Showing papers in "Earth Surface Processes and Landforms in 1998"

The European Soil Erosion Model (EUROSEM): A dynamic approach for predicting sediment transport from fields and small catchments.

Abstract: The European Soil Erosion Model (EUROSEM) is a dynamic distributed model, able to simulate sediment transport, erosion and deposition over the land surface by rill and interill processes in single storms for both individual fields and small catchments. Model output includes total runoff, total soil loss, the storm hydrograph and storm sediment graph. Compared with other erosion models, EUROSEM has explicit simulation of interill and rill flow; plant cover effects on interception and rainfall energy; rock fragment (stoniness) effects on infiltration, flow velocity and splash erosion; and changes in the shape and size of rill channels as a result of erosion and deposition. The transport capacity of runoff is modelled using relationships based on over 500 experimental observations of shallow surface flows. EUROSEM can be applied to smooth slope planes without rills, rilled surfaces and surfaces with furrows. Examples are given of model output and of the unique capabilities of dynamic erosion modelling in general. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

On standardizing the ‘Water Drop Penetration Time’ and the ‘Molarity of an Ethanol Droplet’ techniques to classify soil hydrophobicity: A case study using medium textured soils

Abstract: Two common methods to assess soil hydrophobicity are the ‘Water Drop Penetration Time’ and ‘Molarity of an Ethanol Droplet’ techniques. For these, uncertainty exists regarding the representativeness of laboratory tests reflecting field conditions, their replicability, and the comparability of results between the two techniques. Using air-dried soils with a broad particle size and hydrophobicity range, this study shows that a high representativeness and replicability of results can be achieved. A close relationship between the two tests was found for highly, but not for moderately hydrophobic soils. Guidelines are suggested to increase representativeness, replicability and comparability of results in future studies. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Influence of vegetation cover on sand transport by wind: field studies at Owens Lake, California

Abstract: Field studies conducted at Owens Lake, California, provide direct measurements of sand flux on sand sheets with zero to 20 per cent cover of salt grass. Results from 12 different sand transport events show that aerodynamic roughness length and threshold wind shear velocity increase with vegetation cover as measured by vertically projected cover and roughness density (λ). This results in a negative exponential decrease in sediment flux with increasing vegetation cover such that sand transport is effectively eliminated when the vertically projected cover of salt grass is greater than 15 per cent. A general empirical model for the relation between sand flux and vegetation cover has been derived and can be used to predict the amount of vegetation required to stabilize sand dune areas. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Grain size along two gravel-bed rivers: statistical variation, spatial pattern and sedimentary links

Abstract: A new set of field data facilitates a detailed analysis of variations in bed material grain size within two confluent gravel-bed rivers in northeastern British Columbia, Canada A preliminary assessment of grain-size variability establishes a basis for examination of the spatial pattern of grain-size change Standard ANOVA techniques are inappropriate because individual samples have unequal variances and are not normally distributed Alternative tests for homoscedasticity and comparison of means are therefore utilized Within-site, between-sample variability is not significant The grain-size distributions that were obtained at individual sites are therefore representative of the depositional environments that were sampled In both rivers mean grain size does vary significantly between sites and there is therefore a basis for examining the data for spatial patterns such as downstream fining Textural variations along the two rivers studied here are complex and show negligible overall fining (in over 100 km) This is the consequence of a large number of tributary inputs and non-alluvial sediment sources which are the legacy of Late Pleistocene glaciation The identification of lateral sources like these is fundamental for understanding textural changes within rivers The sedimentary link (a channel reach between significant lateral sediment inputs) provides a means of isolating fluvial maturation processes (abrasion and sorting) from contingent lateral inputs Strong fining trends are apparent in most links and classification of grain-size measurements according to their location within particular links greatly improves the statistical explanation of textural variation Identification of sedimentary links provides a means of applying models of fluvial fining processes, so isolation of link networks will aid the development of basin-scale models of textural variation © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Seasonal changes in the morphology of the subglacial drainage system, Haut Glacier d'Arolla, Switzerland

