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Comparative evaluation of spatio-temporal attributes of precipitation and streamflow in Buffalo and Tyume Catchments, Eastern Cape, South Africa

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Abstract

High variability in precipitation has affected streamflow across different catchments especially in semi-arid environments with devastating effects on ecosystem services and functioning. Information on the state of interdependency and spatio-temporal precipitation attributes of the catchments is essential for ecosystem services sustainability especially in the semi-arid environments. A statistical hybrid approach using linearity, stochastic behaviour, and elasticity testing was explored from the 1989 to 2016 datasets for Tyume and Buffalo catchments case studies. To this end, consistency, sensitivity, and trend analysis revealed a spatio-temporal variation between the catchments. For instance, there is consistency in flow double-mass curve. Mann–Kendall test reveals significant increase in winter stream flow trend (Buffalo, Z = 0.328, p value = 0.007; and Tyume, Z = 0.354, p value = 0.004), with a corresponding increase in the Buffalo winter rainfall (Z = 0.354, p value = 0.004). Parde coefficient plots and sensitivity analysis reveal streamflow dependence on rainfall, hydrological response, and spatial difference to climatic variability for Buffalo (εp = 0.96) and Tyume (εp = 1.89). In general, hydrological viability of Buffalo catchment over the conservative attribute of Tyume catchment is revealed.

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Source Johnson et al. (2006), according to Palmer (1983) time scale

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Data Statement

The dataset used in this study are available in the South Africa weather Service (www.weathersa.co.za/) and Department of Water Affairs repository (www.dwa.gov.za/Hydrology). All data generated during this study are included in this work.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to South Africa Weather Service and the Department of Water Affairs for assistance with data preparation and release.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, Eastern Cape, 5700, South Africa

    Solomon Temidayo Owolabi & Kakaba Madi

  2. Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, Eastern Cape, 5700, South Africa

    Ahmed Mukalazi Kalumba

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  1. Solomon Temidayo Owolabi
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Correspondence to Solomon Temidayo Owolabi.

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Owolabi, S.T., Madi, K. & Kalumba, A.M. Comparative evaluation of spatio-temporal attributes of precipitation and streamflow in Buffalo and Tyume Catchments, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Environ Dev Sustain 23, 4236–4251 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-020-00769-z

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