Dune systems an palaeoenvironments in southern Africa
Date
1980
Authors
Lancaster, N.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Bernard Price Institute for Palaeontological Research
Abstract
Extensive systems of fixed linear dunes occur throughout the Kalahari. Together the dunes
form a semicircular arc with a radius of 1 000 km which corresponds approximately with the
pattern of outblowing winds around the South African anticyclone. The dunes were formed
by a wind regime broadly similar to that existing today. However, differences between dune
alignments and present-day potential resultant sand flows in the northern part of the system
suggest that shifts in the position and strength of the South African anticyclone may have
taken place since these dunes were formed.
Comparison of the extent of fixed dunes with that of the presently active dunes indicates
that the extent of the arid zone in southern Africa has altered substantially in the past. Evidence
exists for at least two periods of much greater aridity in the subcontinent, but their
dating remains uncertain.
Description
Main article
Keywords
Dunes;
Citation
None