Queensland Murray-Darling Freshwater Biogeographic Province

Queensland Murray-Darling Freshwater Biogeographic Province – Deposited sediment

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• Overview
• Climate
• Geology and topography
• Deposited sediment
• Hydrology
• Water quality
• Habitat
• Introduced fauna—riparian
• Introduced fauna—aquatic
• Photos

Rain and run-off are the mechanisms of water erosion that contribute to instream sediment.

 

Pugging, wallows and tracks created by stock and feral animals can decrease bank stability and increase erosion potential. When this is coupled with the removal of riparian vegetation bank collapse can occur.

 

Clearing riparian vegetation reduces bank stability, shading and the capacity to filter run-off.

 

Sediment entering the stream can remain suspended or settle as deposited sediment. Toxicants and nutrients can attach to and be transported with sediment particles.

 

Increased deposited sediment smothers instream habitat and reduces waterhole persistence time through depth reduction.

 

 

Altered instream habitat can lead to changes in the structure and function of ecological communities and ecosystem processes.

Sediment is resuspended by the feeding behaviour of carp, a pest species.

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Last updated: 22 March 2013