CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
Search Results
Author : Dirszowsky, R.W.; and Foster, S.B.
Date : 2009.
Title : Evolution of the Kelly Lake Delta: Implications for landscape change and industrial pollution in the Sudbury area, Ontario.
Publication : 2009 Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association of Geographers. May 26-30, 2009. Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario.
Issue :
Page(s) :
Abstract
Partial reconstruction of the geomorphic history and sediment composition of the Kelly Lake delta is used to infer human impacts and details of landscape change in the smelter-damaged Junction Creek watershed of Sudbury. Delta-top changes are interpreted from surface channel and floodplain morphology, riverbank exposures, hand auger data and (piston-percussion) sediment cores. Core samples were analyzed for industrial metal contamination using ICP-MS following aqua regia digestion. From air photo interpretation, it is evident that delta progradation has resulted in an approximate doubling of the delta-top floodplain area since 1928 AD. Vertical accretion facies associated with buried soils and forest remnants evident in outcrop reveal aggradation averaging at least 0.5 m across much of the delta floodplain (3.2 x 105 m2). Elevated metal (Cu and Ni) concentrations (10-30 X background) confirm the link between industrial emissions (since ca. 1886 AD), landscape degradation and increased sediment yields, and suggest that sediment accumulation and contaminant redistribution may be ongoing though at a reduced rate. Creosote contamination associated with a facility operating upstream between 1921 AD and 1960 AD affects approximately 0.8 x 105 m2 of the delta floodplain at depth (~30 to > 110 cm) in close proximity to Kelly Lake and lowermost Junction Creek.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology