Late quaternary evolution of the Meuse fluvial system and its sediment composition : a reconstruction based on bulk sample geochemistry and forward modelling

All fluvial systems ultimately drain into alluvial basins, where the weathering products of their upstream drainage areas accumulate over a time-span varying from 10 0to 10 6years. Most silted-up alluvial basins are low-gradient deltas that are densely populated, because their high fertility maintains a high agricultural potential. Global warming due to increased concentrations of greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere will very likely affect the quantity and quality of both water discharges and fine-grained sediment fluxes to these alluvial basins. The long-term interplay between tectonic... Mehr ...