3.2: Biophysical classification: Classifying Riverscapes across northern Australia

Leader:

Andrew Brooks

Abstract

A universally accepted system of classifying riverscapes (i.e. a geomorphic river classification scheme) does not exist for the tropical north of Australia. This project will develop such a classification and so provide an understanding of the diversity of riverscapes in northern Australia. It will also provide a rational basis for extrapolating limited, site-specific data collected in the TRaCK program to the rest of the wet-dry tropics.

Outcomes

This project will develop a tool to describe similarities and differences in riverscapes across the region at three spatial scales. The tool will be in the form of a web-based GIS product (subject to negotiations with organisations who would host the site). It will be possible for a variety of map products to be generated from this interface.

The web-based GIS product will be broadly applicable for use by government agencies and regional NRM groups in planning their management actions. Different management actions will be appropriate for different types of riverscape. The output from this project will also be designed in a manner that can be updated as more detailed base data becomes available in the future.

Where is the research happening?

The riverscape classification will be for the entire 1.2 M km² catchment area of tropical northern Australia (at varying resolutions). Field survey data and ground photos will be incorporated for specific sites in the Nicholson, Leichhardt, Mitchell, and Gilbert catchments.

Who's involved

This project is being conducted by scientists at the Australian Rivers Institute (ARI) at Griffith University in Brisbane and the Australian National University in Canberra. The team is lead by Dr Andrew Brooks (ARI). A number of other project teams within TRaCK will also be consulted to ensure that the classification scheme adopted meets multiple needs.