River braiding caused by rapid floodplain deformation - Insights from Holocene dynamics of the Jarama River in central Spain

摘要

In this paper we will use an illustrative example to show the significance of rapid vertical movements inside floodplains as well as varying discharge values for the alteration of channel and sedimentation patterns during the Holocene. Concerning such relationships, well documented and well dated references from sedimentary records are rather rare. The developments within the lower Jarama Valley have been significantly supported by an interaction of tectonic activity, evaporite dissolution, and halokinetics that initiated rapid vertical movements over short distances and caused the formation of knick-points and gradient changes along the longitudinal floodplain profile. Furthermore, the specific Mediterranean climate caused highly variable discharges including extreme runoff peaks.