MOKOLO RIVER: Topography, geology and soils

---

eWISA Home  |  MOKOLO: MAIN INDEX |  ALPHABETICAL LIST OF RIVERS

Map of the MOKOLO River

E-mail us

TOPOGRAPHY

The Mokolo River and its tributaries rise in the western part of the Waterberg (between 1200 and 1600 metres above mean sea level). It originates in a flattish, open area with numerous koppies and flows through a steep gorge emerging above the town of Vaalwater. Here the river flows through a relatively flat area until it enters the Mokolo Dam. From there, it flows through another gorge before entering the Limpopo Plain, near the junction with the Rietspruit. From this point, the Mokolo River flows through flat sandy areas until it reaches the Limpopo River. (Ref 1)

The Sand River forms the upper part of the Mokolo River and is located in a large flattish valley surrounded by hills. A number of streams flow through steep rocky areas in the mountainous sections. The area is characterised by Waterberg Moist Mountain Bushveld and Mixed Bushveld. Altitude varies between 1200 metres and 1600 metres and mean annual rainfall varies between 400 and 700 mm. Mean annual temperatures vary from 14 °C to 20 °C.  (Ref 1)

The Mokolo River enters this region through a relatively steep gorge upstream of Vaalwater and flows out of the area at the junction between the Mokolo River and the Rietspruit. The river flows through a largely flat undulating plain interspersed with steep rocky areas and gorges. This area falls mainly in the Sweet Bushveld. Altitude varies between 900 metres and 1200 metres. Rainfall varies between 300 and 700 mm per annum. Mean annual temperatures vary from 14 °C to 22 °C.  (Ref 1)

The Mokolo River enters the Limpopo Plain at the junction between the Mokolo River and the Rietspruit and continues down the Limpopo valley. The area is characterised mainly by flat plains with a low gradient. This area falls mainly in the Sweet Bushveld. Altitude varies between 780 metres and 1100 metres. Rainfall varies between 300 and 400 mm per annum. Mean annual temperatures vary from 20 °C to 22 °C.  (Ref 1)

GEOLOGY

Most of the upper and middle catchment is comprised of conglomerates of the Waterberg Group and Glentig Formation. In the Limpopo Plain, the river also traverses sandstones of the Undifferentiated Karoo Sequence and Migmatites of the Limpopo Mobile Belt. (Ref 1)

SOILS

References

Ref 1:  State of Rivers Report - Mokolo River

Useful links