CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Gottesfeld, A.S.; and Gottesfeld, L.M.J.
Date : 1990
Title : Floodplain dynamics of a wandering river: dendrochronology of the Morice River, British Columbia
Publication : Geomorphology
Issue : 3(2):
Page(s) : 159-179
Abstract
Dendochronological techniques were used to develop a history of flood occurrence and relative stage for the middle section of the Morice River based on flood scars, bank undercutting dates and tree establishment dates on fluvial features. Thirty-one significant floods over the past 105 years were detected through dendochronology of flood scarred trees. On the Morice River, flood scars are predominantly caused by flood-transported logs. Abundant log transport results in damage to channel margin trees during events only slightly above bankfull discharge. The record of flood scars on channel margin trees and establishment dates of forest stands on abandoned channels and surfaces show that the Morice River has maintained its present regimen for the past 115 years. During the Neoglacial age the Morice river was more active than in recent times, and its channels occupied twice the present area. Tree-establishment dates show that Neoglacial surfaces and channels of the Morice River were abandoned during the 1820's. The modern floodplain configuration was assumed by 1870. (Lantz-PTT
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology