Assess the spatial and temporal changes in daily temperature and rainfall for primary catchments T and U, which is uMtamvuna and uMkhomazi in South Africa. This should be in relation to reservior/dam sedimentation in relation to water supply in water security. RESERVOIR SEDIMENTATION AND ITS IMPACT ON WATER SECURITY IN SOUTH AFRICA
Reservoir sedimentation has become an increasingly pressing issue in South Africa. This problem is predominantly driven by soil erosion in the surrounding catchment areas, where agricultural practices, deforestation, and overgrazing contribute to significant sediment runoff into rivers, eventually reaching reservoirs. The effects of climate change have exacerbated the situation, with altered rainfall patterns, more frequent and intense storms, more frequent floods, and heightened erosion and sediment transport. As sediment accumulates in reservoirs, it reduces their storage capacity, which is crucial for water supply, flood control, and other essential services. Consequently, this leads to a range of negative outcomes, including water scarcity and a shortened lifespan for existing reservoirs. Additionally, inadequate monitoring and data collection hinder effective management, often underestimating the true extent of the problem.
For a designated primary catchment area in South Africa (Figure 1), your tasks are as follows:
Assess the spatial and temporal changes in daily temperature and rainfall
Explain how you came about the answers and provide citation and references.
