Abstract

Recent achievements in application of different natural (7Be and 210Pbex) and antropogenic (bomb-derived and Chernobyl-derived 137Cs) radionuclides in the sediment researches allow receiving quantitative assessment of sediment loss/gain for different locations along pathway from slope to the river delta. Numerous studies with examples of successful application of radionuclide techniques were done in different parts of the world. In addition the other chemical elements and physical characteristics of soil and sediment are used for evaluation of sediment transport and identification of sediment sources in different parts of fluvial system. Several directions of tracer technique application can be distinguished. There are coincided with the main topics of Symposium. General idea of presentation is to describe advantages and limitations of applications of different radionuclides for different directions of sediment researches. Some examples of applications radionuclide techniques in the investigation of soil redistribution on slopes and slope catchments, within the small watersheds and river basins are presented

Keywords: radionuclides, sediment redistribution, sedimentation rate, sediment budget, soil loss/gain, reservoirs