Developing a classification system for Western Cape wetlands

Jones, M G W

Developing a classification system for Western Cape wetlands

Master Thesis

2002

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Department of Biological Sciences

Faculty

Faculty of Science

Abstract

Although broad wetland classifications systems are available internationally, a comprehensive wetland classification system, which can be used for both desktop and field analyses, is lacking in South Africa but is required by the South African National Water Act (36 of 1998). Wetlands within the Western Cape were selected from different bioregions and wetland regions. In this project geomorphological characteristics (drainage patterns, landform), hydrological pattern and timing of water availability, were recorded during winter and summer for each studied wetland. Water samples were also collected at the wetlands and analysed for ion and nutrient concentrations and samples of organisms were collected for identification. Multivariate cluster and multidimentional scaling analyses of the chemical and biotic data were used to aid identification of wetland groups. A hierarchical classification system was developed using drainage patterns ( endorheic or exorheic systems) as the primary defining characteristic, followed by wetland landform and hydrological regime as the secondary and tertiary characteristics for identifying wetlands.

Description

Bibliography: p. 137-145.

Keywords

Zoology

Reference:

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