Abstract: Dye tracing techniques were used to investigate the glacier-wide pattern of change in the englacial/subglacial drainage system of Haut Glacier d'Arolla during the ablation seasons of 1990 and 1991. Analysis of breakthrough curve characteristics indicate that over the course of a melt season, a system of major channels developed by headward growth at the expense of a hydraulically inefficient distributed system. By the end of the melt season, this channel system extended at least 3·3 km from the snout of the 4 km long glacier and drained the bulk of supraglacially derived meltwater passing through the glacier. The upper limit of the channel system closely followed the retreating snowline up-glacier. Rates of headward channel growth reached c. 65 m d−1, although these rates decreased in the upper 1 km of the glacier where snowline retreat exposed a patchy firn aquifer. It appears that the removal of snow (with its high albedo and significant water storage capacity) from the glacier surface resulted in a dramatic increase in the volume of runoff into moulins, and in the peakedness of daily runoff cycles. This induced transient high water pressures within the distributed drainage system, which caused it to evolve rapidly into a channelised system. It is therefore likely that, at a local scale, channel growth occurred down-glacier from moulins, and that the overall up-glacier-directed pattern of channel formation was caused by the retreating snowline exposing new moulins and crevasses to inputs of ice-derived meltwater. Damping of diurnal melt inputs by storage in the firm aquifer accounts for the slowing of channel growth in the upper glacier. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Revisiting the hypsometric curve as an indicator of form and process in transport-limited catchment

Abstract: Hypsometry has historically been used as an indicator of geomorphic form of catchments and landforms. Yet there has been little work aimed at relating hypsometry to landform process and scale. This paper uses the SIBERIA catchment evolution model to explore linkages between catchment process and hypsometry. SIBERIA generates results that are qualitatively and quantitatively similar to observed hypsometric curves for physically realistic parameters. However, we show that not only does the hypsometry reflect landscape runoff and erosion process, but it is strongly dependent on channel network and catchment geometry. We show that the width to length ratio of the catchment has a significant influence on the shape of the hypsometric curve, though little on the hypsometric integral. For landforms dominated by fluvial sediment transport, the classic Strahler ‘mature’ hypsometric curve is only generated for catchments with roughly equal width and length. Narrow catchments show a hypsometric curve more similar to Strahler's ‘monadnock’ form. For landscapes dominated by diffusive transport, the simulated hypsometric curve is concave-down everywhere, this being consistent with curves reported for some example catchments in France. Because the transition between diffusive dominance to fluvial is scale-dependent, with larger catchments exhibiting greater fluvial dominance, then the hypsometric curve is a scale-dependent descriptor of landforms. Experimental results for simulated landforms from a small-scale rainfall-erosion simulator are reported. It is shown that SIBERIA yields satisfactory fits to the data, confirming its ability to predict the form of the hypsometric curve from a simple model of geomorphic processes. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Use of composite fingerprints to determine the provenance of the contemporary suspended sediment load transported by rivers

Abstract: Sediment fingerprinting appears to offer a valuable alternative to direct monitoring for elucidating the provenance of suspended sediment and the relative importance of spatial zones or subcatchments comprising larger ( >500 km 2 ) drainage basins. Against this background, a quantitative composite fingerprinting technique, incorporating both statistically verified multicomponent signatures and a multivariate sediment-mixing model, has been employed to determine the spatial origin of contemporary suspended sediment transported from the upper and middle reaches of the River Exe (601km 2 ) and River Severn (4325 km 2 ) basins, UK. Spatial origin is addressed in terms of the relative contribution from three distinct geological subareas constituting each study basin. The consistency of the composite fingerprinting approach is examined using the estimates for mean and seasonal variations in source area contributions and also a comparison between the results obtained for individual flood events and alternative lines of evidence provided by flood travel times and the spatial distribution of precipitation. It is argued that fingerprinting estimates for sediment provenance are consistent with existing information on suspended sediment yields from different subcatchments within the study basins, although in the Severn, the role of storage and remobilization in producing signature ‘averaging’ may complicate comparison of the fingerprinting data with typical floodwater routing times. Validation represents the greatest problem for the cost‐benefit of fingerprinting and scope still exists for further refinement of the procedures involved. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Geomorphic assessment of active tectonics in the Acambay graben, Mexican Volcanic Belt

