Hydrology and Earth System Sciences
Hydrology and Earth System Sciences
HESS
Articles | Volume 29, issue 18
Articles | Volume 29, issue 18
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-4557-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-4557-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Articles | Volume 29, issue 18
Research article
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23 Sep 2025
Research article | Highlight paper |  | 23 Sep 2025

Assessment of source regions of the Zambezi River: implications for regional water security

Mauro Lourenco, Rutledge S. Boyes, Fenton P. D. Cotterill, Tyrel Flügel, Frank C. Nyoni, Goabaone J. Ramatlapeng, and Rainer von Brandis

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Editorial statement
This is a very detailed report on a highly interesting hydrological expedition into the most upstream and mostly ungauged tributaries of the Zambezi River, one of the largest rivers of the African continent. It provides detailed observations of river discharge and water quality during several enterprising excursions following tributaries from the source to the main river confluence. It offers a unique hydrological resumé of an adventurous field campaign.
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Short summary
This study focused on the sources of the Zambezi River, revealing new insights into its longest tributary and Angola's key role in its flow. River expeditions and earth observation data show that Angola contributed approximately 73 % of the river's flow upstream of a major floodplain during the 2023 late wet season. We highlight Angola's wetlands, which support river health and help mitigate pollution. These findings stress the need for improved monitoring and regional cooperation in the basin.
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