Geologic Overview of the Paleozoic Plateau Region of Northeastern Iowa

Authors

George R. Hallberg, Iowa Geological SurveyFollow
E. Arthur Bettis III, Iowa Geological SurveyFollow
Jean C. Prior, Iowa Geological SurveyFollow

Document Type

Research

Keywords

Quaternary geology, Pleistocene, "Driftless Area, " Landscape development

Abstract

Steep slopes, varied slope aspects, and entrenched stream valleys carved into Paleozoic-age rocks provide the geologic framework for the unique and diverse ecology of northeastern Iowa. Differential weathering and erosion of these variable rock types resulted in irregular surface slopes in a multi-stepped, high-relief landscape. Additionally, solution of carbonate bedrock produced karst topography, cavern systems, ice caves, cold-air drainage, and perennial groundwater springs. The so-called "Driftless Area" in Iowa was glaciated repeatedly in Pre-Illinoian time, and should not be called "Driftless." The name Paleozoic Plateau for this physiographic region more accurately describes some of its special aspects and also incorporates the much larger region of distinctive physiography and ecology referred to by biologists. Although the bedrock geology provides the framework for this unique region, the high relief is a product of more recent geologic history. Evidence from studies of the upland Quaternary stratigraphy and erosional history, the development of the karst system, and the fluvial deposits in the stream valleys reveal a complex Pleistocene history. Stream erosion since the last episode of glaciation (ca. 500,000 years before present) produced the deeply dissected landscape. Current research suggests that the major episode of deep-valley incision occurred during the Wisconsinan. Numerous late-Wisconsinan terraces stand 12-25 m above the present streams. A large portion of northeastern Iowa's rugged terrain is remarkably young.

Publication Date

March 1984

Journal Title

Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science

Volume

91

Issue

1

First Page

5

Last Page

11

Copyright

©1984 Iowa Academy of Science, Inc.

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

Recommended Citation

Hallberg, George R.; Bettis, E. Arthur III; and Prior, Jean C. (1984) "Geologic Overview of the Paleozoic Plateau Region of Northeastern Iowa," Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science, 91(1), 5-11.
Available at: https://scholarworks.uni.edu/pias/vol91/iss1/4