Assessing change in floodplain wetland condition in the Murray Darling Basin, Australia

摘要: Abstract Lowland Australian rivers and floodplains have been affected by agriculture flow regulation for more than a century. Our capacity to understand the complex causes of ecosystem change is limited lack historical records condition. Records over this critical period are available through analysis sedimentary records. These provide benchmarks range natural conditions and, providing long time series conditions, trends trajectories change. Over recent decades, 51 sediment from billabongs lagoons throughout southern Murray Darling Basin subject palaeoecological analysis. The picture that emerges synthesis ecosystems undergone substantial ecological in response human activities. Diatom assemblages preserved wetland sediments attest salinisation 34% sites increased nutrient concentrations 48%. More extensive impact flux with evidence sedimentation rate, turbidity or macrophyte loss 80% sites. Intriguing differences exist timing nature experienced aquatic different parts Basin. patterns suggest underlying resilience these anthropogenic stressors, which may result contrasting hydrologic, geomorphologic climatic contexts. This systematic compilation sheds light on what principal drivers across region provides guidance as how systems can be best restored.