Date of Award
4-2005
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Geological and Environmental Sciences
Department
Geosciences
First Advisor
Dr. Alan E. Kehew
Second Advisor
Dr. Duane Hampton
Third Advisor
Dr. William B. Harrison III
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
A detailed investigation of selected mineralogical and textural characteristics of glacial deposits was conducted in order to explore the complex relationships between the Lake Michigan and Saginaw Lobe ice-margins and associated depositional regimes during the deglaciation of southwest Michigan. Various analytical methodologies were applied to the characterization of glacial materials, glacial and post-glacial environments in order to infer a chronology of lobate activity.
The Sturgis Moraine, located in St. Joseph County, Michigan, is a major recessional moraine owing to the processes of both the Lake Michigan and Saginaw Lobes. Analysis of geologic materials and examination of subsurface data along with geomorphic evidence has shown that ice-margins of the Lake Michigan and Saginaw Lobes oscillated in southwest Michigan and contributed to the development of the Sturgis Moraine. As they did so, they left behind alternating deposits of glaciolacustrine and glaciofluvial materials separated by regionally significant units of glacial till.
The data gathered in this study demonstrates that the two sections of the Sturgis Moraine were developed by different glacial processes and subsequently display variability in deposits and associated geomorphic features.
Recommended Citation
Kendzierski, Scott J., "An Investigation of the Interlobate Area West of Three Rivers, Michigan and Its Relationship to the Late Wisconsinan Glaciation of Southwest Michigan" (2005). Masters Theses. 3919.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/3919