Fingerprinting upland sediment sources: particle size‐specific magnetic linkages between soils,lake sediments and suspended sediments

Accelerated erosion of fine‐grained sediment is an environmental problem of international dimensions. Erosion control strategies and targeting of mitigation measures require robust and quantitative identification of sediment sources. Here, we use magnetic ‘fingerprinting’ to characterize soils, and examine their affinity with and contribution to suspended sediments transported within two subcatchments feeding Bassenthwaite Lake, northwest England. A high‐resolution soil magnetic susceptibility survey was made using a field susceptometer (ZH Instruments, SM400 probe). Combining the spatial and vertical (down‐profile) soil magnetic data, a subset of soil profiles was selected for detailed, laboratory‐based magnetic remanence analyses. The magnetic properties of the catchment soils are highly particle size‐dependent. Magnetic analyses were performed on the 31–63 µm fraction, for particle size‐specific comparison both with the suspended sediments and lake sediments. Fuzzy cluster analysis groups the soil magnetic data into six clusters, apparently reflecting variations in parent material and horizon type, with three magnetically hard soils as unclassified outliers. Examination of the cluster affinity of the soils, suspended sediments and lake sediments indicates that topsoils of the upper Newlands Valley and subsoils around Keskadale Beck are a major source of the Newlands Beck suspended load, and the recent (post‐nineteenth century) sediments in the deep lake basin. Older lake sediments show strong affinity with a small number of the Derwent suspended sediments and one of the Glenderamackin soils. A large number of Derwent suspended sediments show no affinity with any of the soils or lake sediments, instead forming a coherent, discrete and statistically unclassified group, possibly resulting from mixing between the magnetically hard subsoils of the medium to high‐altitude Glenderamackin and Troutbeck areas and softer, lower altitude Glenderamackin soils. The lack of any affinity of these suspended sediments with the lake sediments may indicate deposition along the Derwent flood plain and/or in the shallow delta of Lake Bassenthwaite. Particle size‐specific magnetic fingerprinting is thus shown to be both highly discriminatory and quantitatively robust even within the homogeneous geological units of this catchment area. Such a methodological approach has important implications for small–large scale catchment management where sources of sediment arising from areas with uniform geology have been difficult to determine using other approaches, such as geochemical or radionuclide analyses. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The particle size characteristics of fine‐grained channel deposits in the River Exe Basin,Devon, UK

Deposition and storage of fine‐grained (<62·5 μm) sediment in the hyporheic zone of gravel bed rivers frequently represents an important cause of aquatic habitat degradation. The particle size characteristics of such fine‐grained bed sediment (FGBS) exert an important control on its hydrodynamic properties and environmental impact. Traditionally, particle size analysis of FGBS in gravel bed rivers has focused on the absolute size distribution of the chemically dispersed mineral fraction. However, recent work has indicated that in common with fluvial suspended sediment, significant differences may exist between the absolute and the in situ, or effective, particle size composition of FGBS, as a result of the existence of aggregates, or composite particles. In the investigation reported in this paper, sealable bed traps that could be remotely opened to sample sediment deposited during specific storm runoff events and a laser back‐scatter probe were used to quantify the temporal and spatial variability of both the absolute and effective particle size composition of FGBS, and the associated suspended sediment from four gravel bed rivers in the Exe Basin, Devon, UK. The absolute particle size distributions of both the FGBS and suspended sediment evidenced c. >95%<62·5 μm sized primary particles and displayed a seasonal winter–summer fining, while the opposite trend was displayed by the effective particle size distribution of the FGBS and suspended sediment. The effective particle size distributions of both were typically highly aggregated, comprising up to 68%>62·5 μm sized particles. Spatial variation in the effective particle size and aggregation parameters was of secondary importance relative to temporal variation. The effective particle size distribution of the FGBS was consistently coarser and more aggregated than the associated suspended sediment and there was evidence of aggregate break‐up in samples of resuspended bed sediment. The implications of these findings for sediment transport modelling are considered. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Establishing the sediment stratigraphy of reservoirs in the southern Pennines,UK

Abstract

Reservoirs in the southern Pennines have been investigated to determine their potential for reconstructing a history of atmospheric pollution. A selection procedure has been used to identify sites with the best chance of obtaining a usable sedimentary record prior to sample collection. Five reservoirs were selected for core collection and sediment analysis using magnetic susceptibility (χlf), particle size, spheroidal carbonaceous particle (SCP) analysis and radiometric dating. Analysis reveals that largely undisturbed sedimentary records exist in the deepest zones of these reservoirs, thus reservoir sediments represent a valuable resource for investigating pollution histories in the southern Pennines.     

