Floodouts at tributary junctions formed during major floods when sediment was dumped in the flow path. Dense vegetation grows in the floodouts in a geomorphological/ecological feedback: the vegetation maintains the landform and vice versa. If erosion allows a channel to establish through the floodout, the cycle reverses and the area becomes unproductive. Circumstances which promote erosion may include floods, vegetation thinning, or linear disturbances eg roads or fences. The floodouts are important drought refugia, and are ecologically equivalent to riparian zones. Because of their efficiency in trapping floodwaters, floodouts in western NSW often contain dams, contributing to the prosperity of grazing properties.
Renmark, South Australia
ISSN 1323 660
Full-text publications from the Australian Rangelands Society (ARS) Biennial Conference Proceedings (1997-), Rangeland Journal (ARS/CSIRO; 1976-), plus videos and other resources about the rangelands of Australia.