Dr Paolo Paron presents ‘Geomorphological aspects of banded Tiger Bush landscapes in semi-arid Somalia and parallels with banded mulga in central Australia’, on 3 November 2006 from 1pm to 2pm.
Banded vegetation patterns are one of the most intriguing phenomena of the Earth’s arid and semi-arid belt. The origin and development of banding is not completely understood, despite the fact that it has been studied in many different locations in Africa and Australia, using different approaches.
Dr Paron’s presentation will discuss a study of banded vegetation in Somalia, with an attempt to identify most important correlations between banded vegetation and other geomorphological factors, like landform, climate, soil, lithology, etc.
The study was based on remote sensing techniques and GIS, with limited fieldwork due to security and logistic reasons.
Dr Paron, a geomorphologist by training, is employed as a GIS and mapping expert. He currently works with the FAO on the Somalia Water and Land Information Management System (SWALIM) and, in collaboration with Professor Andrew S. Goudie, Oxford University Centre for the Environment, has been researching the geomorphic setting and functioning of Tiger Bush (banded vegetation) in Africa. Paolo has recently turned his attention to the global distribution of this vegetation type – hence his visit to Australia.
This seminar takes place in Room 1, Building 24, Casuarina Campus, Charles Darwin University.
Visit the School for Environmental Research website for more information about this and other SER seminars.