Compassberg - South Africa

DEIMS.iD

https://deims.org/dc3a8d19-8377-4c89-a0e5-8b265174688f

Basic Information

Site Name

Compassberg

Short name

CPE

Country

South Africa

Operating Organisation

Compassberg Protected Environment Group

South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON)

Keywords

Atmospheric conditions

climate

Site Description

Compassberg, the highest peak in the Sneeuberg range, resembles a compass needle towering 2 502 metres high. The mountain harbours a diversity of species, including endemics such as the Compassberg Skolly (Thestor compassbergae) butterfly, found only the slopes of this mountain. Compassberg is located near the village of Nieu Bethesda, 55 km north of the town Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape Province.

Last modified

2020-06-29 10:06:12

General Characteristics, Purpose, History

Site Status

Operational

Year Established

2014

Purpose

To monitor altitudinal shift in climate and vegetation, especially of C3 and C4 graminoids, in order to determine if changes are consistent with climate trends or with the effects of increasing atmospheric CO2 on plants with different carbon pathways.

History

Despite being the highest peak in the Sneeuberg range and having endemic species, to date no description of the vascular flora of Compassberg has been undertaken. Owing to its height and herbaceous cover over the altitudinal range, the mountain provides an ideal opportunity to investigate possible altitudinal shifts in climate and vegetation, particularly C3 and C4 grass species in view of climate change.

Research Topics

atmospheric chemistry

meteorology

climatology

climate change

Parameters