Sediment sources in the Upper Severn catchment: a fingerprinting approach

Collins, A.L.; Walling, D.E.; Leeks, G.J.L.. 1997 Sediment sources in the Upper Severn catchment: a fingerprinting approach. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, 1 (3). 509-521.

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Official URL: http://www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci.net/1/509/1997/he...

Abstract/Summary

Suspended sediment sources in the Upper Severn catchment are quantified using a composite fingerprinting technique combining statistically-verified signatures with a multivariate mixing model. Composite fingerprints are developed from a suite of diagnostic properties comprising trace metal (Fe, Mn, AI), heavy metal (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, Co, Ni), base cation (Na, Mg, Ca, K), organic (C, N), radiometric (137Cs, 210Pb), and other (total P) determinands. A numerical mixing model, to compare the fingerprints of contemporary catchment source materials with those of fluvial suspended sediment in transit and those of recent overbank floodplain deposits, provides a means of quantifying present and past sediment sources respectively. Sources are classified in terms of eroding surface soils under different land uses and channel banks. Eroding surface soils are the most important source of the contemporary suspended sediment loads sampled at the Institute of Hydrology flow gauging stations at Plynlimon and at Abermule. The erosion of forest soils, associated with the autumn and winter commercial activities of the Forestry Commission, is particularly evident. Reconstruction of sediment provenance over the recent past using a sediment core from the active river floodpiain at Abermule, in conjunction with a 137Cs chronology, demonstrates the significance of recent phases of afforestation and deforestation for accelerated catchment soil erosion.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Programmes:	CEH Programmes pre-2009 publications > Other
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	_ Pre-2000 sections
ISSN:	1027-5606
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment Hydrology
Date made live:	01 Jun 2009 08:55 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/7328

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Programmes:

CEH Programmes pre-2009 publications > Other

UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:

_ Pre-2000 sections

ISSN:

1027-5606

NORA Subject Terms:

Ecology and Environment
Hydrology

Date made live:

01 Jun 2009 08:55 +0 (UTC)