The Nossob River is referred to as an ancient/fossil river as any
rainfall seeps into underground reservoirs, in the form of ground
water. It is estimated that the Nossob only flows on average once
every 100 years. By flowing, it is meant that the floodwater comes
into the Park at Unions End from Namibia and flows all the way down
and past Twee Rivieren. This magical event last took place in 19XX.
Since the Nossob seldom flows, it contains highly mineralised and
saline water. The most saline borehole in Nossob is Jan se Draai,
which contains 70 grams of salt per litre.
The provision of waterholes is the only form of artificial
management in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Previously, no
fresh water was available, with the exception of pans after the
rain; so therefore, certain animal species such as springbok and
wildebeest were required to migrate in search of fresh water and
food. Since the Southern and Western boundaries of the Park were
fenced off, migration route were closed. For this reason, it was
decided to maintain the waterholes, resulting in migratory animals
being present all year round. Almost all of the animals found in
the Park will utilise the waterholes at some point, while others
such as the Blue Wildebeest are completely dependent on this water
source. Species such as the Gemsbok prefer to utilise the salty
residue around the waterhole, which acts as a natural lick and
provides essential minerals.
The listed co ordinates will take you to a picnic site where you
are allowed to exit your vehicle and have a view of the riverbed.
In order to qualify to log this cache, please Email me the answers
to the following questions.
1. Consult the nearby notice board and find
out what is the average borehole depth along this section of the
Nossob River.
2. In what year is the river next expected to flow?
3. List the two method of pumping water to the surface, giving a
Pro and Con of each. Which method is preferred by the parks
board?
4. As an optional request, please upload a picture of yourself
holding a GPS in front of the riverbed at the listed co
ordinates.