Reports: B8
43910-B8 Quaternary Eolian Stratigraphy of the Central Plain of Wisconsin
The purpose of this project was to obtain stratigraphic and chronologic data for Quaternary deposits in Wisconsin's Central Sand Plain (CSP). During the first year, stratigraphic descriptions, particle-size analysis and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating methods were used to investigate eolian dune strata. The age estimates indicate the majority of dune formation occurred between 14-10 ka. These ages not only constrain eolian activity but are also minimum age estimates of the drainage of glacial Lake Wisconsin and the abandonment of meltwater streams flanking the Green Bay Lobe of the Laurentide Ice Sheet.
The second year of this project focused on expanding our understanding of other Quaternary strata in the CSP. In addition, an emphasis was placed on involving undergraduates as significantly as possible. That is, an effort was made to let them lead the research. Three students (Jill Thalacker, Elijah Caywood and Bennett Morris) conducted independent research on data collected during the 2007 field season. These three students presented their results at the 2008 National Conference of Undergraduate Research in Salisbury, Maryland. In addition, Bennett was also the recipient of PRF SUMR supplemental funding to investigate the location of large dunes in the CSP. The results of that project were presented at the 2008 Westlakes Divisional Meeting of the Association of American Geographers and the North-Central Sectional Meeting of the Geological Society of America. Bennett is now a graduate student in Minnesota working on a Masters in Geographic Information Systems.
The third year of this project was dedicated to dissemination of results and seeking additional funding for future research. The PI presented a summary of the project results at the 2008 annual meeting of the Geological Society of America. In addition, the PI secured funding from the National Science Foundation for a new Research Experience for Undergraduates Site award titled the Dune Undergraduate Geomorphology and Geochronology (DUGG) Site (NSF Award # EAR 0850024). DUGG focuses on Quaternary eolian landscapes in Wisconsin. The project includes an eight-week field and laboratory study through the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and University of Nebraska-Lincoln. DUGG students will focus on a central question, Which geomorphic and climatic factors have impacted the formation of dunes in Wisconsin? Students will be directly involved in identifying the links between changes in climate and concomitant landscape response by studying Wisconsin's dunes through field studies and the use of OSL dating. On a local scale, the study of Wisconsin's dunes is of direct importance in unraveling the state's recent geologic and climate histories. In Great Lake coastal settings, students will study the response of dune systems to changes in Holocene lake levels. In inland settings, studies will focus on dunes and the underlying deposits that hold key information for better constraining the state's deglacial history. Students will also be introduced to recent advances in the study of dune geomorphology and the importance of dune activity on a global scale, including the link to global dust production, which has significant impacts on climate, ocean biogeochemistry, ecology, loess, soils and human activity.
In addition, this project will provide first-hand experience in modern field and laboratory based problem-solving techniques in the earth sciences. These include conducting hypothesis-driven field based research coupled with laboratory analyses such as optically stimulated luminescence dating and modern techniques in sedimentology such as ground penetrating radar. By working on this project, students will gain an appreciation for how geologists formulate hypotheses and answer basic research questions. This project was a direct result of work completed with ACS PRF funding (#43910-B8) reported here.
