THE HISTORY OF ARIDITY IN AUSTRALIA: PRELIMINARY CHRONOLOGICAL DATA

Wind-blown sand represents a major constituent of Australia's regolith. During more arid phases of the recent geological past, such as the period associated with the last glacial maximum (LGM) around 20,000 years ago, many areas experienced extensive sand movement (e.g., Nanson et al. 1992). During dune building phases, sand grains (and clay pellets) migrate in a down-wind direction. Understanding the environmental controls o