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Project Details

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Project Information Sheet 1999-23

Late Holocene lake level of Lake Michigan

Funding Source:	U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Status:	completed — Definition of status type
Project Director:	Todd A. Thompson

Issue

Fluctuations in lake level are the primary control on shoreline behavior through the Great Lakes. This is especially true for sandy coastlines of northwestern Indiana. The historical record from lake-level gauges is too short to statistically recognize patterns of lake-level change that are longer than about 10 years. A longer record of lake-level fluctuations can be created by using the geologic record.

Objective

The purpose of this project is to determine the physical limits and timing of past lake-level fluctuations during the last 5,000 years.

Approach

Vibracores were collected of swash zone sediments within beach ridges to determine the elevation of the lake. Basal wetland sediments (peat and organic sands) from the swales between beach ridges were radiocarbon dated to date the age of the beach ridges. From the elevation and age information relative lake-level curves were constructed.

Products

There have been several publications released and numerous presentations made to local groups and at professional conferences.

Benefits

The results of the study can be used to develop coastal management plans.

Locations Affected:

Lake

LaPorte

Porter

Information Updated February 1, 2007

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