Palaeoflood level reconstructions in a lowland setting from urban archaeological stratigraphy, Rhine river delta, the Netherlands

• Geoarchaeological data provide water levels for the Rhine millennial flood in 1374. Raised ground directly overlying beds may improve level reconstruction. Reconstructed throughout delta are compared to a modern flood. Embankment and flow division alter palaeoflood interpretations lowland settings. Reconstructing reached during past floods contributes fluvial system understanding risk assessments. For methodological restrictions, this type of research is usually conducted confined valley In study, we expand upon that geomorphological context by reconstructing extreme setting. We used archaeological stratigraphy medieval river cities determine largest historic year obtained minimum estimates identifying thin deposits interbedded with anthropogenic layers, further constrained peak using fourteenth-century raised layers these deposits. First, tested proposed method extracting from urban city Arnhem. Then, complemented those results historical other arrive at complete overview delta. This shows 1374 exceed highest instrumental record along northern distributary (IJssel river), but not western distributaries central (Nederrijn Waal rivers). pattern explained changes discharge over different branches rise embankments since late times, which considerably decreased flooded area. Thus, study demonstrates only potential reconstructions floodplain settings, also pitfalls, resulting spatially complex flooding patterns terrain modifications.