Estimating the potential for natural ecosystem recovery at the Pietersielieskloof palmiet wetland, Western Cape.
Loading...
Date
2019
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Western Cape
Abstract
Recent research has highlighted the importance of cut-and-fill cycles in valley-bottom wetlands.
This study considers the impact of longitudinal and lateral sediment connectivity on the natural
recovery potential of valley-bottom wetlands. Pietersielieskloof is a Prionium serratum
(commonly known as palmiet) dominated discontinuous valley-bottom wetland. P. serratum is
considered to be a peat-forming ecosystem engineer that enhances sediment infill in valleybottom
wetlands. Due to its ecological importance and potential as a carbon store, this wetland
has been earmarked for rehabilitation by Working for Wetlands. The study ascertains the
importance of including sedimentological and geomorphological input in wetland rehabilitation
and management strategies. A study of wetland geomorphology was conducted to develop an
understanding of the natural dynamic of cut-and-fill processes as context for recent erosion and
deposition events. Sediment samples from gully walls and cores were collected for organic
content and particle size analysis and five sediment samples predating the current phase of
erosion were radiocarbon dated. The valley form was surveyed using cross-sections and long
profiles, and historical change was digitised using 30 m � 5 to 30 mm resolution aerial imagery
from 1938-2016 in ArcMap.
Description
Doctor Educationis
Keywords
Cut-and-fill cycles, Geomorphic controls, Palmiet, Rehabilitation