Particulate dynamics, dissolved and total load, in two small basins, northern Pennines, UK

Abstract

Suspended sediment and dissolved load were measured in two upland piedmont gravel-bedded streams for one year. In addition, the input of major cations from precipitation and the cation content of springs within the basins were monitored. The dynamics of the suspended load through a series of storm flows are examined in relation to sediment supply and progressive exhaustion effects. The variation in the grain size of the inorganic fraction of the particulate load during the passage of the floods is detailed and variations in the organic content of the load assessed. Two distinct models of dissolved cation concentration response to stream discharge variations are proposed which reflect differences in basin geology. Finally total load calculations are presented for the year.