1.3.2 Enclosed landscapes of low relief (Murmungee, Omeo, Dargo, Buldah)

1. Eastern Uplands (EU)

1.3.1 Low relief landscapes at low elevation (Cann River south, Silvan, Templestowe)
1.3.2 Enclosed landscapes of low relief (Murmungee, Omeo, Dargo, Buldah)
1.3.3 Terraces, fans and floodplains (Kiewa Valley, Wonnangatta Valley)
1.3.4 Karst with depressions (Buchan)

These landscapes have similar landforms to those of Tier 1.4.6, but are bordered by higher and steeper landscapes. Where they are formed by differential erosion of bodies of weatherable igneous rocks, the bedrock that was in contact with the intruded igneous mass has been altered (metamorphosed), and because it is less readily weathered and eroded it typically remains as a steep ridge surrounding the lowered landscape. The Murmungee and Dargo landscapes are of this type. Where faulting has created the enclosed condition, the main difference between the two landscapes is mainly due to differences in elevation. Both faulting and differential erosion have influenced the development of the Omeo landscape, - placed in Tier 1.2.2 because of its higher elevation.

The native vegetation has been cleared from most of these landscapes. Originally it would have consisted of woodland to low open forest. Where general elevations are up to about 500m the vegetation includes red stringybark, candlebark gum, red box, broad-leaf peppermint and long-leaf box, but where elevations are higher, as at Omeo, candlebark gum and snow gum are the more common species.

The soils on the steeper enclosing slopes are mainly shallow, poorly structured gradational or uniform texture soils (kandosols), or even the less developed stony soils with little pedogenic development (tenosols and rudosols) on steep and exposed slopes. On the low hills, kandosols are common and red and brown texture contrast soils (kurosols) may occur on older, less-steep surfaces.

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