Ugab River

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Ugab River
Ugab river.jpeg
Ugab River from space
Physical characteristics
Sourcenear Otavi
  location Kunene Region, Namibia
  coordinates 21°11′S13°37′E / 21.183°S 13.617°E / -21.183; 13.617
Mouth Atlantic Ocean
  elevation
0 m (0 ft)
Lengthc. 540 km (340 mi)
Basin size28,400 km2 (10,965 sq mi)
Basin features
Tributaries 
  left Erundu River, Ozongombo River, Okomize River, Uis River
  right Goantagab River

The Ugab River is an ephemeral river in north-western Namibia. Its lower section forms the border between Kunene Region and Erongo Region but its catchment area extends well into the Otjozondjupa Region. Ugab's source is near Otavi. From there the riverbed leads westwards past the Paresis Mountains and the Fransfontein Mountains into the Skeleton Coast and the Atlantic Ocean. Inflows of the Ugab are Erundu, Ozongombo, Okomize and Uis. [1]

The river only flows above the surface of its sandy bed a few days each year, but even during much of the dry season its subterranean water surfaces as pools in places, and provides an important resource for species in the Damaraland region of northern Namibia. The Ugab's mean run-off is roughly 20 million cubic metres per annum, [2] while its catchment area (including its tributaries) is estimated to be between 24,800 [1] and 29,355 square kilometres (11,334 sq mi). [3]

The Ugab River's large subterranean water content makes it a major Namibian river. Stretched out for 450 kilometres (280 mi), the river provides water for species such as the rare desert elephant, as well as giraffe, mountain zebra and the largest population of free-roaming black rhinoceroses in the world. The Ugab Wilderness Area was established here to protect the future of these rare animals. Important tourism destinations are the Brandberg, the Doros Crater and the Vingerklip. Towns and settlements in its catchment area are Outjo, Otjiwarongo, Kalkfeld, Omatjette and Uis. [1]

It is possible to drive or trek the length of the sandy river, passing local Herero farmers and the pink granite inselbergs (isolated rocky hills left behind after volcanic activity) dotted throughout the region. These bizarre stones have been shaped over the years into vaguely recognisable shapes, some looking like toadstools, while others are eerie hollow structures known as the 'Petrified Ghosts'.

Quite a few plants species can be found in the area - including wild tobacco ( Nicotiana glauca ), [4] acacia trees, mopani trees and ǃnara bushes ( Acanthosicyos horridus ) with their almost-leafless spiky green stems, and spiky melon-like fruit. The type specimen of the three meter long stem tetrapod, Gaiasia , was discovered in the Ugab River Valley in 2024. [5]

Related Research Articles

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Khan River</span> River

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Uniab River</span> River

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The Hoarusib River is an ephemeral river in the Kunene Region of north-western Namibia. Its source is near the regional capital Opuwo, and the river flows through the Tonnesen and Giraffe Mountains into the Atlantic Ocean. The Hoarusib occasionally carries surface water during the rainy season from November to February/March. The catchment area of the Hoarusib is 15,237 square kilometres (5,883 sq mi).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Khumib River</span> River

The river Khumib is an ephemeral river crossing the Kunene Region of north-western Namibia. It occasionally carries surface water during the rainy seasons in November and February/March. Its catchment area is estimated between 2200 and 2,300 square kilometres (890 sq mi).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Huab River</span> River

The Huab River is an ephemeral river in the Kunene Region of north-western Namibia. Its source is southeast of Kamanjab, from where it flows westwards through Mopane savanna until it reaches the Skeleton Coast and the Atlantic Ocean. Inflows of the Huab are Klein-Omaruru, Sout, Aba-Huab, Ongwati and Klip. Huab's catchment area is estimated to be between 14,800 and 16,465 km2 (6,357 sq mi), and includes the town of Khorixas as well as the settlements Kamanjab, Fransfontein, and Anker. The Twyfelfontein World Heritage Site is located on the banks of the Aba Huab.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Jacobson, Peter J.; Jacobson, Kathryn M.; Seely, Mary K. (1995). Ephemeral rivers and their catchments: Sustaining people and development in western Namibia (PDF 8.7MB). Windhoek: Desert Research Foundation of Namibia. pp. 134–135. ISBN   9991670947.
  2. "ELECTIONS 2010: Erongo regional profile". New Era . 16 November 2010. Archived from the original on 6 September 2012.
  3. Strohbach, B.J. (2008). "Mapping the Major Catchments of Namibia" (PDF 1.0MB). Agricola. 2008: 63–73. ISSN   1015-2334. OCLC   940637734.
  4. "Ozohere Camp Site | Damaraland | Namibia". www.namibweb.com. Retrieved 2020-05-29.
  5. Russell, Hattie. "A new giant but extinct ambush predator found in Namibia's Ugab River Valley". Meteored. yourweather.co.uk. Retrieved 17 July 2024.