Date of Award

12-1994

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Geological and Environmental Sciences

Department

Geosciences

First Advisor

Dr. Alan E. Kehew

Second Advisor

Dr. Thomas Straw

Third Advisor

Dr. Richard Passero

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

Cross sections profiling the stratigraphy of the glacial sediments were created using the geological logs recorded on water well records. Glacial sediments in the study area comprise a large outwash complex between two moraines. The surficial landforms are the result of the last Wisconsinan advance and retreat through the area.

Cross sections contructed for this project reveal at least three major till units. An additional till unit contains a weathered soil sequence. Therefore, it is possible that this paleosol represents the Sangamon Interglacial period between the Wisconsinan and Illinoian stages. No obvious evidence of movement of the Saginaw Lobe remains in the study area with the exception of clayey till found on the Wakeshma till plain. Any till deposited by movement of this relatively thin ice lobe may have been obliterated by subsequent erosional action of ice and meltwater. Two till units overlying the older till represent two advances of the Lake Michigan Lobe through the area. Deposition of the Tekonsha Moraine by these two advances appears to have been controlled by bedrock topography. Absence of till in the southwest portion of the study area indicates rapid ice movement and powerful meltwater action in this area. What has previously been mapped as the Sturgis Moraine in this area may actually be a push moraine resulting from the second advance of the Lake Michigan Lobe.

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