Document Type

Research

Keywords

Loess, eolian processes, stream valleys, drainage development, joint patterns

Abstract

Analysis of stream valley alignment reveals that first-order valleys, which are formed entirely within Wisconsinan loess, show a strongly preferred orientation of N40-50 degrees W, within an otherwise random distribution. This alignment is present in NW, W Central, and Central Iowa. It is not apparent in S Iowa. In NE and E Iowa wind-aligned features change to a N60-70 degree W orientation. This is interpreted as wind-alignment of the low-order valleys within the loess, created by prevailing NW winds during or shortly after loess deposition. Higher order streams are controlled by the till landscape beneath the loess. The four directions of preferred orientation in these higher order valleys are coincident with till joints.

Publication Date

March 1979

Journal Title

Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science

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Issue

First Page

Last Page

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File Format

application/pdf

Recommended Citation

Hallberg, George R. (1979) "Wind-aligned Drainage in Loess in Iowa," Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science, 86(1), 4-9.
Available at: https://scholarworks.uni.edu/pias/vol86/iss1/4

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Wind-aligned Drainage in Loess in Iowa

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