The surface geology and geomorphology around gobabeb, namib desert, namibia

Abstract

This paper serves as a brief review and overview of the surface geology and geomorphology around obabeb in the entral amib esert. It introduces the major lithologies associated with the amara rogen of Precambrian and ambrian age, followed by ertiary sandstones and conglomerates and uaternary uiseb valley conglomerates, silts and gravels. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the obabeb research station and the recent designation of the amib and ea as a world heritage site, we are presenting a map to inform and guide future research and educational activities around obabeb. The contrast between an ancient gravel plain to the north, a dynamic aeolian sand sea to the south and ephemeral river environments in between become apparent. These natural laboratories have attracted investigations of contemporary sand dune movement, hyper saline waters, evaporites and duricrusts and ephemeral flooding and recharge processes as well as environmental change and human impacts.