Abstract: Spatial variations of Quaternary deformation and tectonic activity of faults along the Acambay graben are assessed using geomorphic and morphometric approaches. The Acambay graben is an east–west trending structure of apparent Quaternary age, located in the central part of the Mexican Volcanic Belt, which gives rise to pronounced scarps over a distance of about 80 km. Continuing tectonic activity in the Acambay graben is confirmed by recent well documented seismic episodes. The intensity of active tectonics has been interpreted through a detailed geomorphic study of the fault-generated mountain fronts and fluvial systems. The combined geomorphic and morphometric data provide evidence for relative variations in tectonic activity among the Acambay graben faults. Geomorphic indices suggest a relatively high degree of tectonic activity along the Venta de Bravo and the Acambay–Tixmadeje faults, followed, in order of decreasing activity, by the Pastores, Temascalcingo and Tepuxtepec faults. Spatial variations within faults have also been identified, suggesting a higher level of tectonic activity at the tips of the faults. This pattern of variation in the relative degree of tectonic activity is consistent with field evidence and seismic data for the Acambay graben. Geomorphic evaluation of the Acambay graben faults suggests that the Acambay–Tixmadeje and Venta de Bravo faults, and specifically the tips of these faults and a central segment near the town of Venta de Bravo, should be considered as areas of potentially high earthquake risk. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Gully erosion in Mangatu Forest, New Zealand, estimated from digital elevation models

Abstract: The methodology and errors involved in determining the amount of sediment produced during two (19·5 and 33·2 year) periods by 11 (c. 0·01 − >0·20 km2) gullies within a 4 km2 area in the headwaters of the Waipaoa River basin, New Zealand, using sequential digital elevation models are described. Sediment production from all gullies within the study area was 0·99 ± 0·03 × 106 t a−1 (2480 ± 80 t ha−1 a−1) during the period from 1939 to 1958. It declined to 0·62 ± 0·02 × 106 t a−1 (1550 ± 50 t ha−1 a−1) during the period from 1958 to 1992, when many of the smaller gullies were stabilized by a programme of afforestation, which commenced in 1960. Both figures are very high by global standards. The two largest (the Tarndale and Mangatu) gully complexes together generated 73 and 95 per cent of the sediment in the specified time periods, but the latter amount is equivalent to only c. 5 per cent of the total annual sediment load of the Waipaoa River. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Bed material transport estimated from the virtual velocity of sediment

Abstract: This study evaluates the possibility of determining bed material transport using the virtual rate of travel of individual particles, dimensions of the active layer of the streambed, and porosity and density of streambed material. Magnetically tagged stones and scour indicators were employed in Carnation Creek, British Columbia, to quantify transport rates. Observations cover flows up to 36 m3 s−1 (τ* = 0·081). Transport rates, ranging from 0·090 to 9·7 kg s−1 (0·12–13·2 m3 h−1), display a relatively sensitive trend with maximum stream power, as expected. Error analysis indicates that uncertainty in virtual velocity covers the majority of sample variance. An evaluation of the two measurement techniques used to delineate active layer dimensions, magnetically tagged stones and scour indicators, indicates that they yield comparable depths, widths and transport rates over the range of flows observed. Issues for further study are discussed. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Three-dimensional measurement of river channel flow processes using acoustic doppler velocimetry

Abstract: This paper describes and assesses: (i) the use of a new instrument for the determination of three-dimensional flow velocities in natural rivers, the acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV); and (ii) a method for positioning and orienting such measurements relative to a single local coordinate system to relate flow velocity vectors with the bed and water surface. The ADV uses the Doppler shift principle to measure the velocity of small particles, assuming to be moving at velocities similar to the fluid. Velocity is resolved into three orthogonal components, and measured in a volume 5 cm below the sensor head, minimizing interference of the flow field, and allowing measurements to be made close to the bed. A simple method for positioning and orienting the instrument using digital tacheometry is described, and is used to obtain velocity measurements concurrently with measurements of both bed and water surface topography. The paper includes a preliminary field assessment of the ADV by comparing velocity profiles with those generated from Marsh McBirney electromagnetic current meters, and a full field assessment of the position and orientation methodology. These results suggest that the recommended methods in combination with an ADV are able to provide reliable mean three-dimensional velocity field information and accurate bed and surface topography. Copyright © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The effect of turbulent flow structures on saltation sand transport in the atmospheric boundary layer

Abstract: The effect of turbulent flow structures on saltation sand transport was studied during two convective storms in Niger, West Africa. Continuous, synchronous measurements of saltation fluxes and turbulent velocity fluctuations were made with a sampling frequency of 1 Hz. The shear stress production was determined from the vertical and streamwise velocity fluctuations. The greatest stress-bearing events were classified as turbulent structures, with sweep, ejection, inward interaction, and outward interaction described according to the quadrant technique. The classified turbulent structures accounted for 63·5 per cent of the average shear stress during the first storm, and 56·0 per cent during the second storm. The percentage of active time was only 20·6 per cent and 15·8 per cent, respectively. High saltation fluxes were associated with sweeps and outward interactions. These two structures contribute positively (sweeps) and negatively (outward interactions) to the shear stress, but have in common that the streamwise velocity component is higher than average. Therefore, the horizontal drag force seems primarily responsible for saltation sand transport, and not the shear stress. This was also reflected by the low correlation coefficients (r) between shear stress and saltation flux (0·12 and 0·14, respectively), while the correlation coefficients between the streamwise velocity component and saltation flux were much higher (0·65 and 0·57, respectively).

Time-averaged flow structure in the central region of a stream confluence

Abstract: Previous process-oriented field studies of stream confluences have focused mainly on fluvial dynamics at or immediately downstream of the location where the confluent flows enter the downstream channel. This study examines in detail the spatial evolution of the time-averaged downstream velocity, cross-stream velocity, and temperature fields between the junction apex, where the flows initially meet, and the entrance to the downstream channel. A well-defined, vertically oriented mixing interface exists within this portion of the confluence, suggesting that lateral mixing of the incoming flows is limited. The downstream velocity field near the junction apex is characterized by two high-velocity cores separated by an intervening region of low-velocity or recirculating fluid. In the downstream direction, the high-velocity cores move inwards towards the mixing interface and high-velocity fluid progressively extends downwards into a zone of scour, resulting in an increase in flow velocity in the centre of the confluence. The cross-stream velocity field is dominated by flow convergence, but also includes a component associated with a consistent pattern of secondary circulation. This pattern is characterized by two surface-convergent helical cells, one on each side of the mixing interface. The helical cells appear to be the mechanism by which high-momentum fluid near the surface is advected downwards into the zone of scour. For transport-ineffective flows, the dimensions and intensities of the cells are controlled by the momentum ratio of the confluent streams and by the extant bed morphology within the confluence. Although the flow structure of formative events was not measured directly in this study, documented patterns of erosion and deposition within the central region of the confluence suggest that these events are dynamically similar to the measured flows, except for the fact that formative flows are not constrained by, but can reshape, the bed morphology. The results of this investigation are consistent with and augment previous findings on time-averaged flow structure in the downstream portion of the confluence. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Evolution of cutoffs across meander necks in Powder River, Montana, USA

Abstract: Over a period of several decades, gullies have been observed in various stages of forming, growing and completing the cutoff of meander necks in Powder River. During one episode of overbank flow, water flowing over the down-stream bank of the neck forms a headcut. The headcut migrates up-valley, forming a gully in its wake, until it has traversed the entire neck, cutting off the meander. The river then follows the course of the gully, which is subsequently enlarged as the river develops its new channel. The complete process usually requires several episodes of high water: in only one of the five cases described herein was a meander cutoff initiated and completed during a single large flood. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Spatial variability of floodplain sedimentation at the event scale in the Rhine-Meuse delta, The Netherlands

