Dispersion of tailings in the Knabena—Kvina drainage basin, Norway, 1: Evaluation of overbank sediments as sampling medium for regional geochemical mapping

Molybdenum mining in the Knabena—Kvina drainage basin (1918–1973) left more than eight million tons of tailings in two small lakes in the headwater area of the Knabena river. The piles, that reach above the water surface, were freely eroded until a dam was built to reduce the dispersion in 1976. Sampling of tailings and fluvial sediments took place almost 20 years later. Sampling media were natural sediment sources, 1-cm-thick slices of overbank sediments of various depths, material from the tailings pond, sandbars, stream sediments, fjord sediments, and integrated samples of floodplain surfaces (0–25 cm). In total 734 samples were collected. Chemical analysis (ICP-AES after aqua regia or HNO₃ extraction) showed that overbank sediments at a certain depth represent the pre-industrial trace metal concentrations within the drainage basin. The tailings and recent fluvial sediments were enriched in approximately the same element suite. The highest enrichment factors were obtained for Cu (8–53) and Mo (22–57). Fluvial processes in the tailings pond have probably selectively eroded fine-grained, low-density particles. Thus, coarse chalcopyrite may have been left behind, while molybdate associated with fine-grained particles may have been selectively entrained causing dilution of Cu and enrichment of Mo in the downstream fluvial sediments. In the sandbars, the highest Cu and Mo concentrations were found in fine-grained sediments downstream of a low-gradient reach that act as a bedload trap. On the floodplains, it is seen that the first areas to be inundated in a flood situation (proximal to the river and in depressions) have the highest metal concentrations. For regional geochemical mapping it is suggested that overbank sediment profiles along river reaches with a laterally stable or slowly migrating channel, should be sampled. In such floodplains, pre-industrial overbank sediments are usually preserved at depth. In case of laterally unstable reaches upstream of the sampling point, polluted and unpolluted sediments may be interlayered or mixed. Therefore, samples should be collected from various depths or sedimentary units in such profiles. A similar sampling strategy should probably be adopted to detect vertical migration of elements especially in areas with acid rain and low bedrock buffer capacity. To obtain high contrasts between polluted and unpolluted drainage basins, the overbank sediment profiles should be within the proximal part of the floodplain.     

False drainage anomalies (?) in a granite area, Kvalöya in Troms, Norway — a case study

An anomalous area (100 km²) revealed by a previous regional overbank sediment sampling survey by the Geological Survey of Norway was followed-up for Ti, Nb, Y, Zr, La and Ce by drainage and lithogeochemical sampling and analyses. The drainage samples were anomalous in the same elements as in the overbank samples and contained similar concentrations. The lithogeochemical results did not indicate mineralization and showed only a small enhancement of Ti, Zr, La and Ce in mylonitic rocks.Mineralogical studies of the drainage samples revealed, apart from proportions of quartz and feldspars, that stream sediments and heavy mineral concentrates are similar in mineralogy, with epidote predomination and several vol% of fine-grained titanite and zircon. Drainage samples contained amounts of Nb, Y, and Zr up to ten times larger than average contents of rock samples. Enhanced light REE (La and Ce) and Nb reflect host minerals, titanite, and enhanced Y possibly zircon and/or allanite.Anomalies in both media do not relate to mineralization. The overbank samples and the drainage samples provide comparable geochemical data.     

Representativity of wide-spaced lower-layer overbank sediment geochemical sampling