Problems of core correlation,sediment source ascription and yield estimation in Ponsonby Tarn,West Cumbria,UK

A suite of 27 short cores, 10 of which have been used for magnetic measurements and four for radiometric dating, provides a framework for reconstructing the processes, patterns and rates of sedimentation in Ponsonby Tarn, a small artificial impoundment created towards the end of the 19th century, close to the Sellafield nuclear reprocessing plant in NW England. Spatial and temporal changes in sedimentation are reconstructed and evidence presented for non-synchroneity in magnetic property changes from core to core in the upper part of the sequence, as a result of sorting and selective deposition at different distances from the inflow to the Tarn. Magnetic measurements alone are therefore not a secure basis upon which to quantify sediment yield for defined time intervals at this site. The chronology, established mainly from ²¹⁰Pb and ¹³⁴Cs analyses, allows estimates of mean sediment yield per annum for four periods: prior to AD 1940, 1940–1964, 1964–1986 and 1986–1991. The rates of sediment accumulation have increased in recent times, especially since 1964, with evidence for input from both magnetically enhanced soils and gleyed alluvial and/or podsolized subsoil sources. Pre-1940 mean annual deposition within the present area of the lake is calculated as 19·5 t a⁻¹ and for the period since 1986 (the period of maximum sedimentation rates), as 111·3 t a⁻¹. These represent yields of 7·0 t km⁻² a⁻¹ and 39·8 t km⁻² a⁻¹, respectively, for the catchment as a whole. Rock magnetic evidence, based on measurements of both bulk samples and the finest particle size separates, suggests that bacterial magnetite, formed within the lake, contributes to the magnetic properties of the sediments, thus modifying the signatures relating to allochthonous sediment input. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Blanket peat erosion and sediment yield in an upland reservoir catchment in the southern Pennines,UK

This paper investigates temporal variations in fluxes of peat and other sediment in the catchment of March Haigh Reservoir, West Yorkshire. Long‐term estimates of sediment yield were derived from a study of reservoir sediments. Magnetic properties were used to correlate ten cores to a master profile dated using ²¹⁰Pb and ¹³⁷Cs. A ¹⁴C date suggests that most of the organic component of the sediment is allochthonous and derived from peat eroded from the catchment. Organic sediment yields suggest low catchment erosion rates between 1838 and 1963. Blanket peat erosion increased significantly after 1963, and peaked between 1976 and 1984. Estimates of total sediment yield range between 2 and 28 t km^?2 a^?1. These yields are significantly lower than those from some previous studies examining reservoir sedimentation in other blanket peat‐covered catchments. The low yield estimates may be due to relatively low rates of erosion in the basin, but may also be partly explained by maintenance of silt traps during the early life of the reservoir and removal of sediment by scouring. Sedimentation within the reservoir is spatially variable, and bathymetry and sediment source appear to be the dominant controls on sedimentation patterns within the reservoir. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

黄河兰州段2018年汛期沉积物的磁学特征研究: 对古洪水重建的启示

现代洪水沉积物的沉积学特征研究是开展古洪水重建的一项基础工作.2018年黄河汛期洪水沉积物在兰州体育公园形成了一道天然堤.对该天然堤剖面的岩石磁学研究显示：沉积物中的磁性矿物既有磁铁矿,又有赤铁矿/针铁矿.磁化率、饱和等温剩磁、非磁滞剩磁、S-ratio和L-ratio等参数在剖面上没有明显变化,指示2018年洪水沉积物源区、磁性矿物的种类和含量变化不显著.剖面下部（66~110 cm）沉积物的磁化率各向异性（AMS）椭球最大轴偏角集中分布（K₁-Dec=22.8°±10.3°）,上部（0~64 cm）沉积物的磁化率最大轴偏角在上半平面内随机分布;下部沉积物的磁性矿物粒度指标（χ_ARM/χ和χ_ARM/SIRM）和天然剩磁（NRM）强度低于上部;指示洪水沉积物的下部和上部分别形成于2018年黄河二号和三号洪水期间.由于二号洪水流量及水位陡升陡降、持续时间短,三号洪水水位升降相对缓慢、持续时间长;造成了两次洪水沉积物的AMS特征、χ_ARM/χ、χ_ARM/SIRM以及NRM强度差异.本研究揭示洪水沉积物的磁学参数能够灵敏地响应不同水动力条件和持续时间的洪水期次,从而具有高分辨率区分洪水事件的潜力.

