GEOMORPHOLOGY

CHARACTERISTICS AND PROCESSES ASSOCIATED WITH THE DEVELOP

Riaz Bhayat 6/5/24 Grade 11 Geography

 GEOMORPHOLOGY | Riaz Bhayat

Table of Contents
1. Hypothesis...................................................................................................... 2
2. Background Information................................................................................. 2
2.3.1 What are the characteristics of the Pilanesberg Igneous Complex?.........2
2.3.2 Weather & Climate in Pilanesberg............................................................2
2.3.3 Geographical Mapping.............................................................................3
3. Data Collection, analysis & Synthesis of Data...............................................10
3.1. What type of landscape does the Pilanesberg have?.............................10
3.2. What human impact is there on the Pilanesberg igneous complex?......10
3.3. What processes are associated with the development of the Pilanesberg
igneous Complex?............................................................................................ 11
3.4. What is the composition and distribution of mineral resources within the
Pilanesberg Igneous Complex, and how can this knowledge inform sustainable
resource management practices?....................................................................12
4. Conclusion.................................................................................................... 14
5. Bibliography.................................................................................................. 14

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1. Hypothesis
Have you ever been to the Pilanesberg National Park in the North West Province of
South Africa? It is beyond beautiful and massive! But there is 1 question we will be
finding the answer to in this research project. The aim of this research project is to
figure out if the Pilanesberg Igneous Complex has any agricultural value. If it does or
does not, than why and how is it possible/not possible? Bear in mind that even
though it is an igneous complex, there is still a lot of greenery. We believe that
because the are of research is formed from igneous rock, that there is no agricultural
value.

2. Background Information
2.1 What are the characteristics of the Pilanesberg
Igneous Complex?
The geomorphological evolution of the Pilanesberg Complex, an alkaline
igneous body emplaced around 1,250 million years ago and subsequently
exhumed by erosion, reflects the interplay of tectonic and climatic factors over
very long time periods that have given rise to regional-scale patterns of
geomorphological processes and resultant landforms. The topography and
river patterns of the Pilanesberg region have evolved by progressive
denudation of Karoo sedimentary rocks (<30 Ma), revealing evidence for a
much older, relict land surface that may have been formed during the Dwyka
glaciation around 300 million years ago. The absence of significant placer
deposits of gold, platinum and chromium is explained by this proposed model.
(Research Gate, 2024)

2.2 Weather & Climate in Pilanesberg

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Dry Season–May to September (Winter)

There is virtually no rainfall during winter and the humidity is very low. These
drought-like conditions cause foliage to thin and animals are drawn to permanent
water sources, making them easier to see.
 May – Temperatures gradually drop, marking the beginning of winter. Average
temperatures vary from 6°C/43°F in the mornings to 23°C/73°F in the
afternoons.
 June, July & August – Warm clothes are essential for the cold mornings
(5°C/41°F on average). Skies will be sunny and clear with daytime
temperatures averaging 20°C/68°F.
 September – Average temperatures are a mild and pleasant 26°C/79°F
during the day with cooler mornings (12°C/54°F).
Wet Season–October to April (Summer)
Regular rains break up the heat. They usually come in the form of afternoon storms.
Average daytime temperatures are around 30°C/86°F. Because of the low humidity,
the heat is less of a burden when compared to the coastal regions.
 October & November – It gets warmer, and the first rains clear the haze in
the sky. It rains more as the season progresses. Temperatures range from a
typical 16°C/61°F in the morning to 29°C/84°F in the afternoon.
 December, January & February – December and January are the wettest
months, characterized by torrential downpours in the afternoon. Daytime
temperatures are typically around 31°C/88°F.
 March & April – Rainfall will decrease in March, and it slowly gets colder.
This continues in April, which has lovely, clear weather and few clouds. The
nights get a bit colder at about 12°C/54°F. Daytime temperatures are pleasant
at around 29°C/84°F. (Safari Bookings, 2024)

2.3 Geographical Mapping

2.3.1 View looking to the northwest of the
mountainous Pilanesberg (horizon)
rising from the flat plain of the
Bushveld (foreground) (Photograph
R.G. Cawthorn)

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2.3.2 A Simplified geological map of the area surrounding the Pilanesberg

Complex. H = Hartbeespoort Dam

2.3.3 A Simplified distribution of hills (shaded) and valleys (not shaded) in the
Pilanesberg showing the outward flowing rivers and principal watershed
(dotted line). Spot heights (triangles) are given in metres. b Long profiles of
selected rivers (marked 1-6) within the area marked in (a). Note the stepped
profiles of some rivers (e.g. river 5) and that the low-relief landscape lying
outside of the Pilanesberg broadly slopes from north to south, opposed to
regional river
flow as shown in
2.3.4.

