Streamflow generating mechanisms in a mountainous Jonkershoek catchment, South Africa

Abstract

The Jonkershoek valley catchment in a mountain region that forms the headwaters of the Eerste River, which contributes water to the Cape Winelands District Municipality and parts of the City of Cape Town in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. These areas include highly urbanized and agriculturally advanced regions, which are vulnerable to occasional water shortages. Understanding the processes and factors accounting for the spatial and temporal variations of streamflow in this area is critical. This information can be used to build appropriate conceptual models of this catchment’s functioning to support the management of water resources.