     

Particle size analysis of the sediment suspended in a proglacial stream: Glacier De tsidjiore Nouve,Switzerland

Hourly, at-a-point samples of suspended sediment taken from the outflow stream of Glacier de Tsidjiore Nouve, Switzerland, over a 60 day sampling period (n = 1440) are shown to be dominantly composed of silt-sized particles. Particle size, SEM, and XRD analyses indicate a subglacial provenance for the suspended sediment. Temporal variations in particle size and sorting correspond poorly to fluctuations in water discharge, being dominated by erratic hour-to-hour fluctuations and clockwise hysteresis over diurnal flow events. Examination of grain size and sorting dynamics over snowmelt- and icemelt-related ablation events, during precipitation events, and during glacier drainage events enables some inferences to be drawn regarding sediment source areas and supply regimes. We conclude that although the bulk of the suspended sediment in the proglacial stream of Glacier de Tsidjiore Nouve is derived directly from subglacial sources (with occasional contributions from the valley train during rapid snowmelt and heavy rainfall periods), a portion of the suspended load undergoes intermittent ‘flush-fall’ transfer through the proglacial zone, which acts as a sediment source during rising flows and as a sink during periods of waning flow.     

Quantifying fine‐grained sediment sources in the River Axe catchment,southwest England: application of a Monte Carlo numerical modelling framework incorporating local and genetic algorithm optimisation

Increasing recognition of the deleterious environmental effects of excessive fine sediment delivery to watercourses means that reliable sediment source assessment represents a fundamental component of catchment planning targeting the protection of freshwater resources and their ecological integrity. Sediment tracing or fingerprinting approaches have been increasingly used to provide catchment scale sediment source information, but there is a need to continue refining existing procedures especially with respect to uncertainty analysis during mass balance modelling. Consequently, an updated Monte Carlo numerical modelling framework was devised and tested, incorporating both conventional and robust statistics coupled with random and Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) together with local and genetic algorithm (GA) optimisation. A sediment sourcing study undertaken in the River Axe catchment, southwest England, suggested that the use of robust statistics and LHS with GA optimisation generated the best performance with respect to predicting measured bed sediment geochemistry in six out of eight model applications. On this basis, the catchment‐wide average median sediment source contributions were predicted to be 38 ± 1% (pasture topsoils), 3 ± 1% (cultivated topsoils), 37 ± 1% (damaged road verges) and 22 ± 1% (channel banks/subsurface sources). Using modelling frameworks which provide users with flexibility to compare local and global optimisation during uncertainty analysis is recommended for future sediment tracing studies. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Use of fallout tracers 7Be, 210Pb and 137Cs to distinguish the form of sub‐surface soil erosion delivering sediment to rivers in large catchments

Fallout radionuclides (FRNs) ¹³⁷Cs and ²¹⁰Pb are well established as tracers of surface and sub‐surface soil erosion contributing sediment to river systems. However, without additional information, it has not been possible to distinguish sub‐surface soil erosion sources. Here, we use the FRN ⁷Be (half‐life 53 days) in combination with ¹³⁷Cs and excess ²¹⁰Pb to trace the form of erosion contributing sediment in three large river catchments in eastern Australia; the Logan River (area 3700 km²), Bowen River (9400 km²) and Mitchell River (4700 km²). We show that the combination of ¹³⁷Cs, excess ²¹⁰Pb and ⁷Be can discriminate horizontally aligned sub‐surface erosion sources (rilled and scalded hillslopes and the floors of incised drainage lines and gully ‘badland’ areas) from vertical erosion sources (channel banks and gully walls). Specifically, sub‐surface sources of sediment eroded during high rainfall and high river flow events have been distinguished by the ability of rainfall‐derived ⁷Be to label horizontal soil surfaces, but not vertical. Our results indicate that in the two northern catchments, erosion of horizontal sub‐surface soil sources contributed almost as much fine river sediment as vertical channel banks, and several times the contribution of hillslope topsoils. This result improves on source discrimination provided previously and indicates that in some areas erosion of hillslope soils may contribute significantly to sediment yield, but not as topsoil loss. We find that in north‐eastern Australia, scalded areas on hillslopes and incising drainage lines may be sediment sources of comparable importance to vertical channel banks. Previous studies have used the combination of ¹³⁷Cs, excess ²¹⁰Pb and ⁷Be to estimate soils losses at the hillslope scale. Here, we show that with timely and judicious sampling of soil and sediment during and immediately after high flow events ⁷Be measurements can augment fallout ¹³⁷Cs and ²¹⁰Pb to provide important erosion source information over large catchments. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Transport and delivery of suspended solids, nitrogen and phosphorus from various sources to freshwaters in the UK