To develop a technique of implementing global ultra-low density geochemical sampling and as a contribution to the International Geochemical Mapping Program (IGCP Project No. 259), an orientation study in the use of deep (lower-layer) overbank sediments was conducted in Jiangxi Province of Southeast China in 1989–1990. Ninety-four samples were collected at depths of 50 to 120 cm from overbank terraces at an average density of 1 site per 1800 km². The total area of sampled catchment basins is approximately equivalent to 18% of Jiangxi Province. Most of the samples were collected at outflow sites of catchment basins with areas of 100 to 800 km². The samples were analyzed for 39 elements.The representativity of wide-spaced lower-layer overbank sediment sampling is discussed from various perspectives; the following features have been observed: (1) Widespaced lower-layer overbank sediment data and the data from China's national geochemical mapping (RGNR) project show similar geochemical patterns for W, Sn, Pb, Cu and Zn. (2) The results of wide-spaced lower-layer overbank sediment sampling demonstrate that catchment basins with areas of 100 to 800 km² are suitable sample site locations for the global geochemical reference network. (3) Wide-spaced lower-layer overbank sediment sampling is a fast and cost-effective way to identify geochemical provinces and has strategic significance in mineral exploration. (4) There is a significant correlation between the W content of wide-spaced lower-layer overbank sediment samples and the presence of W mineralizations within the catchment basins. (5) The distributions of Ni, Cr and V in wide-spaced lower-layer overbank sediment samples distinctly reveals the boundary between the Yangtze sedimentary platform and the South China Caledonian fold system in Jiangxi Province. (6) Distributions of Rb and Be coincide with the Yanshan granites, which are closely related to the major ore-forming episodes in Jiangxi Province.     

Zn, Pb, Cu and As distribution patterns in overbank and medium-order stream sediment samples: their use in exploration and environmental geochemistry

Overbank and medium-order stream sediment samples were collected in Belgium and Luxembourg from 66 sampling locations (area of about 33,000 km²) and analysed for major and trace elements among which Zn, Pb, Cu and As. At each sampling location large bulk samples were taken, namely in the lower (normally at ≥1.5 m depth, over an interval of about 20–40 cm) and upper (normally upper 5–25 cm) parts of the overbank profiles and from the stream sediments. Furthermore, at a number of these sites, a detailed geochemical analysis of vertical overbank sediment profiles (sampling intervals of 10–20 cm) was subsequently carried out to unravel element variations through time and to help in the overall evaluation. For most sampled sections evidences such as ¹⁴C-dating and the absence of anthropogenic particles point towards a pre-industrial and often pristine origin of the lower overbank sediment samples. From the latter bulk samples, mean background concentrations were deduced. They reveal the existence of significant differences between the northern and southern part of Belgium (incl. Luxembourg) which relate to the difference in geological substrate. In the north dominantly non-lithified Quaternary and Tertiary sands, marls and clays occur while in the south Palaeozoic sandstones, shales and carbonate rocks outcrop. Consequently separate mean background values were calculated for the two areas. In the southern study area, some anomalous metal concentrations have been recorded in pre-industrial sediments. They are derived from mineralised Palaeozoic rocks, a feature which could be of interest for base metal exploration. In the upper overbank and stream sediments, in general, higher heavy metal and As contents were recorded with highest values in areas with metal mining, metal melting and cokes treatment industries. By comparing the trace element concentrations of the upper overbank or stream sediment samples with the concentrations detected in the lower overbank samples at each of the sampling locations, and by evaluating the vertical distribution patterns where available, the degree of pollution of the alluvial plain and the present-day stream sediments can be assessed. From this exercise, it is clear that highest pollution occurs in the northern part of Belgium, which relates to its high population density and industrial development.     

The use of overbank sediment for geochemical mapping and contamination assessment: results from selected English and Welsh floodplains

Overbank sediment profiles from floodplains in England and Wales contain a record of both natural geochemical patterns and those showing the influence of man's activities. It has been suggested that this characteristic can be used to allow maps to be compiled which show human impact on the fluvial geochemical environment. Studies reviewed in this paper, however, show that a single overbank profile very rarely spans the period from before anthropogenic disturbance through to the Industrial Revolution and later. Significant lateral variations in metal concentrations occur also over a relatively small area in overbank sediments of the same general age. These, and the nature of vertical changes in chemistry, make the choice of sample sites, and sampling interval within a profile, difficult. Even sediments which appear uncontaminated may record anthropogenic influences from activities such as deforestation and agriculture. A means of dating the sediment and an appreciation of river erosion and sedimentation histories are shown to be essential in order to ensure that maps intended to depict natural geochemical variations are based on material deposited before disturbance of the catchment by human activity. These considerations and associated costs may render overbank sediment non-viable as a regional geochemical mapping medium.     