Abstract: This article addresses spatial variability of comtemporary floodplain sedimentation at the event scale Measurements of overbank deposition were carried out using sediment traps on 11 floodplain sections along the rivers Waal and Meuse in The Netherlands during the high-magnitude flood of December 1993 During the flood, sand sheets were locally deposited behind a natural levee At distances greater than 50 to 100 m from the river channel the deposits consisted mainly of silt- and clay-sized material Observed patterns of deposition were related to floodplain topography and sediment transporting mechanisms Though at several sites patterns were observed that suggest transport by turbulent diffusion, convection seems the dominant transporting mechanism, in particular in sections that are bordered by minor embankments The average deposition of overbank fines ranged between 1·2 and 4·0 kg m−2 along the river Waal, and between 1·0 and 2·0 kg m−2 along the river Meuse The estimated total accumulation of overbank fines (not including sand sheets) on the entire river Waal floodplain was 0·24 Mton, which is 19 per cent of the total suspended sediment load transported through the river Waal during the flood © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Soil hydrological response under simulated rainfall in the Dehesa land system (Extremadura, SW Spain) under drought conditions

Abstract: Soil hydrology was investigated in the Guadelperalon experimental watershed in order to determine the influence of land use and vegetation cover on runoff and infiltration within the Dehesa land system. Five soil–vegetation units were selected: (1) tree cover, (2) sheep trials, (3) shrub cover, (4) hillslope grass and (5) bottom grass. The results of the simulated rainfall experiments performed at an intensity of 56·6 mm h−1 during one hour on plots of 0·25 m2, and the water drop penetration time test indicate the importance of water repellency in the Dehesa land system under drought conditions. Low infiltration rates (c. 9–44 mm h−1) were found everywhere except at shrub sites and in areas with low grazing pressure. Soil water repellency greatly reduced infiltration, especially beneath Quercus ilex canopies, where fast ponding and greater runoff rates were observed. The low vegetation cover as a consequence of a prolonged drought and grazing pressure, in conjunction with the soil water repellency, induces high runoff rates (15–70 per cent). In spite of this, macropore fluxes were found in different locations, beneath trees, on shrub-covered surfaces, as well as at sites with a dominance of herbaceous cover. Discontinuity of the runoff fluxes due to variations in hydrophobicity causes preferential flows and as a consequence deeper infiltration, especially where macropores are developed. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Influence of cryptogamic crust disturbance to wind erosion on sand and loam rangeland soils

Abstract: A portable field wind tunnel was used to assess the sediment flux rates of loam and sand textured soils in the Mallee region of southeastern Australia. Three levels of crust disturbance (nil, moderate and severe) simulating stock trampling were investigated. The results demonstrated the importance of cryptogamic crusts in binding the soil surface and providing roughness after the soil was moderately disturbed. On the loamy soil, the crust helped maintain sediment flux rates below the erosion control target to 5 g m -1 s -1 for a 65 km h -1 wind measured at 10 m height. Once the crust was severely disturbed, sediment fluxes increased to 1·6 times the erosion target. On the sandy soil, even with no crust disturbance the sediment flux was 1·6 times the erosion control target. Disturbing the crust increased sediment fluxes to a maximum of 6·7 times the erosion control target. Removal of the crust also decreased the threshold wind velocity that resulted in an increase to the ris k of erosion from <5 per cent to 20 per cent. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The distribution of large woody debris accumulations and pools in relation to woodland stream management in a small, low-gradient stream

Abstract: This paper focuses upon the natural dynamics of large woody debris (LWD), the impact of management on LWD dynamics, and the impact of LWD removal and channelization on the distribution and size of pools in a British, second to third order, headwater catchment. The study stream is rather different from those subject to LWD accumulations which have been studied in North America. The most important contrast is that it is surrounded by predominantly deciduous rather than coniferous woodland. In terms of its width (1·8–4·5 m) and gradient 0·013 m m−1), it falls within the lower range of channels studied in North America. Nevertheless, there are similarities in LWD dam and pool spacing with some North American studies. The information on LWD dynamics during a period without management and on recovery of LWD dams after clearance covers a 16 year period (1982–1997). The paper illustrates that seven to eight years after clearance the total number of LWD dams has recovered but the most hydraulically active dam type has not recovered to pre-clearance levels. An analysis of geomorphological maps of the channel surveyed in 1982 and 1996/97 shows an overall decrease in the number and size of pools along the section that was cleared of LWD dams. The magnitude of the decrease and the associated adjustments in pools through changes in their size and location differ according to location with respect to a section of the study stream which was channelized in c. 1966 and which has subsequently incised its bed. Copyright © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The long-term stability of engineered landforms of the Ranger Uranium Mine, Northern Territory, Australia: application of a catchment evolution model

