|
" The character and evolution of floodplains with specific reference to the rivers Ouse and Cuckmere, Sussex. "
Burrin, Paul J.
| Document Type
|
:
|
Latin Dissertation
|
| Record Number
|
:
|
1094613
|
| Doc. No
|
:
|
TLets342804
|
| Main Entry
|
:
|
Burrin, Paul J.
|
| Title & Author
|
:
|
The character and evolution of floodplains with specific reference to the rivers Ouse and Cuckmere, Sussex.\ Burrin, Paul J.
|
| College
|
:
|
London School of Economics and Political Science (University of London)
|
| Date
|
:
|
1983
|
| student score
|
:
|
1983
|
| Degree
|
:
|
Ph.D.
|
| Abstract
|
:
|
The genesis, development, character, spatial variabilityand sedimentary composition of floodplains have been a muchneglected study in the geomorphological literature. Thisis evidenced by the fact that the three most recent authoritativetexts on fluvial geomorphology devote less than 2%of available space to this drainage basin component. Asfloodplains are one of the most extensive and widespreadof fluvial landforms, this lack of analysis is importantand surprising. It is the objective of this study partiallyto redress this previous neglect and to provide abetter understanding of this important landform. Followinga critical review of previous floodplain geomorphologicaland sedimentological studies, attention is focused ondetailed case studies of floodplain development in the Oiseand Cuckmere valleys, two small catchments in the southernWeald. Geornorphological maps have been constructed which are used toto describe floodplain form-process relationships. Subsurfaceinvestigations by hand-augering techniques at nineteen locationswithin the two valleys have enabled the form of the underlyingsub-alluvial surfaces and the nature and thickness of theoverlying litho-stratigraphic units to be described. A classificationof the various types of valley rockhead encountered is outlined andform-lithology relationships investigated. Earlier interpretationsof sub-alluvial surfaces are rejected for research has indicatedthat they are better explained as ccaplex, composite, polygenetic,diachronous response surfaces. The alluvial geometry of the fill sequencesis discussed and analysed. The sedimentological and mineralogicalcharacteristics of these deposits are analysed by a numberof techniques including scanning electron microscopy, infraredspectrophotometry and X-ray diffraction. Results indicatethat the fine-grained alluvial fill deposits comprisingthese floodplain tracts appear to consist largely of reworkedaeolian (loe"ss) sediments with varying inclusions oflocally derived materials. Further sampling and analysesof the alluvium found in floodplains throughout the Weald have indicated that deposits with characteristics similarto those in the Ouse and Cuckmere valleys are to be found,which provides an indication of the former widespreaddeposition of loess in this area. A working model of floodplainand valley development is derived for the Holoceneperiod using palynological and radiocarbon evidence. Thisis then used to re-examine some of the previous conceptsregarding the origins and evolution of floodplains,including a re-evaluation of Dury's meandering valley andunderfit stream model as it relates to south-east England.
|
| Subject
|
:
|
Geology
|
| Added Entry
|
:
|
London School of Economics and Political Science (University of London)
|
| |