Identifying sources of fine sediments to protect the Great Barrier Reef (Old ID 22667)

QLD Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation
Role

Chief Investigator

Description

This fellowship builds on Bainbridge's PhD thesis which identified the sediment fractions preferentially transported from rivers via flood flumes to the Great Barrier Reef lagoon, and which have the greatest influence on photic depth/water clarity. The research will identify both the key properties and the primary sources of this material, enabling more effective prioritisation and direct targeting of control works to improve the quality of water discharged to the Great Barrier Reef. This research is cutting edge in the field of sediment tracing and will contribute locally by identifying specific catchment sources of ecologically-damaging fine sediment, and to the broader international field of sediment tracing.

Date

04 Jul 2016 - 15 Apr 2021

Project Type

GRANT

Keywords

Fine Sediment;Great Barrier Reef;Clay minineralogy;Sediment Tracing;Geochemistry;Catchment Management

Funding Body

QLD Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation

Amount

180000

Project Team

Stephen Lewis;Scott Smithers