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2.3.2 Low relief, low drainage density (Eastern Dundas Tableland - Brimpaen)

Occurrences of the Eastern Dundas Tableland within the WCMA region include plains between Cherrypool and Brimpaen along with gently undulating plains at Telangatuk East. The plains fall either side of the western Black Range and as such represent part of a once expansive Neogene plain.

The eastern part of the Dundas Tableland is an undulating to rolling landscape of plains and rises underlain by Palaeozoic and Mesozoic rocks including Rocklands Rhyolite. Neogene deposits of Parilla Sand are superimposed over these older rocks while more recent fluvial deposits mask most of the plains. These plains and rises differ significantly from the Western Dundas Tableland due to the relative low relief of the landscape and lower drainage density as well as the limited incision and dissection within the landscape. Slopes are level to gently inclined depending upon position in the landscape. Plains and rises extend southwards to form part of the greater Dundas Tableland.

Overlying Cainozoic deposits are noted for their deep regolith profiles with kaolinitic saprolite and strong cementation of ferromanganiferous nodules (ferricrete) in the upper profile resulting in texture contrast soils. Stream incision of the peneplain is not as severe as the Western Dundas Tableland with slopes for gentle and valleys rolling rather than entrenched as on the Western Dundas Tableland.

Vegetation of these slightly undulating slopes is largely savannah woodlands with red gums scattered throughout the landscape.

WLRA Geomorphic Units 2.3.2

Soils are similar to those on the high relief low density tableland (2.3.1) being gradational through to texture contrast soils with sandy surfaces and heavy subsoils (Dermosols, Chromosols). Ferricrete and ferruginous segregations (buckshot) are common as is the distinctive red and pale grey ‘tiger mottling’ that is representative of these Neogene regolith profiles. Grey (occasionally brown and black) cracking clays (Vertosols) may also occur in the depressions and on level plains.

Wetlands of these plains that also supply water to the Rocklands Reservoir occur south of Brimpaen. Savannah wetlands that are subject to periodic waterlogging seasonally provide habitats to many forms of fauna. Salinity is also a major issue (where exposed in drainage depressions often as discharge sites) with highly acidic conditions resulting in precipitation of acid sulphate minerals.

Soil-landform unit
Unit description
Area (km2)
Balmoral undulating plainDeeply dissected valley
32
Brimpaen undulating plainUndulating plain
56
Grampians outwash slopesLower outwash slopes
14
Telangatuk plainsFlat plain
132
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