Overbank sediment: a representative sample medium for regional geochemical mapping

In Scandinavia, most fluvial erosion takes place in the Quaternary glacial overburden at a restricted number of small source areas along individual drainage channels. As a consequence, a sample of active stream sediment is representative of only a very limited portion of the drainage area. This restriction makes stream sediment less reliable for regional exploration than generally expected. Overbank (levee or river-plain) sediment produced during large floods is an alternate more representative sampling medium. The sediment suspended during a flood has a much more widespread origin, and when the load is deposited upon the flood plain, nearly horizontal strata are formed and preserved at levels above the ordinary stream channel. A composite sample through a vertical section of such strata represents a great number of sediment sources that have been active at different times and forms an integrated sample of the entire catchment area. Because young sediments overlay older, the uppermost layers will be contaminated by pollutants in industrialized regions, but those at depth may remain pristine and will to a greater extent reflect the natural pre-industrial environment. In regional geochemical mapping, overbank sediment can be sampled at widely spaced sites, keeping costs per unit area low. Examples from Norway (1 sample station per 500 km²) show that overbank sediment produces broad geochemical patterns with high contrasts reflecting the bedrock geochemistry. Some patterns agree with known geological units and metallogenic provinces, but hitherto unknown major structures have also been indicated. A large Mo-deposit missed by a traditional stream survey is readily detected in the overbank sediment. It is concluded that overbank sediment is a promising alternate sample medium that should be tested in other physiographic regions.     

Overbank sediments as appropriate geochemical sample media in regional stream sediment surveys for gold exploration in the savannah regions of northern Ghana

Conventional stream sediment sampling in which sediments are taken from the active channels during reconnaissance regional geochemical surveys in gold exploration has over the years failed to delineate prospective target zones in northern Ghana, where the relict is flat. Whereas the technique has been successful in the south western Ghana, which is characterised by moderate to high relief, generally the savannah north is associated with low relief, commonly with flat topographies and generally decoupled stream channels. Geochemical comparison of active stream and overbank sediments in this study demonstrate that active stream channels may contain contaminated materials of recent origin, but overbank sediments, except for the uppermost horizons, represent alluvial regolith of earlier depositional cycles over time. Based on gold value repeatability, composite samples taken from the overbank sediment layers were relatively less erratic and are considered to be an appropriate geochemical medium in delineating potential regional gold targets for follow up. The results show that overbank sediment sampling can be used as a cost-effective method to define broad anomalous zones; and the technique must be considered useful during reconnaissance geochemical surveys in the savannah regions.     

Storage of sediment-associated nutrients and contaminants in river channel and floodplain systems

Samples of fine-grained channel bed sediment and overbank floodplain deposits were collected along the main channels of the Rivers Aire (and its main tributary, the River Calder) and Swale, in Yorkshire, UK, in order to investigate downstream changes in the storage and deposition of heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn), total P and the sum of selected PCB congeners, and to estimate the total storage of these contaminants within the main channels and floodplains of these river systems. Downstream trends in the contaminant content of the <63 μm fraction of channel bed and floodplain sediment in the study rivers are controlled mainly by the location of the main sources of the contaminants, which varies between rivers. In the Rivers Aire and Calder, the contaminant content of the <63 μm fraction of channel bed and floodplain sediment generally increases in a downstream direction, reflecting the location of the main urban and industrialized areas in the middle and lower parts of the basin. In the River Swale, the concentrations of most of the contaminants examined are approximately constant along the length of the river, due to the relatively unpolluted nature of this river. However, the Pb and Zn content of fine channel bed sediment decreases downstream, due to the location of historic metal mines in the headwaters of this river, and the effect of downstream dilution with uncontaminated sediment. The magnitude and spatial variation of contaminant storage and deposition on channel beds and floodplains are also controlled by the amount of <63 μm sediment stored on the channel bed and deposited on the floodplain during overbank events. Consequently, contaminant deposition and storage are strongly influenced by the surface area of the floodplain and channel bed. Contaminant storage on the channel beds of the study rivers is, therefore, generally greatest in the middle and lower reaches of the rivers, since channel width increases downstream. Comparisons of the estimates of total storage of specific contaminants on the channel beds of the main channel systems of the study rivers with the annual contaminant flux at the catchment outlets indicate that channel storage represents <3% of the outlet flux and is, therefore, of limited importance in regulating that flux. Similar comparisons between the annual deposition flux of specific contaminants to the floodplains of the study rivers and the annual contaminant flux at the catchment outlet, emphasise the potential importance of floodplain deposition as a conveyance loss. In the case of the River Aire the floodplain deposition flux is equivalent to between ca. 2% (PCBs) and 36% (Pb) of the outlet flux. With the exception of PCBs, for which the value is ≌0, the equivalent values for the River Swale range between 18% (P) and 95% (Pb). The study emphasises that knowledge of the fine-grained sediment delivery system operating in a river basin is an essential prerequisite for understanding the transport and storage of sediment-associated contaminants in river systems and that conveyance losses associated with floodplain deposition exert an important control on downstream contaminant fluxes and the fate of such contaminants.     

