Landforms and soils on an uplifted peneplain in the Darling Range Western Australia

Abstract

Landforms and soils of part of the Darling Range, Western Australia, are described. A controlling factor is rejuvenation of drainage following Tertiary (?) uplift of the Western Australian Shield, and the extent and effects of this are assessed. Broad divides carry remnants of old landscapes extensively preserved further inland, while sequential changes in valley forms and soils suggest stages in uplift. Upstream, valleys are broad and shallow, with low gradients, and deep weathering and old soils are widespread. Downstream, stages of progressively increasing sharpness and depth of incision of valleys are observable, and while deep weathering and old soils are preserved on the uplands, the steeper valley sides carry younger and fresher soil materials. Consideration of long and cross sections and soil patterns permit some separation of the effects of structure, uplift, and climate in landscape development.