Mamberamo River

Last updated
Mamberamo
Sungai Mamberamo.jpg
Mamberamo River, aerial view in 2017.
Mamberamo River NASA.jpg
Mamberamo, entering the sea, seen from space.
Location
Country Indonesia
Region Papua
Physical characteristics
Sourceconfluence of Tariku and Taritatu
 • coordinates 2°55′30″S138°26′30″E / 2.92500°S 138.44167°E / -2.92500; 138.44167
Mouth Pacific Ocean
 • location
Teba, Indonesia
 • coordinates
 1°28′S137°54′E / 1.467°S 137.900°E / -1.467; 137.900
 • elevation
0 m (0 ft)
Length283 km (176 mi) (Mamberamo–Taritatu–Waruta 1,112 km (691 mi)) [1]
Basin size78,992 km2 (30,499 sq mi) [1]
Depth 
 • minimum3 m (9.8 ft) [2]
 • average8–14 m (26–46 ft) [2]
 • maximum33 m (108 ft) [2]
Discharge 
 • locationMamberamo Delta
 • average5,500 m3/s (190,000 cu ft/s) [1]
Basin features
Progression Pacific Ocean
River system Mamberamo River
Tributaries 
 • left Tariku
 • right Taritatu

The Mamberamo (Indonesian: Sungai Mamberamo) is the second-longest river on the island of New Guinea, after Sepik River (1,126 km) and the second largest in Oceania by discharge volume after Fly. It is located in the Indonesian province of Papua. It is the second largest river in Indonesia by volume of discharge after Kapuas and also the widest. [3]

Contents

The river is formed from the confluence of its upper tributaries, the Tariku and Taritatu Rivers in the Lakes Plains region, an interior basin with extensive freshwater swamp forests and grasslands. It flows northwards between the Van Rees Range (Pegunungan Van Rees) and Foja Mountains through a series of rapids and gorges. The last 160 km of the river are navigable. [4] In the coastal lowlands, the river is lined with marshes and forms a broad river delta. The Mamberamo discharges into the Pacific Ocean at the northern point of Point D'Urville or Cape Narwaku (Tanjung Narwaku).

The river's huge valley is home to various uncontacted peoples and incredible biodiversity. In the 1990s, the Indonesian Government had plans to construct a large hydroelectric dam on the Mamberamo that would have submerged much of the area. This plan was shelved after the Indonesian financial crisis from 1998 to 1999, but there are concerns by environmental groups that it could be resurrected sometime in the future. At present, the Mamberamo remains the second largest river in the world to be completely unfragmented by dams in its catchment, behind only the relatively nearby Fly. [3]

The Mamberamo area also broadly refers to several nearby mountain ranges, including the Van Rees and Foja Mountains (also known as Foya), which were the subject of a recent rapid biological assessment conducted by Conservation International, the Indonesian Institute of Sciences, and Cenderawasih University. The scientific team discovered the first new bird species from New Guinea in 60 years, and a wealth of other new plants and animals. The Foya Mountains appear to be a globally outstanding repository of biodiversity.

Hydrology

Its length from the confluence of the Tariku and Taritatu is 283 km (176 mi). From the source of the Waruta, it covers a total distance of 1,112 km (691 mi). It has a catchment area of 79,000 km2 (31,000 sq mi) with an annual rainfall of 3,578 mm (Köppen climate classification classifies this area as type Af). Average width is 175–800 m (574–2,625 ft), depth 8 m (26 ft) (maximum 33 m). [5] [6] [1]

Tributaries

The main tributaries from the mouth:

Left tributary Right tributary Length (km) Basin size (km2) Average discharge (m3/s)
Mamberamo1,11278,9925,500
Tariku (Rouffaer)48824,664.22,086.1
Taritatu (Idenburg)80847,803.22,965.2
Tariku main tributaries
Van Daalen 1403,384.3292.1
Bigabu1504,457.3438.3
Taritatu main tributaries
Dundu1703,282.4254.1
Van der Wal2306,099.9330.5
Sobgair (Air)1807,195.9707.6
Sobger 188.93,551.7376.6
Songgat 131.24,365.6237.1
Waruta 179.24,295.9122.6

[7]

Discharge

Average monthly flow (Q) at delta in 2003–2012: 5,014 m3/s (158.23 km3/year) [8]

