NESP TWQ Round 2 - Project 2.1.5 - What's really damaging the Reef? Tracing the origin and fate of the environmentally detrimental sediment
Recent research has shown that only a portion of the fine sediment fraction delivered from rivers draining into the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon (GBRL) reaches coral reefs and seagrass meadows. The specific sources of this sediment, which affects the health of corals and seagrasses, are as yet unresolved. This project will, for the first time characterise and trace the origin(s) and fate of this environmentally detrimental sediment using samples collected in flood plumes and during resuspension events. This will enable direct spatial targeting of the sources of this material to achieve maximum benefits to GBR health from catchment management actions.
Datasets
This dataset documents the spatial and temporal variability of resuspension events and sediment dynamics at seven Great Barrier Reef Lagoon inshore locations using continuous logger data (10 min sampling intervals) over 3 ½ years and analysed the quantity of sediment collected in newly designed sediment traps. The dataset highlights the influence of river discharge events on sediment dynamics across these locations.
*This dataset is currently under embargo.