Sources of nutrients and suspended solids (SS) are diverse in origin and dynamic with respect to their transport pathways and delivery to surface and groundwaters. Three broad source groups can be identified based on their hydrological and compositional characteristics. Consented discharges from point sources are generally continuous and highly concentrated relative to receiving waters while non-point (diffuse) sources are generally more dilute with SS and phosphorus in particular tending to have a high transport dependence upon hydrological (storm) events. A third group with properties that are intermediate include overflows from septic systems, seepages from farmyards or road/track runoff. This grouping automatically introduces a strong temporal and spatial variability in the relative contribution individual group sources make to the total quantity of nutrients and SS delivered to freshwaters. This spatial or temporal variability in either effluent volumes or composition is generally not considered when predicting impacts, which can be highly significant in headwater streams. Complete compositional data for individual sources (especially the intermediary group) are also often lacking when apportioning source contributions in catchments, being simply lumped into average export coefficients. Better definition of intermediary sources would help to more accurately define the relative contribution of different sources and enable cost-effective river basin management planning as required under the Water Framework Directive.     

结合主成分分析法(PCA)和正定矩阵因子分解法(PMF)的鄱阳湖丰水期表层沉积物重金属源解析

为识别表层沉积物重金属的来源以及量化源贡献,选取鄱阳湖丰水期表层沉积物为研究对象,测定14种重金属(V、Cr、Co、Ni、Cu、Zn、Sr、Mo、Cd、Sb、W、Pb、Hg和As)的含量,分析其污染及空间分布特征,并利用主成分分析法(PCA)和正定矩阵因子分解法(PMF)对沉积物重金属进行源解析.结果表明:除V和Cr外,Cd、Mo、Hg、Cu、Pb、Zn、W、Sr、As、Ni、Co和Sb的平均含量分别为江西省土壤背景值的5.7、2.2、1.9、1.8、1.5、1.5、1.4、1.3、1.3、1.2、1.0和1.0倍; Cd、Hg、Cu、Mo、Pb、Sr和Zn超出江西省土壤背景值的比例相对较高,分别为100%、100%、100%、100%、97%、97%和93%,所有沉积物样品中Cd含量超过农用地土壤污染风险筛选值的比例为51%; V、Cr、Co、Ni、Cu、Zn、Sr、Mo、Sb、W、Pb、Hg和As含量呈未污染至弱污染水平,而Cd含量属于中等污染水平,接近于重污染水平.总体而言,Cd的污染相对较严重.重金属的分布具有显著的区域特征,其中Cr、Cu、Zn、Sr、Pb、Hg和As的空间分布十分相似,表现为在赣江、抚河、信江和饶河入湖口附近区域含量较高,而Co、Ni、Mo和Sb明显在湖区南部、东北部和修水入湖附近这3个区域聚集,Cd和W的空间变异性相对较大,V的含量分布相对较均匀.PCA和PMF解析结果都表明鄱阳湖丰水期表层沉积物重金属受4种来源的共同影响,其中,矿业和工业活动的影响最大,相对贡献率为38%,其次是尾矿和废渣,相对贡献率为28%,再是农业活动,相对贡献率为19%,最后是自然来源的相对贡献率为14%.     