2.3.4 Map of the main north-flowing rivers around the Pilanesberg (P). Spot
heights (triangles) are given in metres. Ridges (dashed lines) developed in

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quartzites of the Transvaal Supergroup are T Timeball Hill, D Daspoort and M

Magaliesberg. Between the ridges lies low ground underlain by shales. H
Hartbeespoort Dam. (Compare with the map of Wellington (1937), his 1,
showing the area east of that shown here and covering Pretoria and
Johannesburg.)

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2.3.5 Soil geochemical maps of the Pilanesberg area (from Wilhelm and van
Rooyen (2001), with permission from the Council for Geoscience); the scale is
the same for both maps.(a) Thorium content values (where red colour >40
ppm) are extremely high in the Pilanesberg, but thorium is not being
transported by outflowing rivers; (b) Chromium content (where red colour
>5,000 ppm) is especially abundant in specific layers in the Bushveld
Complex surrounding the Pilanesberg, but likewise chromium is not being
transported in lithology-crossing rivers. The circular outline of the Pilanesberg
Complex is clearly delimited by the high Thorium values in (a).

2.3.6 Schematic
cross
section
from SW to
NE showing
the stages
of evolution
of the
Pilanesberg
land

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surface. Approximate ages and time periods for these sequences are
indicated.
a) Conditions prior to the Pilanesberg event.
b) Intrusive and extrusive processes associated with the Pilanesberg event.
c) Incision and creation of relief by Dwyka age glaciers.
d) Deposition of Karoo Supergroup sediments.
e) Erosion of the African surface.
f) Uplift and erosion of Karoo supergroup.

(Research Gate, 2024)

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2.3.7 The

Pilanesberg area is fringed by three concentric rings of hills, that rise from the
surrounding plains. Mistakenly marketed by operators as an extinct volcano it
is actually a very rare formation called a ring dyke complex.

The difference you might ask? Simple. A volcano must erupt. And that didn’t
happen.

Rather, the magma cooled under the ground before it erupted, and then later
collapsed in the centre, forming a ‘volcano’ (now called the Mankwe dam).
Then with millions of years of erosion, the hard rock stayed behind forming
the mountains around the centre in concentric circles as we see today. What
we see now is not so much a volcanic crater, but a cross section through the
magma pipes that were located deep below the mountain’s summit.

The entire structure sits about 100 to 500 metres above the surrounding
landscape. The highest point – Matlhorwe Peak – rises 1 560 metres above
sea level. There are only three of these ring-dyke complexes in existence
today – and Pilanesberg is the best preserved by far! It is also one of the
largest volcanic complexes of its type in the world, the rare rock types and
formations make it a unique geological feature. The Pilanesberg mountain
was named after a historic Tswana chief, Pilane, and the ‘Pilanesberg Alkaline
Ring Complex’ is the park’s primary geological feature. This vast circular
geological feature is ancient even by geological standards as it was created 1
200-million-years ago. (Pilanesberg National Park, 2024)

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2.3.8 Pilanesberg Geology

Geologically, the area is world famous. Its structure, termed the "Pilanesberg National
Park Alkaline Ring Complex" was formed by volcanic eruptions some 1 200 million years
ago. Ancient, even by geological time scales this extinct volcano is the most perfect
example of an alkaline ring complex. There are only two other alkaline volcanoes in the
world, in Russia and in Greenland. Neither are as clearly defined as Pilanesberg
National Park. A number of rare (but not necessarily economically important) minerals
occur in the Park. This National Park clearly rates high amongst the world's outstanding
geological phenomena. (Pilanesberg Game Reserve , 2024)

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3. Data Collection, analysis & Synthesis

of Data
3.1. What type of landscape does the Pilanesberg
have?
It’s topography is characterized by alternating ridges and valleys, forming
concentric rings that rise
abruptly. These hills rise 300 to
600 meters (980 to 1,970 feet)
above the surrounding plains. A
prominent geological feature is
the Pilanesberg Alkaline Ring
Complex, among the largest
volcanic complexes of its kind
globally. (Pilanesberg National
Park, 2024)

