Diagnostic Properties of Three Sediment Cores Collected in 2021-2022 from Three Water Reservoirs Draining Contaminated Catchments after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident (Mano Dam, Ogaki Dam, and Yokokawa Dam)

The current dataset was compiled to investigate sediment and radiocesium transfers in three water reservoirs: Mano Dam reservoir, Ogaki Dam reservoir and Yokokawa reservoir, which were contaminated following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident in March 2011.

This dataset contains three sediment cores, collected in 2021 in the Mano Dam reservoir and in 2022 in the Ogaki and Yokokawa reservoirs, and on potential source soils. Potential source materials include forest topsoil (n = 42), farmland topsoil (n = 56) and subsoil (subsoil material and landslide; n = 17). The dataset allows the assessment of spatial heterogeneity in sediment dynamics, erosion processes and contaminant transfer, providing insights into landscape and management influences on sediment sources and deposition patterns. Flood sediment samples were collected in November following major flood events associated with the occurrence of extreme precipitation events such as typhoons or tropical storms. 

The dataset consists of four CSV files containing data and metadata with variable descriptions.