A geochemical record of environmental changes in sediments from Sishili Bay,northern Yellow Sea,China: Anthropogenic influence on organic matter sources and composition over the last 100 years

Total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N were measured in sediment cores at three sites in Sishili Bay, China, to track the impacts of anthropogenic activities on the coastal environment over the last 100 years. The increased TOC and TN in the upper section of sediment cores indicated a eutrophic process since 1975. In comparison, the TOC and TN in the sediment core near to a scallop aquaculture area displayed a much slower increase, indicating the contribution of scallop aquaculture in mitigating eutrophication. Combined information from δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N and TOC:TN indicated an increased terrestrial signal, although organic matter sources in Sishili Bay featured a mixture of terrestrial and marine sources, with phytoplankton being dominant. Increased fertilizer use since 1970s contributed to the eutrophic process in Sishili Bay since 1975, and increased sewage discharge from 1990s has added to this process.     

Sedimentary and geochemical characterization of Middle–Late Miocene formations in the Neogene Tsugaru Basin,Japan by means of DTH27‐1 well sediment analysis

Middle–Late Miocene age siliceous formations outcropping along the northwestern side of Honshu Island are considered prospective source rocks for hydrocarbons. An analysis of geophysical, sedimentological, and geochemical properties is essential to evaluate the formations' source potential, and to understand the factors that determined the accumulation and preservation of organic matter. This study investigates the Middle–Late Miocene geological record of the Tsugaru back‐arc basin, located in the western part of Aomori prefecture, through an analysis of a 200 m long portion of a core from the DTH27‐1 well; this core is composed of the diatomaceous siltstones of the Akaishi Formation and the siliceous mudstones of the Odoji Formation. Sedimentological and geophysical characterization showed that the Akaishi Formation's diatomaceous siltstones are mostly massive and bioturbated, have low magnetic susceptibility, and demonstrate moderate natural radioactivity. Although the Odoji Formation's siliceous mudstones are massive, they have exceedingly low magnetic susceptibility and high natural radioactivity. Geochemical data from a Rock‐Eval Pyrolysis such as total organic carbon and generative potential (S1 + S2) revealed that, in the Tsugaru area, only the Odoji Formation is a likely prospective source rock for hydrocarbons. On the other hand, T_max values indicate that both the formations are thermally immature for generating hydrocarbons. The difference between the Akaishi and Odoji Formation in the sedimentological facies, in terms of the degree of bioturbation and the organic carbon content, indicates variations in lithological properties, such as porosity and grain size; moreover, this difference indicates a variation in the paleo‐oxygenation of bottom waters, with the transition from oxygen‐deficient conditions in the Middle Miocene to the more oxygenated conditions in the Late Miocene. Both the lithological and paleo‐environmental factors possibly influenced the organic richness in the two formations.     

Contributions of slab fluid and sediment melt components to magmatism in the Mariana Arc–Trough system: Evidence from geochemical compositions and Sr,Nd, and noble gas isotope systematics

This study presents new major and trace element, mineral, and Sr, Nd, and noble gas isotope geochemical analyses of basalts, gabbro, and clinopyroxenite from the Mariana Arc (Central Islands and Southern Seamount provinces) including the forearc, and the Mariana Trough (Central Graben and Spreading Ridge). Mantle source compositions beneath the Mariana Arc and the Mariana Trough indicate a mantle source that is depleted in high field strength elements relative to MORB (mid‐oceanic ridge basalt). Samples from the Mariana Arc, characterized by high ratios of Ba/Th, U/Th, ⁸⁴Kr/⁴He and ¹³²Xe/⁴He, are explained by addition of fluid from the subducted slab to the mantle wedge. Correlations of noble gas data, as well as large ion lithophile elements, indicate that heavy noble gases (Ar, Kr, and Xe) provide evidence for fluid fluxing into the mantle wedge. On the other hand, major elements and Sr, Nd, He, and Ne isotopic data of basalts from the Mariana Trough are geochemically indistinguishable from MORB. Correlations of ³He/⁴He and ⁴⁰Ar/³⁶Ar in the Mariana Trough samples are explained by mixing between MORB and atmosphere. One sample from the Central Graben indicates extreme enrichment in ²⁰Ne/²²Ne and ²¹Ne/²²Ne, suggesting incorporation of solar‐type Ne in the magma source. Excess ¹²⁹Xe is also observed in this sample suggesting primordial noble gases in the mantle source. The Mariana Trough basalts indicate that both fluid and sediment components contributed to the basalts, with slab‐derived fluids dominating beneath the Spreading Ridge, and that sediment melts, characterized by high La/Sm and relatively low U/Th and Zr/Nb, dominate in the source region of basalts from the Central Graben.