The origin and distribution of pans in the Orange Free State

Auteur :
LE ROUX, J. S.

Description :
The area covered by pans in the Orange Free State varies from nul in some parts to more than nine percent per quarter degree square. The highest incidence is found in the western parts of the province. Percentages exceeding 1,5 percent per unit area are also situated to the east of Bethlehem. Factors which influenced and are at present influencing the distribution of pans, are soft bedrock formations, stream derangements by aeolian deposits, the presence of soluble salts in the sediments, precipitation characteristics, the action of larger mammals, the more or less plainlike character of the terrain, and wind erosion. The latter is considered the most important factor and most pans in fact prove to be deflation hollows. At present wind erosion is not effective in the eastern parts of the province and the presence of pans in that area can only be ascribed to a more arid climate in the past. (L'A.).


Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
South African geographer/Suid-Afrikaanse geograaf Stellenbosch, 1978, vol. 6, n°. 2, p. 167-176, Références bibliographiques : 13 réf.

Date :
1978