Abstract: There is a need to assess the long-term stability of engineered landforms associated with the rehabilitation of Ranger Uranium Mine, Northern Territory, Australia, as it is a requirement that mill tailings must be contained for periods in excess of 1000 years. The geomorphic model, SIBERIA, is calibrated on hydrologic and erosion data collected by a combination of monitoring and rainfall simulation experiments on the waste rock dumps of Ranger. Preliminary analysis of Ranger's preferred above-grade option suggests that erosion of the order of 7 to 8 m will occur on the structure in a period of 1000 years. This depth of erosion may be sufficient to compromise the integrity of containment. It is shown that SIBERIA has significant advantages over steady-state erosion models. Suggestions are made for the design that will enhance the stability of the structure and extend the structural life of the containment. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Rates and patterns of erosion on inter-tidal shore platforms, Kaikoura Peninsula, South Island, New Zealand

Abstract: This paper presents measured rates of erosion on shore platforms at Kaikoura Peninsula, South Island, New Zealand. Surface lowering rates were measured with a micro-erosion meter and traversing micro-erosion meter. The mean lowering rate for all shore platforms was 1·130 mm a−1. Differences in lowering rates were found between different platform types and lithologies. The rate of surface lowering on Type A (sloping) mudstone platforms was 1·983 mm a−1, and 0·733 mm a−1 on Type B mudstone platforms (subhorizontal). On limestone platforms the lowering rate was 0·875 mm a−1. A previously reported cross-shore pattern of surface lowering rates from Kaikoura was not found. Rates were generally higher on the landward margins and decreased in a seaward direction. Season is shown statistically to influence erosion rates, with higher rates during summer than winter. The interpretation given to this is that the erosive process is subaerial weathering in the form of wetting and drying and salt weathering. This is contrary to views of shore platform development that have favoured marine processes over subaerial weathering. Copyright © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Chemical remobilization of contaminant metals within floodplain sediments in an incising river system: Implications for dating and chemostratigraphy

Abstract: Metals such as Pb, Zn, Cd and Cu from historical mining activity have been used as stratigraphic markers for dating and provenancing vertically accreted, fine-grained floodplain overbank deposits. This study presents evidence for chemical remobilization of these metals within overbank sediments in the Tyne basin, UK. The evidence includes: breakdown of metal-bearing minerals (sulphides, carbonates, iron and manganese oxyhydroxides); shifts of chemical fractions within zones of relatively low pH towards more soluble and reactive phases; and accumulation of secondary iron and manganese oxyhydroxides at levels related to fluctuating water-table levels or to the breakdown of organic matter. All of this suggests that fine, centimetre-scale, chemostratigraphy using metal concentrations and ratios is unlikely to provide reliable data in river systems that have experienced, or are experiencing, major changes in water-table levels, or pedogenesis. Coarse tens of centimetre- to metre-scale, chemostratigraphy, when applied with caution, may still provide a means of delineating contaminated units.

The influence of bank strength on channel geometry: an integrated analysis of some observations

Abstract: Bank strength exerts a significant influence on river channel geometry, but quantification of this relationship has been limited to only a few specific circumstances. This is due to both the complex nature of bank strength and the difficulty in incorporating its influence in river channel geometry relations. In order to undertake an integrated analysis of wide-ranging field observations, this study applies a recently developed multivariate model of channel geometry. When the banks of a number of laterally stable streams are categorized on the basis of the bank sediment and vegetation, the multivariate model yields numerical indices of bank strength. Within the range of the data analysed, bank strength can produce a three-fold change in channel width and a two-fold change in depth corresponding to about a 1·6-fold change in cross-sectional area. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The role of biota in the initiation and growth of islands on the floodplain of the Okavango alluvial fan, Botswana

