Geography Matters! Sediment Patterns Help Explain Past Environments in the Upper Great Lakes Region

 Randall Schaetzl, Professor in the Department of Geography at Michigan State University

A goal of geomorphology is to explain the genesis of physical landscapes. In this talk, I will outline my years-long strategy and methods used to sample wind-blown sediments, mainly loess, across Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. By examining these sediments spatially, our research group has been able to make new inroads into understanding the climatic and geomorphic environments of the region, both during and after the Late Glacial Maximum (ca. 25,000-12,000 yrs ago). A recurring theme of the talk will be that a geographic approach to geomorphology can, in certain circumstances, have clear advantages.