3.2. What human impact is there on the

Pilanesberg igneous complex?
The Pilanesberg Igneous Complex, located in South Africa, has been significantly
impacted by human activities. Here are some of the key impacts:
 Mining: Extensive mining activities for various minerals, including platinum,
have led to habitat destruction, soil erosion, and pollution of water bodies.
 Urbanization: The growth of urban areas around the complex has resulted in
habitat fragmentation, increased pollution, and pressure on natural resources.
 Tourism: While tourism has brought economic benefits, it has also led to
increased traffic, waste generation, and disturbance to wildlife.
 Invasive Species: Introduction of non-native species by humans has
disrupted the complex's ecosystem, leading to competition with native species
and alteration of natural habitats.
 Pollution: Industrial and domestic pollution from human settlements has
affected air and water quality within the complex.
These human impacts have altered the natural environment of the Pilanesberg
Igneous Complex, posing significant challenges for conservation and ecosystem
management. (Studocu, 2024)

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3.3. What processes are associated with the

development of the Pilanesberg igneous Complex?
While big game animals such as lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and water
buffaloes draw most visitors to Pilanesberg National Park, the land these
animals live on is just as compelling. Pilanesberg is located in one of the
world's largest and best-preserved alkaline ring dike complexes—a rare
circular feature that emerged from the subterranean plumbing of an ancient
volcano.

The Operational Land Imager (OLI) on

Landsat 8 acquired this image of the
park in South Africa on June 19, 2015.
Seen from above, the concentric rings
of hills and valleys make a near perfect
circle, with different rings composed of
different types of igneous rock. The
entire structure sits about 100 to 500
meters (300 to 1,600 feet) above the
surrounding landscape. The highest point—Matlhorwe Peak—rises 1,560
meters (5,118 feet) above sea level.

Several streams run through the valleys and faults, though most only flow
during the wet season (between October and April). When this image was
acquired in June 2015, the streams had run dry. However, man-made dams
trap enough water to sustain critical watering holes for the animals. The
largest body of water in the park, Mankwe Lake, is visible in the lowlands just
east of the center.

Several phases of geologic activity created the landscape over hundreds of

millions of years. The process began about 1.3 billion years ago, when
primitive organisms like algae were the only lifeforms on Earth and huge
volcanic eruptions were common. During this period, magma pooled up near
the surface in a large hot spot that bulged with immense pressure. The
pressure helped push up a volcanic structure that was several thousand
meters tall.

Over time, tubes of magma radiated outward from the main magma chamber
beneath the volcano. Eventually this outward flow created massive cracks in
the Earth's surface around the volcano at regular intervals. (In cross section,
the magma tubes would have looked something like the branches of a tree
extending from a common trunk. From above, the radial cracks gave the

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surface the appearance of a broken window. After several violent eruptions

sent lava bursting from the volcano, the center collapsed on itself, squeezing
even more magma out from the network of cracks.
As volcanic activity waned, the remaining magma cooled in the cracks as
bands of volcanic rock (mainly syenites and foyaites). Geologists call these
structures dikes. The rate of cooling and the composition of the magma
affected the type of rock that formed in each dike. For instance, white foyaite
has particularly coarse grains and is formed when lava cools slowly. Red
syenite forms when magma contains plenty of water. In the detail image,
outcrops of white and green foyaite and of red syenite make up the ridges in
the southwestern part of the park. These rock types are especially resistant to
erosion and weathering, so they were left behind as hills and ridges while
streams and glaciers scrapped and scoured away weaker types of rock. (Phys
Org, 2024)

3.4. What is the composition and distribution of

mineral resources within the Pilanesberg Igneous
Complex, and how can this knowledge inform
sustainable resource management practices?
Studying the composition and distribution of mineral resources within the
Pilanesberg Igneous Complex is crucial for understanding its economic
potential and informing sustainable resource management practices. By
addressing this research question, several key insights can be gained:

