Pre-Woodfordian Paleosols in Indiana

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The study focuses on detailed geological-pedological characterization of the pre-Woodfordian paleosols in Indiana, with emphasis on the Sangamon Soil. Pre-Sangamonian paleosols will also be investigated. Although there are numerous excellent exposures of paeosols in Indiana, comprehensive descriptions and characterizations are uncommon, especially from a pedological viewpoint, except in the southwestern part of the state. Far less is known about paleosols in Indiana than in other midwestern states such as Illinois and Iowa. However, the state is geologically well located so that the proposed study can include paleosols developed from different parent materials, under different topographic, and therefore drainage, conditions (paleocatenas), and over as great a range of latitude as possible, in order to possibly evaluate differences due to paleoclimate. In the context of our knowledge of paeosols in the midcontinent, the study should contribute to understanding of sedimentological and erosional histories with respect to pedological history, especially in "two-story" or "multiple- story" paleosols often marked by lithologic and/or pedologic discontinuities. Also to be considered are the effects of diagenesis, definition of glacial/interglacial boundaries and stratigraphic correlation, relative degrees of development of paleosols, and applications such as the siting of waste-disposal facilities. The objectives of the study will be achieved through a combination of field investigation, laboratory analysis, and dating. All investigations will be conducted in the context of the soil profile.