Month Q
JAN 6,006 m3/s (212,100 cu ft/s)
FEB 7,749 m3/s (273,700 cu ft/s)
MAR 6,749 m3/s (238,300 cu ft/s)
APR 5,276 m3/s (186,300 cu ft/s)
MAY 4,374 m3/s (154,500 cu ft/s)
JUN 4,629 m3/s (163,500 cu ft/s)
JUL 3,417 m3/s (120,700 cu ft/s)
AUG 4,157 m3/s (146,800 cu ft/s)
SEP 3,515 m3/s (124,100 cu ft/s)
OCT 4,709 m3/s (166,300 cu ft/s)
NOV 3,691 m3/s (130,300 cu ft/s)
DEC 5,896 m3/s (208,200 cu ft/s)

Mamberamo River average discharge:

Period Discharge Ref.
Mamberamo Delta

1°28′S137°54′E / 1.467°S 137.900°E / -1.467; 137.900

2012–2018 163.26346 km3/a (5,173.507 m3/s) [9]
2003–2012 158.23 km3/a (5,014 m3/s) [8]
5,922.9 m3/s (209,170 cu ft/s) [10]
5,500 m3/s (190,000 cu ft/s) [1]
Mamberamo II Hydro Power Plant

2°8′39.6096″S137°51′36.9756″E / 2.144336000°S 137.860271000°E / -2.144336000; 137.860271000

1962–1987 4,532 m3/s (160,000 cu ft/s) [2]

Geology

The region is geologically young (middle to late Miocene, i.e. less than 15 million years old) and remains tectonically active, with frequent earthquakes and landslides in the steepest areas. The mountain basin called "Mamberamo" is composed mostly of high floodplains, extensive swamps, forested wetlands, meandering rivers and backwater lakes. The sediment-rich rivers in the catchment belong to 'white-water' systems similar to the Amazonian moors. Three soil orders are present, of which the inceptisols are the most widespread, followed by ultisols and entisols. All soils are fine textured with poor drainage. The diversity of the region is a result of its geological history, which gives rise to a diversity of habitats. Riparian forests within the Mamberamo Basin are heavily influenced by dynamic river meanders that continually modify the landscape, with some banks eroding rapidly while others grow as new sediments accumulate. [11]

Ecology and vegetation

The Mamberamo Basin is one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in New Guinea. Both Asian and Australo-Pacific elements are present in terms of botanical affinities. One survey at the foothills of the Foja Mountains identified 487 putative plant species, 156 of which are not assigned to known taxa, indicating a high proportion of undescribed species. The floodplain forests of the basin include swamp forests, seasonally flooded lakeside forests and sago forests.

Seven general vegetation categories are distinguished in the landscape: primeval forest (old-growth dryland forest), swamp forest (natural wetlands dominated by trees), lakeside forest (seasonally flooded forest), sago forest (a form of swamp) dominated by sago palm, secondary forest, mixed forest and sago woodland. Two other types are also recognised: montane forest and damar forest.The region has a low population density. The majority of people live from subsistence activities: hunting, fishing and small-scale agriculture. Trades include crocodile skins, dried fish and gaharu. Mixed crop gardens are located near the dwelling or on the river banks and are mostly planted with sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) and manioc (Manihot utilissima). In these gardens, people plant bananas (Musa), coconuts (Cocos nucifera) and various vegetables.

Crocodiles are common in the rivers (typically two species: freshwater and saltwater, Crocodylus novaeguineae and Crocodylus porosus). The globally endangered Scott's kangaroo (Dendrolagus scottae) is thought to occur in the Foja Mountains, while the northern cassowary (Casuarius unappendiculatus), Victoria-crowned dove (Goura victoria) and black-spotted couscous (Spilocuscus rufoniger) form significant populations. Local endemic species include Philemon brassi, Amblyornis flavifrons, the Salvadoran fig parrot (Psittaculirostris salvadorii), and a number of frog, invertebrate and plant species. More than 70 new species have been reported. Noteworthy vertebrates include the rediscovery of the endemic Berlepsch's bird of paradise. As well as several new species, including the honeyeater (Melipotes carolae), the pigeon (Duculas), the dwarf opossum (Cercartetus), the giant rat (Mallomys), a Dorcopsulus and a bow-fingered gecko (Cyrtodactylus). [11]

History

The upper Mamberamo River was photographed during the Central-North New Guinea Expedition led by Le Roux COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Het stroomgebied van de boven Mamberano in Nieuw Guinea waar het explorateurs bivak ligt TMnr 10020882.jpg
The upper Mamberamo River was photographed during the Central-North New Guinea Expedition led by Le Roux

In 1545, the Spanish navigator Iñigo Ortiz de Retes sailed along the northern coast of the island as far as the mouth of this river that he charted as San Agustín. At this spot, on 20 June 1545, he claimed the territory for the Spanish Crown, and in the process bestowed the name to the island (Nueva Guinea) by which it is known today.