3.4.1. Mineral Composition Analysis: Detailed analysis of the mineral

composition can identify valuable resources such as platinum, palladium,
rhodium, chromium, and other economically significant minerals.
Understanding their distribution within the complex provides insights into
potential mining sites and the feasibility of extraction.
3.4.2. Environmental Impact Assessment: Knowledge of mineral
distribution can facilitate environmental impact assessments by predicting the
area’s most susceptible to disruption due to mining activities. This information
enables the implementation of mitigation measures to protect sensitive
ecosystems, water sources, and biodiversity.
3.4.3. Economic Development Planning: Insights into the mineral wealth of
the Pilanesberg Igneous Complex can inform regional economic development
plans, attracting investment in mining infrastructure and supporting local
communities. However, it's essential to ensure that these development
initiatives are sustainable and considerate of social, economic, and
environmental factors. (ChatGpt, 2024)

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3.5. How has the Pilanesberg Igneous Complex

influenced local ecosystems and biodiversity, and
what are the potential long-term impacts of human
activities on these ecosystems?

The Pilanesberg Igneous Complex, with its unique geological features and rich
mineral deposits, has undoubtedly influenced local ecosystems and biodiversity in
various ways. Understanding these influences and potential long-term impacts of
human activities is crucial for effective conservation and management. Here's an
overview:
3.5.1. Water Resources: The complex's geology influences hydrological
processes, including groundwater recharge, surface water flow, and wetland
formation. Human activities such as mining and water extraction can impact
these hydrological processes, affecting local water resources and ecosystems
dependent on them.
3.5.2. Ecological Connectivity: The Pilanesberg Igneous Complex may
serve as a corridor for wildlife movement between different habitats,
promoting gene flow and maintaining population viability. Disruptions to this
connectivity due to human infrastructure, such as roads or mining operations,
can fragment habitats and impede wildlife movement.
3.5.3. Ecosystem Services: The complex provides various ecosystem
services essential for local communities, including water purification, soil
stabilization, and carbon sequestration. Human activities that degrade these
services, such as deforestation, pollution, or habitat destruction, can have far-
reaching impacts on ecosystem health and human well-being.
3.5.4. Potential long-term impacts of human activities on these ecosystems
include:
 Habitat Loss and Fragmentation
 Pollution
 Invasive Species
 Climate Change.
(ChatGpt, 2024)

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4. Conclusion
To conclude, after careful and detailed research, we have answered the question in
our hypothesis. The Pilanesberg igneous complex does have agricultural value.
Even though it is igneous rock, because of the climate and the fact that the volcano
is extinct, many factors play a role which proves that it is possible to have agricultural
value on igneous rock, specifically the Pilanesberg Igneous Complex. This
agricultural value also allows for the improvement of local ecosystems and the
regional economy. And lastly, we reject our hypothesis.

5. Bibliography
(2024, April 8). Retrieved from Research Gate:
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Simplified-geological-map-of-the-area-
surrounding-the-Pilanesberg-Complex-H_fig1_301978564
(2024, April 8). Retrieved from Pilanesberg National Park:
https://www.pilanesbergnationalpark.org/media/volcano-gave-birth-game-
reserve/#:~:text=The%20Pilanesberg%20area%20is%20fringed,called
%20a%20ring%20dyke%20complex.
(2024, April 8). Retrieved from Pilanesberg Game Reserve :
https://pilanesberggamereserve.com/geology.html#:~:text=Ancient%2C
%20even%20by%20geological%20time,defined%20as%20Pilanesberg
%20National%20Park.
(2024, April 28). Retrieved from Studocu:
https://www.studocu.com/en-za/messages/question/6493505/impact-of-
human-on-the-pilanesberg-igneous-complex
(2024, April 8). Retrieved from Phys Org: https://phys.org/news/2015-07-geology-
pilanesberg-dike-complex.html#:~:text=After%20several%20violent
%20eruptions%20sent,(mainly%20syenites%20and%20foyaites).
(2024, May 02). Retrieved from ChatGpt: https://chat.openai.com/c/8504d038-
bb5c-4c1d-941e-1533ca062dc7
Pilanesberg National Park. (2024, April 24). Retrieved from
https://peakvisor.com/park/pilanesberg-national-park.html#:~:text=The
%20park%20spans%20an%20extensive,feet)%20above%20the
%20surrounding%20plains.
Safari Bookings. (2024, April 24). Retrieved from
https://www.safaribookings.com/pilanesberg/climate

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