Hydrology of Wetlands in the Headwaters of Great African Rivers

Abstract

African headwater wetlands (so-called dambos) play a significant role in the formation of the hydrological regime of great rivers in Central Africa. They act as spongy reservoirs capable of absorbing water during the rainy season and releasing it slowly during the dry season. The hydrological role of dambos, discussed in this paper, has been based on experiments performed in Zambia, as well as the research results accomplished elsewhere in Africa. Controversial opinions and conclusions concerned with the hydrological regime of dambos are commented and discussed.