Survey of topographic levels and drainage patterns in the Dungeness area, Queensland

Topographic levels within the study area were measured along 10 transects. The location and direction of each transect was selected on the basis of aerial photographs, the vegetation map prepared by Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service and a preliminary site inspection by Barry Clough.Trees were tagged, or 1.8 metre timber stakes were placed at approximately 20 metre intervals, numbered sequentially starting from the landward margin, along each transect. On 17 February 1992, 1.5 metre lengths of cotton tape, previously dyed with a water-soluble food dye were nailed to the tagged trees or to the stakes. Following the extremely high tide of 18 February 1992, measurements were made of the distance between the water mark on the tape and the soil surface. Where necessary, a correction was applied for the difference in elevation between the base of the tree and the surrounding soil. A total of 202 such measurements were made in the study area. In the course of making these measurements, the direction of movement of the receding tide was also noted. The survey of topographic levels and drainage patterns in the Dungeness area was undertaken to determine whether a planned development adjacent to Enterprise Channel would allow sufficient tidal exchange to maintain the mangroves in the study area in a relatively intact condition.