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Evaluation of salt sources and loads in the upland areas of the Murray-Darling Basin, Australia

White, Ian, Macdonald, Ben C. T., Somerville, Peter D. and Wasson, Robert J. (2009). Evaluation of salt sources and loads in the upland areas of the Murray-Darling Basin, Australia. Hydrological Processes,23(17):2485-2495.

Document type: Journal Article

IRMA ID 78220353xPUB22
Title Evaluation of salt sources and loads in the upland areas of the Murray-Darling Basin, Australia
Author White, Ian
Macdonald, Ben C. T.
Somerville, Peter D.
Wasson, Robert J.
Journal Name Hydrological Processes
Publication Date 2009
Volume Number 23
Issue Number 17
ISSN 1099-1085   (check CDU catalogue  open catalogue search in new window)
Scopus ID 2-s2.0-68749086174
Start Page 2485
End Page 2495
Total Pages 11
Place of Publication UK
Publisher John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
HERDC Category C1 - Journal Article (DEST)
Abstract Estimates of catchment salt balances throughout the Murray-Darling Basin (MDB) suggest mobilization of salt stores and generally increasing stream salinities. It is widely assumed these salts are rainfall-deposited cyclic salts of marine-aerosol origin, concentrated by evapotranspiration, stored in groundwaters and mobilized by clearing of native vegetation. In this paper, the assumptions about the sources of salts, in upland catchments in the south-eastern region of the MDB are re-evaluated. The estimation of dissolved salts is re-examined using electrical conductivity (EC), the assessment of stream salt loads from sporadic EC measurements and the sources of salts in upland catchments. It is concluded that, although evapotranspiration plays a significant role in the concentrations of salts in the lower MDB, mineral weathering is a major contributor to stream salt loads in upland rivers of the MDB that supply over 80% of surface runoff to the Murray River.
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/hyp.7355   (check subscription with CDU E-Gateway service for CDU Staff and Students  check subscription with CDU E-Gateway in new window)
 
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Created: Tue, 02 Mar 2010, 00:49:22 CST by Sarena Wegener