Faculty Publications

Soils And Geomorphology Of The Lower Little Cedar River Valley, Northeast Iowa

Document Type

Article

Keywords

Alluvium, Geomorphology, Iowa, Soil, Stone line

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Physical Geography

Volume

26

Issue

1

First Page

52

Last Page

68

Abstract

Few studies exist of the alluvial stratigraphy and geomorphology of the Iowan Surface landform region. We investigated the alluvial stratigraphy, soils, and geomorphology along a section of the lower Little Cedar River to aid in understanding the processes forming this landform region. We used terrace- and floodplain-surface height above the Little Cedar River, soil development, sedimentological characteristics, and stone lines to distinguish alluvial units and landforms. Three Pleistocene surfaces were mapped in the valley, including two terraces and an erosion footslope. The soils and sedimentary characteristics of these surfaces are extremely variable and are used to interpret geomorphic forces acting on the landscape. Holocene alluvial units identified include three terraces and the modern floodplain. Elsewhere in the Midwest, these units have been described as the DeForest Formation, and include the Camp Creek, Roberts Creek, and Gunder Members. The most strongly developed Holocene soils are found within the Gunder Member. Profiles exhibit either A/Bt/C or A/Bw/C horizonation. Soils in Roberts Creek alluvium are not as developed as those in the Gunder Member. These profiles are predominately A/Bw/C. Soil development within Camp Creek alluvium is minimal with A/C profiles. © 2005 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Department

Department of Geography

Original Publication Date

1-1-2005

DOI of published version

10.2747/0272-3646.26.1.52

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