Abstract
Abstract Criteria for the recognition of palaeofloods have been developed from the physical marks left by the 1987 flood. This was at least the third largest, and may have been the blggest, flood on record. A palaeoflood stratigraphy was identified along the eMachobeni reach of the uMgeni River at an elevation of approximately 18–20 m above the channel base level. This palaeoflood stratigraphy is encased in coluvium and comprises four flood deposits, separated into two groups by an intervening colluvium horizon. These palaeoflood stages correspond to peak flood discharges of 24 000 to 28 000 m3s-1. Precise dating has not been possible but these events must predate AD 1750–1800. The 18–20 m flood stages may represent palaeo-superfloods which occurred during the Little Ice Age or, alternately, they may be the result of precipitation from southerly-displaced tropical cyclones. Such events may have occurred during a warmer palaeoclimate or perhaps under conditions similar to today.
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