Aspects of Quaternary Geology, Geomorphic History, Stratigraphy, Soils and Hydrogeology in the Edward-Wakool Channel System
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Aspects of Quaternary geology, geomorphic history, stratigraphy, soils and hydrogeology in the Edward–Wakool channel system, with particular reference to the distribution of sulfidic channel sediments M Tulau and D Morand NSW Office of Environment and Heritage Prepared for Southern Cross GeoScience, Southern Cross University and Murray–Darling Basin Authority © State of NSW and Office of Environment and Heritage The Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) and the State of NSW are pleased to allow this material to be reproduced in whole or in part for educational and non-commercial use, provided the meaning is unchanged and its source, publisher and authorship are acknowledged. OEH has compiled Aspects of Quaternary geology, geomorphic history, stratigraphy, soils and hydrogeology in the Edward–Wakool channel system, with particular reference to the distribution of sulfidic channel sediments in good faith, exercising all due care and attention. OEH does not accept responsibility for any inaccurate or incomplete information supplied by third parties. No representation is made about the accuracy, completeness or suitability of the information in this publication for any particular purpose. OEH shall not be liable for any damage which may occur to any person or organisation taking action or not on the basis of this publication. This document is subject to revision without notice and it is up to the reader to ensure that the latest version is being used. Readers should seek appropriate advice when applying the information to their specific needs. Acknowledgements Funding from the Murray–Darling Basin Authority for this project is gratefully acknowledged. Southern Cross GeoScience at Southern Cross University provided project support and management. Dave Morand, OEH at Alstonville, assisted with fieldwork, sample management and data compilation. Anne Coelli, OEH at Yanco, assisted with much of the fieldwork. Peter Barker and Shantel Chaffey, OEH at Wagga Wagga, provided management and administrative support, respectively. Ben Turner, OEH Spatial Analyst at Wollongong, processed LiDAR images. Stuart Lucas, OEH at Albury, provided aerial photographs. Mark Young, OEH at Parramatta, provided soil landscape data. Jason Davidson, OEH library in Sydney, assisted with literature. The project could not have been carried out without the support of Josh Ellis, Rick Ellis and John Conallin, Murray Catchment Management Authority, who assisted with landholder liaison. The draft report was critically reviewed by Richard Bush, Nick Ward and Vanessa Wong, Southern Cross University, and Rob Kingham, Murray–Darling Basin Authority. Photo credits Cover image: LiDAR image of the western part of the study area (see Figure 16) Plates 1, 4: Panoramio photo collection, Google Earth Plates 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15: Mitch Tulau, OEH Appendix 1: sites 1–16: Mitch Tulau; sites 17–41: Dave Morand; sites 42–60: Anne Coelli. Published by: Office of Environment and Heritage 59-61 Goulburn Street, Sydney PO Box A290, Sydney South 1232 Phone: (02) 9995 5000 (switchboard) Phone: 131 555 (environment information and publications requests) Phone: 1300 361 967 (national parks information and publications requests) Fax: (02) 9995 5999 TTY users: phone 133 677, then ask for 131 555 Speak and listen users: phone 1300 555 727, then ask for 131 555 Email: [email protected] Website: www.environment.nsw.gov.au ISBN 978 1 74359 081 2 OEH 2013/0311 August 2013 Contents Introduction................................................................................................................................... 1 Study area .................................................................................................................................... 1 Geology................................................................................................................................. 2 Geomorphology .................................................................................................................... 6 The Cadell Fault ............................................................................................................ 6 Fluvial geomorphology .................................................................................................. 8 Aeolian deposition ....................................................................................................... 13 Landscapes and soils ......................................................................................................... 18 The Edward–Wakool rivers ................................................................................................ 25 Wakool River ............................................................................................................... 25 Wyam Creek................................................................................................................ 25 Yallakool Creek ........................................................................................................... 25 Colligen Creek ............................................................................................................. 25 Cockran Creek............................................................................................................. 26 Jimaringle Creek.......................................................................................................... 26 Niemur River................................................................................................................ 26 Mallan Mallan Creek.................................................................................................... 26 Pissen Creek ............................................................................................................... 26 Yarrein Creek............................................................................................................... 27 Barbers Creek.............................................................................................................. 27 Merran Creek............................................................................................................... 27 Methodology............................................................................................................................... 28 Fieldwork............................................................................................................................. 28 Spatial analysis ................................................................................................................... 30 Distribution of sulfidic sediments within the study area ............................................................. 30 Factors affecting the deposition of sulfidic materials ................................................................. 34 The general distribution of sulfidic sediments .................................................................... 34 The incidence of sulfidity and salinity ................................................................................. 34 The role of fluvial incision and hydraulic head ................................................................... 35 The role of Quaternary stratigraphy ................................................................................... 38 The impact of land management........................................................................................ 40 Case studies............................................................................................................................... 42 Lower Merran Creek ........................................................................................................... 42 Mallan Mallan Creek ........................................................................................................... 42 Wyam Creek ....................................................................................................................... 42 Yarrein Creek...................................................................................................................... 42 Conclusions ................................................................................................................................ 50 Appendix 1 Site descriptions ................................................................................................. 51 Appendix 2 Soil laboratory data .......................................................................................... 111 Appendix 3 Site water data ................................................................................................. 117 References ............................................................................................................................... 119 Figures Figure 1. Location of the Edward–Wakool channel system study area ................................................... 2 Figure 2. Edward–Wakool rivers study area ............................................................................................. 3 Figure 3. Stratigraphy of the south-western Murray Basin ....................................................................... 4 Figure 4. Murray Basin, SRTM 30 arcsecond DEM.................................................................................. 5 Figure 5. Green Gully, palaeo-Murray River, at the Cadell Fault ............................................................. 7 Figure 6. Green Gully, palaeo-Murray River, at Thule.............................................................................