全球地球化学填图——历史发展与今后工作之建议

区域性与国家性的地球化学填图已取得进展,如何在可期待的未来以极低密度采样获得周期表内大多数元素在全球的分布,有赖于对填图理念的更新及采样介质、采样部署与采样方法研究的进展。英国Webb等发现在数平方千米至数十平方千米汇水盆地之河口采集水系沉积物样品,其分析结果可大致逼近其上游汇水盆地内土壤中元素之平均值。挪威及中国的研究工作表明在更大河流(其汇水盆地达数百、数千以至数万平方千米)的河口采样,这一规律依旧适用。看来,这种分形规律还可进一步延展至世界上一些汇水盆地达数十万至百万以上平方千米的主要入海河口,但这方面尚需作更多的研究。在这种新的填图理念指导下,提出了为实现全球地球化学填图的短期研究与试点计划和长期全面实现之规划。     

黄河下游漫滩洪水冲淤规律

滩地的淤积层分布记录着以往漫滩洪水的特征,即反映漫滩洪水的量级、频率和持续时间等,同时河漫滩也是预估河流泥沙、洪水灾害防治和湿地生态系统保护等的重要组成部分。根据黄河下游水文年鉴资料,分析滩地的淤积与漫滩洪水的定量关系,为未来河流泥沙预估提供依据。经分析得到大漫滩洪水在来沙系数S/Q<0.030 kg·s/m6时,主槽冲刷而滩地淤积,反之则滩槽同淤。当S/Q<0.030 kg·s/m6时,大漫滩洪水滩地的淤积量主要与漫滩系数Q_max/Q_p、上滩水量W₀和含沙量S有关;大漫滩洪水的主槽冲刷量则除了与洪水期水量W和沙量W_s有关外,还与滩地的淤积量有关。一般漫滩洪水,当来沙系数S/Q<0.023 kg·s/m6时,主槽冲刷而滩地淤积,反之则滩槽同淤。一般漫滩洪水主槽冲刷量与来沙系数S/Q和洪水期水量W有关,而滩地淤积量仅与含沙量S有关。黄河下游漫滩洪水滩地的淤积和主槽的冲刷主要发生在孙口以上河段,而孙口以下河段主槽冲刷和滩地淤积量均较少。     

Geochemistry of overbank and high-order stream sediments in Belgium and Luxembourg: a way to assess environmental pollution

