Skip to content
Natural Environment Research Council
Grants on the Web - Return to homepage Logo

Details of Award

NERC Reference : NE/K001132/1

Evaluating and modelling the impact of extreme events on South African dryland rivers: Cyclone Dando (January 2012)

Grant Award

Principal Investigator:
Dr D Milan, University of Gloucestershire, Inst of Education and Public Services
Co-Investigator:
Professor S Tooth, Aberystwyth University, Inst of Geography and Earth Sciences
Co-Investigator:
Dr G Heritage, University of Salford, Sch of Science,Engineering & Environment
Science Area:
Atmospheric
Earth
Freshwater
Terrestrial
Overall Classification:
Earth
ENRIs:
Biodiversity
Environmental Risks and Hazards
Global Change
Natural Resource Management
Science Topics:
Hydrological Processes
Sediment/Sedimentary Processes
Survey & Monitoring
Earth Surface Processes
Abstract:
In mid January 2012, Cyclone Dando struck southern Africa, leading to widespread heavy rainfall (450-500 mm in 48 hours) & flooding in the Kruger National Park (KNP), eastern South Africa. This flooding occurred just 12 years after the last major catastrophic flooding in the KNP (Jan/Feb 2000), which also caused dramatic river channel & vegetation changes. Using data acquired from light aircraft (photographs, LiDAR) together with field surveying & sediment sampling, this study will exploit a rare opportunity to investigate the flooding, erosion & sedimentation that occurred during the January 2012 event along three rivers in the KNP. The data obtained will be compared with pre-existing data that were collected prior to & following the 2000 flooding in the KNP, & then combined with state-of-the-art computer models to simulate flow characteristics during floods & the longer term response of the rivers to sequences of extreme floods. The aerial, field & modelling results will help to develop new conceptual models of the response of these rivers to extreme events. Such models will have practical application, both for river managers in the KNP & farther afield. Many climate change scenarios predict future increases in the size & frequency of extreme flood events in southern Africa & other dryland regions, & better understanding of the spatial extent of flooding, erosion & sedimentation will contribute to improved flood hazard management & environmental stewardship.
Period of Award:
23 Apr 2012 - 31 Dec 2012
Value:
£42,288
Authorised funds only
NERC Reference:
NE/K001132/1
Grant Stage:
Completed
Scheme:
Urgency
Grant Status:
Closed
Programme:
Urgent Grant

This grant award has a total value of £42,288  

top of page


FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)

DI - Other CostsDA - InvestigatorsDA - Estate CostsDI - T&S
£32,451£5,245£184£4,408

If you need further help, please read the user guide.