The Okavango Delta and its Place in the Geomorphological Evolution of Southern Africa

The Okavango Delta, southern Africa's largest and most pristine wetland ecosystem, plays a pivotal role in the region's geomorphological evolution. Research reveals that the delta lies within a graben structure linked to the East African Rift Valley system, significantly influencing river courses and sediment dynamics. The study traces the delta's history back to the breakup of Gondwana, highlighting the impact of mantle plumes and climatic shifts on its formation. It also explores how the delta's unique sediment composition, dominated by fine sand from Kalahari sands, shapes its hydrology and ecology. The research employs a combination of geological analysis and hydrological modeling to elucidate these processes, offering insights into the delta's dynamic water distribution and ecological diversity.

McCARTHY, T. S. (2013). THE OKAVANGO DELTA AND ITS PLACE IN THE GEOMORPHOLOGICAL EVOLUTION OF SOUTHERN AFRICA. South African Journal of Geology, 116(1), 1–54. https://doi.org/10.2113/gssajg.116.1.1