A geochemical survey of Belgium and Luxembourg was carried out as part of an international research project entitled ‘Regional geochemical mapping of Western Europe towards the year 2000'. The aim of this research was to map regional background geochemical patterns based on pristine or at least pre-industrial overbank samples and to deduce regional information on the degree of environmental pollution of floodplain and present-day river sediments. Over the entire study area (about 33,000 km²), 66 overbank sites have been sampled. Catchment areas range between 60 and 600 km². At each site an overbank profile has been dug out in the immediate vicinity of the river and described in detail. A first composite sample was taken 5–25 cm below the surface. This sample is supposed to represent deposition over the last centuries. Human interferences in this interval are often inferable based on changed sedimentary characteristics and the presence of anthropogenic particles such as charcoal, slags and brick fragments. A second composite sample was taken at depth, usually >1.5 m below the surface over an interval of about 20 cm. In most sites, the profile characteristics allowed to assume pre-industrial or even pristine conditions for this lower overbank sample. In some profiles this was confirmed by ¹⁴C-dating and/or by the absence of anthropogenic particles. Finally, a present-day stream sediment was sampled on the site to infer the actual pollution status. After drying at 80°C, disaggregation and sieving, the <125 μm fractions of the three sediment samples were analysed by XRF for major elements and several trace elements. Lower overbank samples generally show a direct link with the geological substrate and allow to assess natural background concentrations. Results from the mapping exercise as well as from the statistical analyses display a clear contrast between the northern part of Belgium where Cenozoic unconsolidated sandy and silty formations dominate which are especially vulnerable for erosion, and the southern part of Belgium and Luxembourg where Paleozoic and Mesozoic sandstones, carbonates, marls and shales are the prevalent lithologies. Here the shales are the most intensively eroded lithologies. This is especially reflected in the element patterns of Al₂O₃, MgO, K₂O, Ga, Ni, Rb, Sc and V which negatively correlate with SiO₂. Despite the human related pollution, the geological contrast between north and south Belgium is still recognisable in the geochemical pattern of the upper overbank and present-day stream sediment samples for the above-mentioned elements. Furthermore there is a clear increase in heavy metal contents (Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu), As and in certain locations in Ba from the lower to the upper overbank sediment, as well as to the present-day stream sediment. The relative increase in element content allows to assess the degree of pollution and helps to define those drainage areas where more detailed research is needed.     

超低密度河漫滩沉积物地球化学采样的代表性

为了响应国际地球化学旗图计划(ICCP259)中的全球地球化学采样子计划的实施,研制超低密度地球化学采样的最佳方法,1989～1990年在江西省开展了一项试点研究.在约15.7万平方公里的可采面积内采集了121件河漫滩沉积物样品.平均采样密度约为五个点/1300km².采样覆盖度为24%.采样点主要布置在100-500km²的汇水盆地口上,其中有33个采样点控制的汇水盆地面积在400～2000km²之间.河漫滩沉积物样品来自深度在0.5m以下到1.2m的柱状剖面.样品定量分析了38种元素.文章从多方面讨论了超低密度河漫滩沉积物地球化学术样的代表性,并得出以下主要结论:1.在400-2000km²的汇水盆地口上采集河漫滩沉积物样品能较好地反映上游汇水盆地中的主要矿化.2.超低密度采样和以2个点/km²采集水系沉积物样品所获得的W、Sn、Cu、Pb和Zn五个元素的地球化学趋势相似.3.超低密度样品中W、Ph、Be、Rb等元素的分布特征与省内花岗岩的分布相吻合.4.超低密来样品中“3Ni+Cr+V”的分布能较好地反映扬子准地台与华南加里东精皱系在省内的分界线.     

Distribution and storage of sediment-associated heavy metals downstream of the remediated Rum Jungle Mine on the East Branch of the Finniss River,Northern Territory,Australia

Instream, overbank and cut riverbank exposures along the East Branch of the Finniss River downstream of Rum Jungle Mine, Northern Territory have been analysed for their total metal concentrations using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). Concentration values for the < 62.5 μm and bulk sample fractions are compared to Australian sediment quality guidelines values (ANZECC/ARMCANZ, 2000). The results reveal that channel and overbank environments are contaminated with heavy metals, with many samples exceeding the low and high sediment guidelines values. The < 62.5 μm fraction is consistently more contaminated than bulk samples as are instream environments compared to adjacent overbank environments. Metal concentrations are strongly correlated to sediment pH and Fe values, suggesting that these variables are significant in controlling the spatial distribution of sediment-associated metals. The strong positive correlation between sediment-associated metals and Fe is probably related to the process of metal sequestration by Fe (and Mn) oxyhydroxides. The spatial distribution of sediment-associated metals downstream of the Rum Jungle Mine site does not display a simple distance–metal concentration decay pattern. It is suggested that the non-uniform spatial distribution of sediment-associated metals is a function of local, reach-scale variations in channel geometry and geomorphology, which control sediment storage and transfer patterns. In cut riverbank exposures the vertical of metals distribution is non-uniform and probably reflects differential metal mobility. Despite rehabilitation of the mine site in the 1980s, the elevated sediment-associated metal concentrations that remain within the East Branch of the Finniss River system are likely to render the system contaminated for the foreseeable future and limit the potential for the full recovery of aquatic and terrestrial flora and fauna.     

