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.

Included in

Glaciology Commons

Share

COinS