This research had the following objectives:
- To refine the catchment typology generated by the initial investigation (see NERR007).
- To analyse data on sediment yields and rating curves and identify best estimates of values consistent with near-pristine (reference conditions) with which to populate the refined typology.
- To consider ecological information being collated by parallel projects on the sensitivities of biota to enhanced siltation/sediment delivery, and identify (where possible) values of sediment yield and/or rating curves likely to protect against impacts, according to the refined catchment typology from (1).
- To devise a statistical rationale and process for comparing observed values of sediment yield and shape/position of rating curve with reference/critical values.