Sediment Transfer through the Fluvial System (Proceedings of a symposium held in Moscow, August 2004). IAHS Publ. 288, 2004, 316–325

1 CRC for Freshwater Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia

2 CSIRO Land and Water, Canberra, ACT, Australia

Abstract Inset flood plains are a common feature of dryland river systems. These depositional landforms are attached to the bank between the riverbed and the main flood plain surface. Along the Barwon-Darling River in New South Wales, Australia, seven inset surfaces were identified. We used optical dating techniques and the presence of numerous European artefacts to show that these in-channel features range in age from ~10 to 2200 years. Three main stratigraphic sequences were recorded: a general fining upward sequence; a series of fine laminated sediments; and a distinct cut and fill sequence. The latter of which has not been previously reported for these deposits. Given their age and stratigraphy it is suggested that large quantities of sediment are exchanged between these temporary storage areas and the main channel over a period of 10–2000 years. The implication of these transfers on the ecology of this dryland river ecosystem is discussed.

Key words dryland rivers; Inset flood plains; sediment storage