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Interpretation of Whether Incision Rates in Appalachian Karst Reflect Long-term Downcutting toward a Surface Versus Subsurface Base Level

Fitzgibbon, Holly Ann
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1289851338

Abstract Details

2010, Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, Geological Sciences (Arts and Sciences).
Evidence of Pleistocene landscape evolution is recorded in sediment packages and cave passage morphologies found in Buckeye Creek Cave (BCC), West Virginia. Sediments and cave passages have been age-dated using U/Th and paleomagnetism so that long-term stream incision rates could be determined. The oldest cave passages are >773000 years old and the youngest passage is still forming. Incision rates calculated for higher, older cave passages are between <27 and <71 meters/million years, which is consistent with rates elsewhere in Appalachia. However, whether BCC incision rates reflect long-term valley incision or karst processes is ambiguous because passages may have been adjusted to a subsurface base level as opposed to a surface channel and valley. This would explain a low incision rate (<27m/Ma) obtained from atop thick sediments in the second lowest passage, 16.3m above the modern stream, and why comparatively little incision has occurred since the original passage floor was excavated.
Gregory Springer, PhD (Advisor)
Greg Nadon, PhD (Committee Member)
Eung Seok Lee, PhD (Committee Member)
154 p.
Geomorphology
Aggradation; Climate; Incision; Karst; Paleomagnetism; Cave; Speleothem

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Fitzgibbon, H. A. (2010). Interpretation of Whether Incision Rates in Appalachian Karst Reflect Long-term Downcutting toward a Surface Versus Subsurface Base Level [Master's thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1289851338

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Fitzgibbon, Holly. Interpretation of Whether Incision Rates in Appalachian Karst Reflect Long-term Downcutting toward a Surface Versus Subsurface Base Level. 2010. Ohio University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1289851338.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Fitzgibbon, Holly. "Interpretation of Whether Incision Rates in Appalachian Karst Reflect Long-term Downcutting toward a Surface Versus Subsurface Base Level." Master's thesis, Ohio University, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1289851338

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ohiou1289851338
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© 2010, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.