Regolith landform mapping in the Paralana Creek catchment from remotely sensed data, Northern Flinders Ranges, South Australia

Abstract

This study creates three regolith-landform maps of the Paralana Creek catchment on the north-eastern margin of the Flinders Ranges using three readily available remotely sensed data types: a 2D digital elevation model, an airborne gamma ray radiometric response image, and a QuickBird satellite image, each method providing data about different aspects of the landscape.

The regolith-landform map based on the digital elevation model provided an overview of the major landforms, with a basic understanding of the regolith and landform types. The regolith-landform map based on the airborne radiometric image provided data about the concentration and distribution of radioelements within the landscape, as well as a basic understanding of regolith and landform types and processes within the study area. The regolith-landform map based on the QuickBird image provided the most data about the regolith-landform units of the area, as well as current and previous landscape processes and evolution. Using these remote sensing methods this study created three regolith-landform maps, as well as identifying regolith-landform units, how landforms affect regolith type, distribution and succession, along with radioelement composition, transport and distribution within the study area. Map interpretation used the understanding of the landscape gained from all three maps in combination.