The Evolution of Peat-Swamp channels and organic floodplains, Barrington tops, New South Wales, Australia
Date
2009
Authors
Nanson, R.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Geographical Research, 2009; 47(4):434-448
Statement of Responsibility
R. A. Nanson
Conference Name
Abstract
Geomorphology, geochronology and palynology are used to assess the development and stability of two channelled swamps on the Barrington Tops plateau. While both swamps commenced peat accumulation prior to about 4000 cal BP, new stratigraphic data indicate incision between 700 and 1000 cal BP, in response to regional climate change. Two broad stratigraphic units are identified in each swamp: the upper floodplain, comprised entirely of peat, and the inset floodplain, underlain by interbedded peat and fluvial sediments. Following incision, rapid vertical growth of the inset floodplain occurred on the Barrington River between 690 and 620 cal BP, and palynological data indicate a change from more saturated pre-incision swamp flora to less saturated post-incision swamp flora. Bankfull stage-height, achieved many times in a year, is remarkably consistent along the length of each swamp channel. Its elevation controls the overall elevation of the swamps by controlling the height of the water-table and hence the growth of swamp vegetation and formation of peat. In particular, contemporary channel dimensions control the growth and height of the inset floodplain, a process that results in the formation of an organic floodplain not previously described in the geomorphic literature.
School/Discipline
Dissertation Note
Provenance
Description
Access Status
Rights
© 2009 The Author. Journal compilation © 2009 Institute of Australian Geographers.Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved.