Date of Award
4-2008
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Geological and Environmental Sciences
Department
Geosciences
First Advisor
Dr. Alan E. Kehew
Second Advisor
Dr. Mohamed Sultan
Third Advisor
Dr. Patrick M. Colgan
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
The Charlevoix-Antrim and Northport drumlin fields, located in northwest Lower Michigan, lie on opposite sides of Grand Traverse Bay. Morphological measurements were derived from topographic maps and Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), combined with grain size analyses performed on collected drumlin sediments. Comparison of the morphological results demonstrates that statistical analysis of equal or better accuracy can be performed on drumlins using high resolution DEMs. The grain size analysis determined that the drumlins contain more gravel near the coast and become sandier to the south and east.
Spindle drumlins are the dominant drumlin form in both the Charlevoix-Antrim and Northport fields. The statistical results and the internal composition of the drumlins support a hypothesis that these drumlins formed during the deformation of existing ground moraine during the Greatlakean advance. The average elongation ratio (3.94) may indicate that the ground moraine displayed high shear strength where drumlins were formed; drumlins are more elongate where subglacial sediment has low shear strength. These drumlins were one of the last glacial bed forms to be created in Lower Michigan.
Recommended Citation
LeFever, Alan M., "Morphological Analysis of the Charlevoix-Antrim and Northport Drumlin Fields, Michigan Using Digital Elevation Models" (2008). Masters Theses. 3969.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/3969