Abstract: A group of islands of varying size on the floodplain of the Okavango alluvial fan, were studied to establish the processes which lead to the initiation and growth of islands. It was found that islands are initiated by the mound-building activities of the termite Macrotermes michaelseni. These termites import fine grained materials to use as a mortar for the construction of epigeal mounds. Their activities create a topographic feature, raised above the level of seasonal flooding, and also change the physical properties and nutrient status of the mound soil. Shrubs and trees are able to colonize these mounds, which results in increased transpiration. As a result, precipitation of calcite and silica from the shallow ground water occurs preferentially beneath the mounds, resulting in vertical and especially lateral growth, causing island expansion. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Planform cyclicity in an unstable reach: complex fluvial response to environmental change

Abstract: Long- and short-term channel changes are documented and analysed for a historically unstable reach of the River Severn at Llandinam, mid-Wales. Long-term changes (the last 150 years), reconstructed from 10 archival sources, are characterized by channel planform switching between meandering (1836–1840 and 1948–1963) and braided (1884–1903 and 1975–present) phases. Short-term changes, monitored by detailed planform surveys over a 2·5 year period, showed smaller-scale channel adjustments involving channel switching, bar accretion and channel expansion. Phases of braiding at Llandinam have been triggered by extrinsic controls, primarily flooding, but intrinsic controls (floodplain sediments, planform evolution and channel gradient) have been influential in priming the reach prior to destabilization. Flow regulation on the River Severn since 1968 has partly frozen the planform of the contemporary braid zone. Management of channel planform adjustments, where environmental change is phased in over time, must be informed by a knowledge of the potential for triggered planform switches. In addition, the effects of environmental change on fluvial systems are often historically contingent upon the state of the channel at the time of impact. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The character and age structure of valley fills in upper Wolumla Creek catchment, south coast, New South Wales, Australia

Abstract: Extensive valley fills at the base of the escarpment in upper Wolumla Creek, on the south coast of New South Wales, Australia, have formed from a combination of ‘cut and fill’ processes. The valley fills comprise series of alternating, horizontally bedded sand and mud units, reflecting reworking of detritus from deeply weathered granites of the Bega Batholith. Sand units are deposited as sand sheets or splays on floodplain surfaces or in floodouts that form atop intact valley fill surfaces downstream of discontinuous gullies. Alternatively, sands are deposited from bedload and form bars or part of the valley floor within channel fills. Organic-rich mud units are deposited from suspension in swamps or in seepage zones at the distal margin of floodouts. Within 5 km of the escarpment, valley deposits grade downstream from sand sheet and splay deposition in floodouts, to mud deposition in swamp and seepage zones. Radiocarbon dates indicate that virtually the entire valley fill of upper Wolumla Creek was excavated prior to 6000 years BP. Remnant terraces are evident at valley margins. The valley subsequently filled between 6000 years BP and 1000 years BP producing valley fills around 12 m deep, but no greater than 300 m wide. Reincision into the valley fill, on a scale smaller than the present incision phase, is indicated at around 1000 years BP, following which the channel refilled. Portion plans dated from 1865 refer to the study area as ‘Wolumla Big Flat’, and show large areas of swampy terrain, suggesting that the valley fill had re-established by this time. Within a few decades of European settlement the valley fill incised once more. Upper Wolumla Creek now has a channel over 10 m deep and 100 m wide in places, draining a catchment area of less than 20 km2. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Sensitivity of bed shear stress estimated from vertical velocity profiles: the problem of sampling resolution

Abstract: Bed shear stress in open channel flows is often estimated from the logarithmic vertical velocity profile. However, most measuring devices used in the field do not allow for flow velocity to be measured very close to the bed. The lack of near-bed measurements is a critical loss of information which may affect bed shear stress estimates. Detailed velocity profiles obtained from a field acoustic Doppler velocimeter over three different bed roughnesses clearly show that the inclusion of near-bed points is critical for the estimation of bed shear stress in a shallow river environment. Moreover, the results indicate that using the full flow depth instead of the bottom 20 per cent of the profile generates an underestimation of the shear stress when flow is uniform. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Floodplain construction by recent, rapid vertical accretion: Waipaoa River, New Zealand

