African river basins : their present geometry and recent past as a framework for their evolution

Fractals and scaling laws abound in nature, and it is said that geometry of river networks and basins is an epitome of this. This study investigates how on the tectonically unique African continent, scaling parameters, and in particular deviations from 'perfect fractal patterns' relate to parameters like underlying geology, climate, and vegetation through which the river flows. Stream and basin patterns are also used to reconstruct the past network geometry of rivers, and to shed some light on the drainage evolution of major African rivers.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Geological Sciences

Year dc:date.issued

2004

Author dc:creator

• Stankiewicz, Jacek

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• De Wit, Maarten

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/7419

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/7419