Rainfall salt accessions in the Queensland Murray - Darling Basin

Abstract

Two east–west transects were established in southern Queensland to quantify rainfall inputs of chloride and associated ions. Electrical conductivity, pH, and major and minor ions were measured at 9 sites within the Queensland Murray–Darling Basin and 1 site to the east. Variability at some sites was high, possibly a function of the sample collection method. Ionic concentrations decreased with distance inland, a trend similar to that observed elsewhere in Australia, although values closer to the coast were higher than observed in southern and western Australia. Equations to predict both annual average rainfall chloride mass deposition and total salt deposition were derived.