Erosion studies in a rural catchment: an application of nuclear techniques

Abstract

This school project has been designed to illustrate the application of environmental isotope caesium-137 to the study of erosion and sedimentation processes in a rural catchment near Tamworth. Specifically, the investigation is designed to compare the early high rates of sedimentation to the Moore Creek reservoir with the much lower rates which now prevail. As a result of the project, the students will gain an appreciation of how a combination of isotopic dating methods and knowledge of the land use changes can be used to construct an historical record of erosion processes over many decades. The project will serve to illustrate the impact of land use strategies on erosion and will be relevant to wider.