Active Floodplain Sedimentation Dynamics in the Upper Tisza Region, Hungary, After River Regulation

River regulation and embankment construction have fundamentally altered the hydrological relationships and sediment accumulation dynamics of floodplains worldwide. This study examines the accumulation conditions in the Upper Tisza (Hungary) floodplain, focusing on the different surface development conditions of oxbow lakes and fossil natural levees following human intervention. During the study, we integrated high resolution LIDAR terrain models with detailed sedimentological analyses (grain size composition, pH, EC, OC, CaCO3). We used multivariate statistical methods (principal component and cluster analysis) to separate soil formation processes and sediment accumulation. Based on our results, we identified sharp sedimentological boundaries indicating artificial meander cutting (1852). We demonstrated that the cut meanders function as sediment traps, where the accumulation of fine grained sediments is significantly faster (>0.34 cm/year) than on the higher elevation natural levees (0.1 cm/year). Statistical analysis identified five distinct sedimentation environments, successfully separating recent soil levels from river sediments. These results provide an important basis for the complex management of floodplains, such as flood protection, water retention, and habitat management planning.