Foster, I. D. L., Rowntree, K. M., Boardman, J. and Mighall, T. M. (2012) The potential for gamma-emitting radionuclides to contribute to an understanding of erosion processes in Southern Africa. Invited Presentation presented to: Southern African Association of Geomorphologists (SAAG) Biennial Conference, Gobabeb, Namibia, 08-12 September 2012. (Unpublished)
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Abstract:
Several early studies have pointed to the fact that 137Cs could be detected in soils and sediments in Southern Africa (e.g. Kulander & Stromquist, 1989; Owens & Walling, 1996). Despite the relatively low southern hemisphere fallout of this predominantly nuclear weapons-testing derived isotope, few studies have continued to explore the potential for 137Cs and other gamma-emitting radionuclides to be used for understanding erosion processes and erosion history. For the last 9 years, we have been evaluating the potential for 137Cs and 210Pb to be used for constructing chronologies in a range of depositional environments including dryland and permanently flooded reservoirs and hillslope fan and floodout deposits. We have explored the potential for short-lived cosmogenic and other long-lived primordial nuclides to act as sediment fingerprints to aid in reconstructing changes in sediment sources in the same range of depositional environments.
This paper will review the evidence to date and evaluate the potential, and limitations, of a range of gamma-emitting radionuclides to be used for understanding and managing erosion and land degradation problems in Southern Africa
Subjects:
Q Science > QE Geology > QE500 Dynamic and structural geology > QE570 Weathering. Erosion
G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GB Physical geography > GB400 Geomorphology. Landforms. Terrain > GB440.S6 Geomorphology of South Africa
Q Science > QE Geology > QE500 Dynamic and structural geology > QE571 Sedimentation and deposition
G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GB Physical geography > GB400 Geomorphology. Landforms. Terrain > GB440.S6 Geomorphology of South Africa
Q Science > QE Geology > QE500 Dynamic and structural geology > QE571 Sedimentation and deposition
Creators:
Foster, I. D. L., Rowntree, K. M., Boardman, J. and Mighall, T. M.
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:
Date:
September 2012
Date Type:
Presentation
Event Title:
Southern African Association of Geomorphologists (SAAG) Biennial Conference
Event Dates:
08-12 September 2012
Event Location:
Gobabeb, Namibia
Event Type:
Conference
Language:
English
Status:
Unpublished
Refereed:
No
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