The first European to enter the mouth of the Mamberamo was Dutchman Dr D. F. van Braam Morris in 1883. The residents from the northern Moluccas (Ternate) rowed up the river to ascertain that it was navigable by steamer. [12] The following year in 1884 Van Braam Morris returned to the steamship Havik and travelled 60 mi (97 km) (as the crow flies) along its course. [13]

The Mamberamo River in 2017 Sungai Mamberamo.jpg
The Mamberamo River in 2017

Mamberamo Foja Wildlife Reserve

The Mamberamo Foja Wildlife Reserve covers an area of 16,610 km2, extending along the Mamberamo and its major tributaries from the Central Range foothills to the Pacific Ocean. It encompasses the central Lakes Plains region and extends southwards along the eastern side of the river to include the Foya Mountains, the river delta, and the sea. [14]

Mamberamo Bridge

The Mamberamo Bridge was the second longest cable-stayed span in Indonesia after Kutai Kartanegara Bridge with 235 meters and 270 meters respectively until the latter bridge collapsed in November 2011.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Western New Guinea</span> Region of Indonesia on the island of New Guinea

Western New Guinea, also known as Papua, Indonesian New Guinea, and Indonesian Papua, is the western half of the island of New Guinea, formerly Dutch and granted to Indonesia in 1962. Given the island is alternatively named Papua, the region is also called West Papua.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fly River</span> River in Papua New Guinea

The Fly River is the third longest river on the island of New Guinea, after the Sepik and Mamberamo, with a total length of 1,060 km (660 mi). It is the largest by volume of discharge in Oceania, the largest in the world without a single dam in its catchment, and overall the 20th-largest primary river in the world by discharge volume. It is located in the southwest of Papua New Guinea and in the South Papua province of Indonesia. It rises in the Victor Emanuel Range arm of the Star Mountains, and crosses the south-western lowlands before flowing into the Gulf of Papua in a large delta. The Fly–Strickland River system has a total length of 1,220 km (760 mi), making it the longest river system of an island in the world. The 824 km (512 mi) Strickland is the longest and largest tributary of Fly River, making it the farthest distance source of the Fly River.

The Foja Range languages, or Tor–Kwerba in more limited scope, are a family of about two dozen Papuan languages. They are named after the Foja Mountains of western New Guinea.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Foja Mountains</span> Mountain range in Indonesia

The Foja Mountains are located just north of the Mamberamo river basin in Papua, Indonesia. The mountains rise to 2,193 metres (7,195 ft), and have 3,000 square kilometers of old growth tropical rainforest in the interior part of the range. The Foja forest tract covers 9,712 square kilometers and is the largest tropical forest without roads in the Asia Pacific region.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Digul</span> River in Indonesia

The Digul River is a major river in South Papua province, Indonesia, on the island of New Guinea. It is the fourth longest river in New Guinea after Sepik, Mamberamo, and Fly. With a total length of 853 km (530 mi) and a drainage basin of 45,900 km2 (17,700 sq mi).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Golden-mantled tree-kangaroo</span> Species of marsupial

The golden-mantled tree-kangaroo is a critically endangered, furry, bear-like mammal found only in mountain rain forests on the island of New Guinea. Like other tree-kangaroos, it lives in trees and feeds on plant matter. It belongs to the macropod family (Macropodidae) with kangaroos, and carries its young in a pouch like other marsupials. The range is restricted to two small mountain areas in the north and it is threatened by hunting and habitat loss.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Northern New Guinea lowland rain and freshwater swamp forests</span> Ecoregion in New Guinea

The Northern New Guinea lowland rain and freshwater swamp forests is a tropical moist broadleaf forest ecoregion of northern New Guinea.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">New Guinea</span> Island in the Pacific Ocean

New Guinea is the world's second-largest island, with an area of 785,753 km2 (303,381 sq mi). Located in Melanesia in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, the island is separated from Australia by the 150-kilometre wide Torres Strait, though both landmasses lie on the same continental shelf, and were united during episodes of low sea level in the Pleistocene glaciations as the combined landmass of Sahul. Numerous smaller islands are located to the west and east. The island's name was given by Spanish explorer Yñigo Ortiz de Retez during his maritime expedition of 1545 due to the resemblance of the indigenous peoples of the island to those in the African region of Guinea.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tariku River</span> River in Indonesia

The Tariku or Rouffaer River is a river in the northern part of the Indonesian province of Papua. It is one of the major tributary of Mamberamo River with a total length of 488 km (303 mi).

