Using multivariate statistical techniques to interpret patterns of flood plain sedimentation

Author(s)
Foster, John M
Thoms, Martin C
Parsons, Melissa
Publication Date
2002
Abstract
Interpretation of flood plain sedimentation often relies on qualitative evaluations. Quantitative analysis is often made difficult by large amounts of data generated through an array of physical and chemical measurements of sediment character. As such, analysis of sediment character is mostly focused on bivariate comparisons. This paper illustrates the utility of multivariate statistical techniques in the interpretation of flood plain sedimentation, which consider multiple factors simultaneously. Seventeen sediment characteristics were used to distinguish between groups of sediment samples collected from the lower Balonne flood plain in southwest Queensland, Australia. Sediment samples were analysed in a hierarchical manner according to a nested design of river, zone and geomorphic unit scales. The analyses demonstrated differences in sediment character at the river scale. Clear patterns in sediment character were noted at the zone and geomorphic units scales, although these were river-specific. Techniques used in this study can rapidly divide the flood plain into units based on similarities in sediment character, and can provide greater quantitative interpretations of flood plain sedimentation.
Citation
The Structure, Function and Management Implications of Fluvial Sedimentary Systems, p. 451-461
ISBN
9781901502961
Link
Publisher
International Association of Hydrological Sciences
Series
IAHS publication
Title
Using multivariate statistical techniques to interpret patterns of flood plain sedimentation
Type of document
Conference Publication
Entity Type
Publication

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