Cathedral Peak Research Catchments - South Africa

Cathedral Peak is situated within the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, a relatively pristine environment. The Drakensberg is crucial for water provision in South Africa as it serves as a principal catchment that provides water for the country. A range of research is conducted including meteorology, hydrology, physical and chemical atmospheric science, soil science, vegetation ecology and palaeocology to obtain a holistic understanding of earth systems within this vital catchment region. Satellite sites in the surrounding area are used to assess different land use cover states including degraded sites and sites where restoration programmes are in place to restore ecological infrastructure.