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Soil Geomorphology of the Millstone Site (36EL204) and Riverview Site (36EL203) Allegheny National Forest, Elk County, Pennsylvania

Fritz, Brian L.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1319568412

Abstract Details

2011, Master of Science, University of Akron, Geology.
First Americans studies are dependent upon the discovery of Paleoindian campsites that have survived the degradations of time. Identifying buried alluvial landforms that contain stratified Late Pleistocene sediments is an important component in the search for Paleoindain sites. Recent archaeological investigations at the Millstone site (36EL204) have discovered evidence of stable Late Pleistocene land surfaces that are buried in alluvial terraces along the Clarion River located in northwestern Pennsylvania. Presented in this report are the findings of a detailed soil geomorphology study conducted on the soils and sediments at the Millstone site (36EL204) and the Riverview site (36EL203). Soil profile descriptions, soil particle-size distribution, soil-magnetics, X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical mineralogy, archaeological evidence, and chronometric dating of sediments were used to construct a chronostratigraphic framework for soils and sediments within the Clarion River Basin. Fine-earth fraction particle-size distribution patterns and coarse-earth clast morphology were successful in differentiating between alluvial and colluvial deposits. Depth plots of percent total clay, fine clay to total clay ratios, and soil magnetic parameters indicate the presence of weakly developed, buried B horizons. Lithologic discontinuities were identified by the presence of stone lines and pronounced variation in depth plots of clay-free, particle-size distribution parameters. Three allostratigraphic units were defined by the evidence derived by the soil stratigraphy and lithostratigraphy. Allostratigraphic units were found to be laterally persistent across both alluvial and colluvial landforms. Accelerated mass spectrometry (AMS) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating results establish a Late Pleistocene age of buried alluvial surfaces at the Millstone site (36EL204). Possible correlations of allostratigraphic units between the Millstone and Riverview sites suggest that buried Late Pleistocene alluvial soils may be intermittently persistent throughout large portions of the Clarion River Basin. A GIS-based river basin analysis concluded that the Middle Clarion River Basin provides the best opportunities for finding Late Pleistocene alluvial sediments and stratified Paleoindian sites.
John Szabo, Dr. (Advisor)
Linda Barrett, Dr. (Committee Member)
John Peck, Dr. (Committee Member)
Michael Shott, Dr. (Committee Member)
267 p.
Archaeology; Geology; Geomorphology; Soil Sciences
Soil; geomorphology; archaeology; Paleoindian; Clarion River; Millstone site; Riverview site; allostratigraphy; AMS; OSL; Late Pleistocene; Allegheny National Forest, Elk County, Pennsylvania

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Fritz, B. L. (2011). Soil Geomorphology of the Millstone Site (36EL204) and Riverview Site (36EL203) Allegheny National Forest, Elk County, Pennsylvania [Master's thesis, University of Akron]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1319568412

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Fritz, Brian. Soil Geomorphology of the Millstone Site (36EL204) and Riverview Site (36EL203) Allegheny National Forest, Elk County, Pennsylvania. 2011. University of Akron, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1319568412.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Fritz, Brian. "Soil Geomorphology of the Millstone Site (36EL204) and Riverview Site (36EL203) Allegheny National Forest, Elk County, Pennsylvania." Master's thesis, University of Akron, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1319568412

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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© 2011, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Akron and OhioLINK.