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Quantitative constraints on flood variability in the rock record

Author

Listed:
  • Jonah S. McLeod

    (Imperial College London)

  • James Wood

    (Imperial College London)

  • Sinéad J. Lyster

    (Imperial College London
    The Pennsylvania State University)

  • Jeffery M. Valenza

    (University of California, Santa Barbara)

  • Alan R. T. Spencer

    (Imperial College London
    The Natural History Museum)

  • Alexander C. Whittaker

    (Imperial College London)

Abstract

Floods determine river behaviour in time and space. Yet quantitative measures of discharge variability from geological stratigraphy are sparse, even though they are critical to understand landscape sensitivity to past and future environmental change. Here we show how storm-driven river floods in the geologic past can be quantified, using Carboniferous stratigraphy as an exemplar. The geometries of dune cross-sets demonstrate that discharge-driven disequilibrium dynamics dominated fluvial deposition in the Pennant Formation of South Wales. Based on bedform preservation theory, we quantify dune turnover timescales and hence the magnitude and duration of flow variability, showing that rivers were perennial but prone to flashy floods lasting 4–16 h. This disequilibrium bedform preservation is consistent across 4 Ma of stratigraphy, and coincides with facies-based markers of flooding, such as mass-preservation of woody debris. We suggest that it is now possible to quantify climate-driven sedimentation events in the geologic past, and reconstruct discharge variability from the rock record on a uniquely short (daily) timescale, revealing a formation dominated by flashy floods in perennial rivers.

Suggested Citation

  • Jonah S. McLeod & James Wood & Sinéad J. Lyster & Jeffery M. Valenza & Alan R. T. Spencer & Alexander C. Whittaker, 2023. "Quantitative constraints on flood variability in the rock record," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-38967-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38967-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Francesco Serinaldi & Florian Loecker & Chris G. Kilsby & Hubert Bast, 2018. "Flood propagation and duration in large river basins: a data-driven analysis for reinsurance purposes," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 94(1), pages 71-92, October.
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