The last deglaciation of the Norwegian Channel – geomorphology,stratigraphy and radiocarbon dating

Based on high‐resolution TOPAS acoustic data, bathymetric data sets and sediment cores from the Norwegian Channel, the last retreat of the Norwegian Channel Ice Stream has been investigated. Mapping of ice‐marginal features such as grounding‐zone wedges and terminal moraines off western Norway suggest that the retreat of the grounding line in this part of the channel was interrupted by frequent stillstands, whereas the channel south of the threshold at Jæren does not have crossing ice‐marginal landforms. Three main seismic units have been identified, and, based on their seismic characteristics, in addition to study of sediment cores, these units are interpreted as till (U1), glacial marine sediment (U2) and Holocene hemipelagic sediment (U3). Based on new and published radiocarbon dates of the lower part of U2, combined with dates from the adjacent areas, it is concluded that the grounding line started to retreat from the shelf edge at about 19 ka and that the inner part of Skagerrak was ice free at 17.6 ka. This gives an average retreat rate of 450 m a⁻¹, which is generally higher than mean retreat rates estimated for other palaeo‐ice streams (15–310 m a⁻¹).     

Trace metal concentrations in lake and overbank sediments in southern Norway

 As, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, V, Se and Zn concentrations were determined and compared in lake and overbank sediments from 33 catchments without local pollution sources in southern Norway. There were no significant differences in concentrations of Be, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, and V in overbank and pre-industrial lake sediments. In areas with shallow overburden, and significant influence from long-range atmospheric pollution, concentrations of As, Cd, Hg, Pb, Se, and Zn in overbank sediments were probably modified by vertical percolating water. In such areas, we suggest using lake sediments as a better sampling medium for mapping pre-industrial concentrations. Pre-industrial lake sediments yield natural concentrations of Hg and Se, which consist of both geogenic and natural atmospheric deposition. Important covariables like organic carbon content, Fe oxides, and fine mineral fraction were generally higher in pre-industrial lake sediments as compared to overbank sediments. By adjusting for such differences overbank sediments could be used as an alternative in mapping background concentrations of trace metals in regions with few lakes. Received: 19 February 1999 · Accepted: 17 April 1999     

A geochemical investigation on overbank sediments in the Inari area,northern Finnish Lapland

Four overbank sediment profiles in the Inari area of northern Finnish Lapland were studied in detail by the collection of samples at one-centimetre intervals. The sample sites are situated along a line from northeast to southwest away from the industrial centre at Nikel in the Kola Peninsula. Total, aqua regia and ammonium acetate leachable concentrations were determined for more than 30 elements to study their vertical distribution, and to evaluate the results of the three analytical methods in environmental studies. Radioisotopes of ¹³⁷Cs and ¹³⁴Cs were measured on 34 samples to assess radioactive fallout. Radiometrie ¹⁴C-dating was determined in one profile to estimate the rate of sedimentation. Grain-size analysis was carried out for calculating the field weight to produce a minimum of 500 g of minus 125 μm material, required for analysis and storage, and to estimate the clay content, which affects leachable element concentrations, when partial or near-total analytical methods are used.It was found that the concentration of studied elements varies with depth. Airborne Ni and S contamination from the smelting plants in the Kola Peninsula was weakly detectable by ammonium acetate leachable contents.¹³⁷Cs and ¹³⁴ Cs isotope concentrations, originating from the nuclear weapon tests on the island of Novaya Zemlya and/or from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident, were clearly detectable in the topmost layer of overbank sediments. ¹⁴C dating has given a time-lag of 5000 years for the deposition of an overbank sediment sequence of 120 cm thickness. Thus, a very slow deposition rate of overbank sediments in northern Finnish Lapland is indicated.It is concluded that grain-size analysis and radiometric dating are necessary for a full interpretation of the geochemistry of overbank sediment sequences, and the selection of leaching methods should be done according to the character of the assumed contamination.     

