Morphodynamics of a gully and floodout system in the Sneeuberg Mountains of the semi-arid Karoo, South Africa : Implications for local landscape connectivity

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)



Description :
This study documents the effect that a series of discontinuous gullies, located in the semi-arid Karoo (South Africa), had on local valley morphology and landscape evolution. The longitudinal and cross-sectional morphology of 2 discontinuous gully systems in one valley on Gordonville farm were accurately surveyed. In addition, the sedimentology of 8 cores was described and sediment particle size and percentage organics determined, while the activity of the radioactive element 210Pb was measured in 3 of the cores. In the short term, palaeo- and current floodouts alter the overland flow hydrology of the landscape, and prevent the local formation of badlands by diverting overland flow away from gully thalwegs. This results in the formation of amphitheatre-type gullies, with laterally eroded areas draining into narrow outlet channels incised into palaeo-floodouts.


Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Catena (Giessen), issn : 0341-8162, 2012, vol. 89, n°. 1, p. 8-21, nombre de pages : 14, Références bibliographiques : 55 ref.

Date :
2012

Editeur :
Pays édition : Allemagne, Cremlingen-Destedt, Catena