Abstract
The Letaba River drains part of Northern Province in north-east South Africa. Its catchment has been modified significantly by human activity which has affected the flow regime; it experiences only ephemeral flows through the Kruger National Park to its confluence with the Olifants River. Although the Letaba is similar to the other rivers in the Kruger National Park in that it displays some bedrock influenced channel features, increased sediment delivery from the degraded catchment upstream has resulted in extensive alluviation within the channel. Sections of channel flowing over bedrock with no sediment covering are rare, and the river comprises a series of channel types: mixed anastomosing, alluvial braided, mixed pool-rapid and alluvial single thread. Each is characterised by a different combination of morphological units which relate to the degree of alluviation in the channel. These channel types are described in detail and inferences are made concerning their formation and maintenance from field observation and measurement.
Highlights
The Letaba Rive r drains part of Nonhem Provi nce in nonh-east South Africa
Its catchment has been modified significantly by human activity which has affected the flow regime: it experiences only ephemeral flows through the Kruger National Park to its confl uence with the Olifants River
The Lelaba is similar to the other rivers in the Kruger National Park in thaI it displays some bedrock-influenced channel features, increased sediment delivery from the degraded catchment upstream has resulted in extensive atl uviation within the channel
Summary
During the last century the Letaba Ri ver in the Kruger National Park has changed from a perennial to an ephemeral ri ver (Steffen Robe rtson & Ki rsten I 990a). The consequent marked geomorphological changes have been documented (Vogt 1992), and a recently-completed fi ve-year proj ect on the ri vers of the Kruger National Park has focused o n an understand ing of those changes Increasing water abstraction and an expansion of agricultural practices are likely to result in further flow reduction and increased sediment inputs to the ri ver (Birkhead et al 1995) leading to furth er morphological change. The contemporary geomorphology of the Letaba Ri ver is descri bed within the framework of its component channel types. The nature of change in the differe nt channel types is discussed in relation to reduced flows and increased alluviation over time
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
