SANParks.org Forums

Hi forumites, I am trying to understand what a catena is and what the relevance of it is.

I have looked at this address, http://www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/co ... adwick.pdf

and read the document there but still am unable to fully understand the catena. Any help of simple explanations would be great.

Thanks. Robm

You might have more luck searching for 'catenary' instead of 'catena'.
I couldn't find anything with a quick Google of 'catenary landscape'

I can ask Lesego Khomo to join us here?

He is one of the co-writers, so should be able to explain it all.
He works at the University of the Witwatersrand, with this project: Linking physical boundaries and vegetation patterns in the Phugwane River drainage network, northern Kruger National Park, South Africa

Now for some detailed questions...

Hi robm

As to the exact meaning of the word I cannot assist. It is used in Kruger to describe the area to the west of Tshokwane to around Orpen gate: "low rolling" landscape, mother rock granite, fairly dry with low-medium carrying capacity

Hope this helps!

Catena in Latin/Italian means chain and that is most probably the meaning in the study.

Hey Robm

I know about a soil cantena... This means the specific sequence in which you will encounter different soil types in a given area. Eg. Gravely soil at the top of a hill, sand a bit lower down, then a seep line (usually indicated by Silver Cluster Leaves and Gwarri Bushes, followed by a brackish flat and then a drainage line.

Hope this info helps...

Regards

Ukwazi

That is also my understanding of a 'catena'.

Yes - the sequence of soils on a slope - and depending on your level of study as simple as the explanation above, or far more complicated with specific types of soils etc.....! Try googling Gertenbach for detailed descriptions of soil catenas.

Try this link for information. Chapter 5 is probably what you want.