IGS Info > IGS Projects

Project Details

---

Project Information Sheet 2000-01

Late Holocene lake level of Lake Superior

Funding Source:	United States Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division
Period of Contract:	1 Jul 1998 to 30 Jun 2004
Status:	ongoing — Definition of status type
Project Director:	Todd A. Thompson and John Johnston

Issue

Fluctuations in lake level are a primary control on shoreline behavior throughout the Great Lakes. This is especially true for the 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:

Outside Indiana

Indiana House Districts Affected:

none

Indiana Senate Districts Affected:

none

Indiana Congressional Districts Affected:

Information Updated February 1, 2007

Copyright © 2009, The Trustees of Indiana University