Using environmental radionuclides, mineral magnetism and sediment geochemistry for tracing and dating fine fluvial sediments

This chapter focuses on the measurements (the tools), namely gamma‐emitting radionuclides, environmental magnetism and sediment geochemistry. By studying the post‐fallout redistribution and fate of these fallout radionuclides, it is possible to obtain essentially unique information on soil and sediment redistribution and, therefore, on erosion and deposition rates. The chapter reviews the various approaches that can be used to obtain information on sediment source. The set of sediment properties to be included in a composite fingerprint is frequently selected empirically. The chapter presents a case study illustrating combining fallout radionuclide measurements and sediment source fingerprinting for sediment budgeting: Pang and Lambourn Catchments, United Kingdom. The tools are often used by geomorphologists to date recent sedimentary deposits, document rates of soil and sediment redistribution, establish sediment sources, generate sediment budgets and reconstruct the functioning of past sediment systems.