Environmental Assessment
Volume C-3.1
Slurry Pipeline
Topography and Geomorphology
Ambatovy Project
18
January 2006
3.1
TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOMORPHOLOGY
3.1.1
Introduction
This section presents the Environmental Assessment for the effects of the slurry
pipeline on topography and geomorphology, including unique topographic
features, as per the Ambatovy Project (the project) Terms of Reference.
3.1.2
Study Area
The slurry pipeline Local Study Area (LSA) for topography and geomorphology
is the same as the general slurry pipeline study area presented in Volume A,
Figure 7.2-2. It includes areas within 500 m of the planned pipeline route.
3.1.3
Baseline Summary
The slurry pipeline runs from land of medium elevation near Moramanga,
through the Torotorofotsy Wetlands complex, passes through a series of
watersheds with steep valleys characterized by granite outcrops and continues
over topography with gradually lower relief until reaching the flat coastal dune
structures of the Madagascar east coast.
The geomorphology of the Torotorofotsy Wetlands system is characterized by
rolling hills and alluvium-filled valleys. The topography of the central highlands
includes steep-sided, irregularly shaped valley formations with slopes reaching a
typical maximum of 45 degrees. The topography of the east coast is relatively
flat, with a surface layer of sand.
Based on a qualitative analysis of the landscape, the slurry pipeline LSA contains
one unique topographic feature: the Torotorofotsy Wetlands, which constitute the
largest and most intact marsh in eastern Madagascar (BirdLife International
Website: 2003).
Additional details concerning baseline conditions are provided in Volume I,
Section 1.1.