黄河下游漫滩高含沙洪水滩槽界定及泥沙时空沉积特性

黄河下游漫滩高含沙洪水河床调整剧烈,多数断面洪水后形成"相对窄深河槽",洪水前后河槽宽度发生明显变化。分别以观测断面洪水前后的河槽宽度为基准,计算漫滩高含沙洪水期泥沙时空沉积分布,结果表明,漫滩高含沙洪水与非漫滩高含沙洪水相比,能将主河槽内淤积泥沙量的59.3%搬运至嫩滩或滩地,减缓主河槽淤积。在分析研究基础上,建立了洪水后漫滩河段河槽相对缩窄率与洪水前期河槽宽度的量化关系,洪水后主槽宽度缩窄率为15.5%~44.0%;分析遴选了漫滩高含沙洪水滩地淤积量与主要水力因子间关联度及物理含义,给出了漫滩高含沙洪水滩地淤积量与相应水力因子间的响应函数;初步提出漫滩洪水河道塑槽淤滩的临界水沙配置指标,临界水沙系数取值为0.025~0.040。成果对高含沙洪水调控具有一定的指导意义。     

Heavy metal contamination in overbank sediments of the Geul river (East Belgium): Its relation to former Pb-Zn mining activities

Overbank sediments of the Geul River (East Belgium) are highly contaminated by the heavy metals Pb, Zn, and Cd due to former Pb-Zn mining activities in the drainage basin. Geochemical variations in vertical overbank sediment profiles sampled 1 km north of the mine tailings of Plombiéres allow metal fluxes back to the 17th century to be reconstructed. The vertical profiles are subdivided into three major units corresponding to different industrial periods based on sedimentological criteria as well as on the distribution of contaminants. Alluvial sediments with the highest heavy metal concentrations correspond to the major period of mining activity of the 19th century. The fact that Zn mining at the La Calamine open mine started before large-scale mining of the PbS-ZnS subsurface exploitations is reflected in the vertical profiles by an increase in Zn content before a marked increase in Pb and Cu. The regional extent of contamination in the alluvial deposits was evaluated on the basis of the geochemical analysis of sediments at depths of the 0–20 cm and 80–100 cm. Most of the upper samples are extremely contaminated. Significant local variations in heavy metal concentration in the lower samples are interpreted in terms of which overbank sediment horizon has been sampled at a depth of 80–100 cm. This indicates that blind sampling of overbank sediments to characterize the degree of contamination in shallow boreholes can give very erratic results.     

Overbank sediments from the surroundings of the Russian nickel mining and smelting industry on the Kola Peninsula

 Top and bottom samples of overbank sediments were collected at 43 sites within a 12 000 km² area around the nickel smelter in Nikel and the ore roasting plant at Zapoljarnij, in northwestern Russia. In addition, three detailed overbank profiles were sampled in 10-cm sections from three catchments representing different levels of pollution. All samples were analysed for more than 30 elements by ICP-AES following aqua regia extraction. Results obtained show that overbank sediments represent natural (geogenic) background levels rather well. Although the major pollutants (Co, Cu, Ni and S) are strongly enriched at some places close to industry, overbank sediment is not especially well suited for mapping the extent of airborne contamination in the area. Co, Cu, Ni and S are mobile within the profile collected from the most polluted catchment. Received: 23 July 1996 · Accepted 18 October 1996     

Overbank sediments from central Mexico: an evaluation of their use in regional geochemical mapping and in studies of contamination from modern and historical mining

Overbank sediment sequences in central Mexico display vertical changes in chemistry which can be related to both anthropogenic contamination and natural geological sources and processes. They also show significant lateral chemical variation, at both local and regional levels, which makes the design of a sampling strategy for regional geochemical mapping or contamination studies difficult. This variation is particularly pronounced in drainage basins which have been contaminated by mining activity and limits the use of overbank sediment as a systematic regional geochemical mapping medium. To be used with confidence, overbank sediments require detailed studies of fluvial geomorphology and history, accompanied by accurate age dating. Active drainage sediments are a more viable alternative in areas of historical mining activity, but must be examined carefully in the light of the regional background where levels of contamination are low or the contaminants are buried within the river floodplain.