The Taritatu or Idenburg River also called Baliem River is a river in the northern part of the Indonesian province of Papua. It is the largest tributary of Mamberamo River with a total length of 808 km (502 mi).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wasur National Park</span> National park in Indonesia

The Wasur National Park forms part of the largest wetland in Merauke Regency, South Papua, Indonesia and has been one of the least disturbed by human activity. The high value of its biodiversity has led to the park being dubbed the "Serengeti of Papua". The vast open wetland, in particular Rawa Biru Lake, attracts a very rich fauna.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sepik</span> River on New Guinea

The Sepik is the longest river on the island of New Guinea, and the third largest in Oceania by discharge volume after the Fly and Mamberamo. The majority of the river flows through the Papua New Guinea (PNG) provinces of Sandaun and East Sepik, with a small section flowing through the Indonesian province of Papua.

Oreophryne furu is a species of microhylid frogs endemic to the Mamberamo River basin in Papua, Western New Guinea. It is distinguished from other related species by its small size, unique call and egg-guarding behaviour.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">South Papua</span> Province of Indonesia

South Papua, officially the South Papua Province, is an Indonesian province located in the southern portion of Papua, following the borders of the Papuan customary region of Anim Ha. Formally established on 11 November 2022 and including the four most southern regencies that were previously part of the province of Papua and before 11 December 2002 had comprised a larger Merauke Regency, it covers a land area of 129,715.02 km2, about the same area as Pennsylvania. This area had a population of 513,617 at the 2020 Census, while the official estimate as at mid 2023 was 537,973, making it the least populous province in Indonesia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lakes Plains</span>

The Mamberamo Lakes Plains are a large, flat low-lying area of the Mamberamo River basin in the Indonesian province Papua on the island of New Guinea. The plain is defined by the meandering tributaries of the Mamberamo, and includes hundreds of oxbow lakes. It is 300 kilometers long and about 50 kilometers wide, and is entirely enclosed by mountains apart from the outlet of the Mameramo. It is inhabited in the west, but the eastern lobe is largely uninhabited.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Northern New Guinea montane rain forests</span> Ecoregion in New Guinea

The Northern New Guinea montane rain forests is a tropical moist forest ecoregion in northern New Guinea. The ecoregion covers several separate mountain ranges lying north of New Guinea's Central Range and south of the Pacific Ocean.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mamberamo Foja Wildlife Reserve</span>

Mamberamo Foja Wildlife Reserve is a large protected area on New Guinea, in Indonesia's Papua Province. It covers an area of 16,610 km2, and extends along the Mamberamo River and its tributaries from the foothills of the Central Range to the Pacific Ocean.

Hopea novoguineensis is a rainforest tree species in the Dipterocarpaceae family. It is found in New Guinea and on Halmahera, Maluku Province, Indonesia. The tree produces good timber.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Joesron, Loebis (2008). Country Report Implementation of Demonstration Project Mamberamo River Basin Indonesia (PDF) (Report). Indonesian Hydrological Society.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Agus, Sugiyono (2023). PENGEMBANGAN PLTA MAMBERAMO TERINTEGRASS.
  3. 1 2 "Fragmentation and Flow Regulation of the World's Large River Systems" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-03-30. Retrieved 2013-01-12.
  4. ↑ "Mamberamo River". Encyclopaedia Britannica. Accessed 7 June 2020
  5. ↑ Balázs, Dénes (1978). Ausztrália, Óceánia, Antarktisz.
  6. ↑ "Hydrology and Earth System Sciences (EGU)" (PDF). 2021.
  7. ↑ "Papua New Guinea".
  8. 1 2 Pola PSDA Mamberamo Tami Apauvar. 2014.
  9. ↑ Prof. Dr. Ir., San Afri Awang; Sasmita, Nugroho; Dr., Julijanti; Isluyandari, Woelan Yanuartanti (2019). 2018 BUKU 1-KAJIAN PENGANYAN PEMBANGUNAN PULAU PAPUA (PDF).
  10. ↑ Rendy, Firmansyah. "Grafik Neraca Air Pulau Papua".
  11. 1 2 Douglas, Sheil; Manuel, Boissière; Miriam, van Heist; Ismail, Rachman; Imam, Basuki; Meilinda, Wan; Yoseph, Watopa (2021). "The Floodplain Forests of the Mamberamo Basin, Papua, Indonesia (Western New Guinea): Vegetation, Soils, and Local Use". Forests. 12 (12): 1790. doi: 10.3390/f12121790 .
  12. ↑ Souter (1963) p. 145
  13. ↑ (in Dutch) 'Nieuw Guinea', in de De Locomotief, donderdag 5 maart 1885 no. 57. Visited 2 July 2013
  14. ↑ Petocz, Ronald G. (1989). Conservation and Development in Irian Jaya: A Strategy for Rational Resource Utilization. Brill, 1989.
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