Abstract: The rate of vertical accretion (typically 14–18 mm h−1) during eight floods in the Waipaoa River basin, with recurrence intervals of 5 to 60 years, was determined by relating the floodplain stratigraphy at McPhail's bend to the 1948–1995 flood history. Overbank deposits remaining after a flood that occurred in March 1996 suggest a rate of vertical accretion of 15 mm h−1. By contrast, because the flow velocity across the floodplain was too high to permit deposition from suspension, during the record flood of March 1988 the rate of vertical accretion was only 6 mm h−1. The sequence of deposition is highly discontinuous, and the rapid vertical accretion is a response to a late 19th to early 20th century phase of deforestation in the headwaters that probably initiated a far greater change in suspended sediment yield than in discharge. Cross-section surveys conducted since 1948 indicate that the high suspended sediment load of the Waipaoa River also promoted in-channel deposition, which effected a progressive reduction in bankfull channel width although, due to the overbank deposition, channel capacity remained constant. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Nivation forms and processes in unconsolidated sediments, NE Greenland

Abstract: In the periglacial unconsolidated sediment landscape of Zackenberg in High Arctic NE Greenland, perennial and seasonal snowpatches dominate the geomorphological development in large areas and control the distribution of the vegetation. The existence and distribution of snowpatches and their associated landforms are mainly controlled by the dominating winter wind direction and the amount of snow precipitation, with aspect exerting much less influence. This makes them an important source of information on past environmental change, and knowledge of the combination of geomorphological processes and forms that result from their existence is thus essential. The main nivation processes are backwall failure, sliding and flow, niveo-aeolian sediment transport, supra- and ennival sediment flows, niveo-fluvial erosion, development of pronival stone pavements, accumulation of alluvial fans and basins, and pronival solifluction. The importance of failure, sliding and flow in the continuous retrogressive extension of nivation hollows and niches is emphasized under the term backwall failure. A morphological assemblage of landforms clearly demonstrates the direct nival sediment transfer link between the eroded nivation hollows, their associated meltwater eroded channels and the pronival alluvial fans or basins. All landform elements and their formative processes are integrated into a comprehensive model. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Mineral magnetic characterization of sediment sources from an analysis of lake and floodplain sediments in the catchments of the Old Mill reservoir and Slapton Ley, South Devon, UK

Abstract: Research on suspended sediment transport in the catchments of the Old Mill reservoir and Slapton Lower Ley, South Devon, has attempted to discriminate changing catchment sources on the basis of downcore variations in the mineral magnetic properties of lake, reservoir and floodplain sediments. Here, we examine these downcore variations and also explore the variability in catchment sources and the influence of topographic controls on mineral magnetic signatures of topsoils and subsoils. Particle size controls on the mineral magnetic signatures are explored by an analysis of a fractionated sediment sample, whilst the possible impact of diagenesis is assessed by an examination of the Mn profiles in the lake and reservoir sediments. From this analysis it is evident that the mineral magnetic signatures of well sorted floodplain deposits are more likely to reflect the particle size composition of the transported material. By contrast, the mineral magnetic record in the sediment of Slapton Ley appears to be most strongly influenced by dissolution of magnetic minerals. The sediment of the Old Mill reservoir provides the only suitable record for the application of a simple mixing model which is developed in order to quantify changes in the relative contribution of topsoil and subsoil through time. The research has important implications for attempting to reconstruct sediment sources in highly eutrophic lakes and emphasizes the uncertainty in the application of simple mixing models. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Types of river channel patterns and their natural controls

Abstract: River channel patterns are thought to form a morphological continuum. This continuum is two-dimensional, defined by plan features of which there are three (straight, meandering, branching), and structural levels of fluvial relief of which there are also three (floodplain, flood channel, low-water channel). Combinations of these three categories define the diversity of patterns. One of the most important factors in channel development is stream power, defined by water discharge and river slope. The greater the stream power, the stronger the branching tendency, but threshold values of stream power are different for the three different hierarchical levels of channel relief. The critical stream power values and hydrological regime together define the channel pattern, and analysis of the pattern type can be undertaken using effective discharge curves. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.