ABSTRACT

Wetlands form part of a diverse range of habitats and play an important role in the ecology and hydrological cycle but are amongst the most threatened ecological systems. It is therefore critical to understand the hydrology of wetlands, and their contributing water sources in particular, to ensure appropriate management of these systems. Land use activities not only alter the runoff characteristics of catchments, but also often result in modified flow regimes in watercourses. Wetlands often develop accidentally in anthropogenic landscapes and are not uncommon. However, these wetlands are poorly documented and researched. An accidental wetland formed in the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve, Rustenburg, due to leaking water infrastructure. The aim of this project was to categorise the wetland and confirm its origin, focussing on the role of the leakage. Methods included hydrogeomorphic classification, water ion composition analysis, as well as infield temperature and electrical conductivity measurements. Historical satellite imagery was used to study the evolution of the wetland over time. The electrical conductivity and ionic composition results suggest an unnatural water source, providing support that a leaking pipe caused the wetland to form. Management of accidental wetlands is discussed and the potential for future, related research is contemplated.

摘要

湿地是各种栖息地的一部分，在生态和水文循环中发挥着重要作用，但也是最受威胁的生态系统之一。因此，了解湿地的水文，尤其是它们的贡献水源，以确保对这些系统进行适当的管理至关重要。土地利用活动不仅改变了集水区的径流特征，而且经常导致河道中的流态发生改变。湿地经常在人为景观中意外发展，并不少见。然而，这些湿地的记录和研究很少。由于供水基础设施泄漏，在 Rustenburg 的 Kgaswane 山保护区意外形成了湿地。该项目的目的是对湿地进行分类并确认其来源，重点是泄漏的作用。方法包括水文地貌分类、水离子成分分析以及场内温度和电导率测量。历史卫星图像用于研究湿地随时间的演变。电导率和离子成分结果表明存在非天然水源，为漏水管道导致湿地形成提供了支持。讨论了意外湿地的管理，并考虑了未来相关研究的潜力。为管道泄漏导致湿地形成提供支持。讨论了意外湿地的管理，并考虑了未来相关研究的潜力。为管道泄漏导致湿地形成提供支持。讨论了意外湿地的管理，并考虑了未来相关研究的潜力。