Abstract
In lowland deltaic environments, land subsidence due to compaction of unconsolidated sediments, and especially peat, may lead to an increase in flooding risk as floodplains subside, damage to constructions and problems in groundwater management. Furthermore, (peat) compaction may influence the occurrence of avulsion, and hence play an important role in delta evolution. Avulsion is a natural process by which a part or the whole of a channel belt is abandoned in favour of a new course (Allen, 1965). To quantify effects of peat compaction on delta evolution, new methods are used during a field study in the Cumberland Marshes (Canada). The first method is mainly based on relations between the bulk density of compacted and uncompacted peat. The second focuses on thickness variations of a peat layer in combination with the thickness and type of overlying sediments (lithostratigraphy). To take undisturbed samples of fresh peat, a new coring device is developed. Both methods are successfully applied in the field and valuable field data has been collected, which is currently being analyzed.
| Original language | English |
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| Title of host publication | Netherlands Centre for River Studies |
| Publication status | Published - 2007 |
| Event | NCR Days 2007 - Arnhem Duration: 15 Nov 2007 → 16 Nov 2007 |
Conference
| Conference | NCR Days 2007 |
|---|---|
| City | Arnhem |
| Period | 15/11/07 → 16/11/07 |