A stable isotope study of the hydrological systems in the Naukluft region in Namibia

• Main Author: Naude, Kate
• Other Authors: Harris, Chris
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: University of Cape Town 2015
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/11427/10833

Includes abstract. === Includes bibliographical references (leaves 84-89). === The Naukluft Region is situated +- 200 km southwest of Windhoek in Namibia and includes the Naukluft Nappe Complex (NNC), a series of nappe stacks of severely thrusted and folded limestones and dolomites of Neoproterozoic Damara orogen. Although it is a very arid (<200 mm/yr) part of the country, it is also one of the most important tourist destinations, because of its varied geomorphology, spectacular scenery and fragile vegetation biomes. It is the availability of fresh water that that will limit the growth and development of both the agricultural and tourism industries in the region. In this detailed stable isotope study (0180, oD and Ol3C) of the precipitation, surface- and ground- water in the region, numerous possibilities for recharge and aquifer characterization are provided.