis_2016 Serial 101
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Burchi, S.
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.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2214-5818 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ burchi_legal_2018 Serial 100
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Uugulu, S.; Wanke, H.
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.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1474-7065 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ uugulu_estimation_2020 Serial 99
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Stone, A.E.C.; Thomas, D.S.G.
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.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0140-1963 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ stone_casting_2013 Serial 98
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Brook, G.A.; Marais, E.; Srivastava, P.; Jordan, T.
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.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1040-6182 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ brook_timing_2007 Serial 97
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Gasse, F.
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.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0277-3791 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ gasse_hydrological_2000 Serial 96
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Heaton, T.H.E.; Talma, A.S.; Vogel, J.C.
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.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0022-1694 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ heaton_origin_1983 Serial 95
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Rooyen, J.D. van; Watson, A.W.; Miller, J.A.
Title Using tritium and radiocarbon activities to constrain regional modern and fossil groundwater mixing in Southern Africa Type Journal Article
Year 2022 Publication Journal of Hydrology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 614 Issue Pages 128570
Keywords Radiocarbon, Residence time, SADC, Tritium
Abstract This study combines historical records of 14C and 3H in the atmosphere and soil with renewal rate and groundwater lumped parameter models to predict the abundance of 14C and 3H in groundwater over time. 624 groundwater samples from numerous studies, over four decades (1978–2019), in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique were collated to compare with predicted groundwater activities of 14C and 3H within the South African Development Community (SADC) region. Spatial datasets of carbonate bearing lithology, C3/C4 vegetation, summer/winter rainfall and coastal proximity were used to apply corrections to 14C and 3H data. Corrected values of 14C and 3H were compared with the theoretical abundance of these tracers, derived from the lumped parameter models, to estimate the general mean residence times and presence of groundwater mixing between modern recharge and older groundwaters. This study found that corrected values produced varying mean residence times derived from 14C ages (∼500–28500 years) and a wide range of potentially mixed waters within each aquifer system (0–100 % of tested wells) across the study area. The largest proportions of mixed groundwater, as well as the youngest mean residence times, were found in alluvial and primary fractured rock aquifers (e.g., western coast of South Africa and southern Mozambique). The smallest proportions of mixed groundwater were predicted in deep confined clay-rich aquifers as well as layered coal bearing carbonate sequences (e.g., Orapa, Malwewe and Serowe, Botswana). Insights into the proportions of mixed groundwater and mean residence times can help assess hydrological resilience on a regional scale. Such information is pertinent in promoting socio-economic development and increased water/food security in the SADC region. By understanding the resilience of groundwater resources, robust and informed strategies for water equality and GDP growth in the SADC region can be envisioned and implemented.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0022-1694 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ rooyen_using_2022 Serial 94
Permanent link to this record