Aug 07, 2025
Temporary streams – An emerging challenge in Germany
The arid part of the Karoo, where water and permanent rivers are rare.
Once rare and overlooked, temporary streams are now making a splash in Germany – and water managers better be ready.
In the semi-arid Karoo, even large rivers can temporarily dry up.
Climate change is expected to significantly influence the occurrence of temporary streams, particularly as a result of altered precipitation patterns and extended dry periods. Consequently, temporary streams are becoming an increasingly relevant issue in Germany, with potentially profound implications for water management.
To foster closer collaboration in this emerging field of research, Dr Börnick and Dr Jungmann, together with Dr Lorenz from the University of Duisburg-Essen, held their first joint meetings in South Africa at the University of the Free State (UFS). The Centre for Environmental Management (CEM), represented by Dr Avenant, served as host and valuable partner, drawing on its many years of expertise in this area.