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Characterising inundation conditions for flood-pulsed wetlands is a critical first step towards assessment of flood risk as well as towards understanding hydrological dynamics that underlay their ecology and functioning. In this paper, we develop a series of inundation maps for the Okavango Delta, Botswana, based on the thresholding of the SWIR band (b7) MODIS MCD43A4 product. We show that in the Okavango Delta, SWIR is superior to other spectral bands or derived indices, and illustrate an innovative way of defining the spectral threshold used to separate inundated from dry land. The threshold is determined dynamically for each scene based on reflectances of training areas capturing end-members of the inundation spectrum. The method provides a very good accuracy and is suitable for automated processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Annual inflows and outflows from the Okavango Delta are analysed for possible changes over time. The magnitude of inflows determines the area inundated annually over the delta, and therefore the delta ecosystem on which the thriving tourism depends. Inhabitants of the delta area greatly depend on harvesting aquatic and terrestrial resources, and the abundance of these resources is affected by flooding. Annual flows, annual maximum flows, and annual minimum flows of the Okavango River are analysed for the presence of abrupt or gradual changes and cycles in order to establish the nature of these perceived changes. Change points have been identified in annual flows of the Okavango River and Zambezi River. Other time series except the annual minimum flows are free of trends. Significant cycles were identified on annual flows, annual maximum flows, and annual minimum flows of both the Okavango and Zambezi Rivers. Residuals obtained after removing the cyclic component from each of these time series are trend free. The apparent decline of inflows into the Okavango Delta is explained by the existence of this cyclic component, rather than gradual or abrupt decline in flows over time. The cyclic component identified on the Okavango River has a regional scale as flows on the neighbouring Zambezi River have similar features. Possible causes of the cyclic behaviour are not known. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: This paper studies the interactions of density driven flow and geochemical reactions under evapo-concentration. A numerical model that couples the relevant flow, transport and chemical processes was used to analyze density-driven flow on islands in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Evapo-concentration on the islands leads to steadily increasing solute concentrations until the onset of density-driven flow against the evaporation-induced upward flow. The modelling results suggest that lag times to the onset of density-driven flow are strongly influenced by geochemical reactions. Mineral precipitation and carbon dioxide de-gassing increase the lag time. Carbon dioxide de-gassing is enhanced if humic substances are present at elevated concentrations. Simulation results were shown to be most sensitive to the longitudinal dispersivity. Modelling results are compared to field observations from three islands in the Okavango Delta. A semi-quantitative correspondence between modelled and observed concentration patterns is established for the major chemical constituents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]