Great Lakes Glacial Surveys Results

Laura Sherrod - 2012

A GSSI SIR 3000 with 200MHz antenna was used to survey the Great Lakes sites.  The antenna was towed behind the field vehicle with a survey wheel attached to provide horizontal scaling for the profiles.  Topset and foreset beds were imaged at both delta deposit sites.  These images provide evidence of the deltaic nature of this region.   

Image of GPR profiles at the delta location showing the topset and foreset beds.

GPR profile of kettle depression.

 In addition to delta images of topset and foreset beds, kettle depressions, some containing crossbed features from deposits inside the depression, were imaged at the second field site. 
The 200MHz GPR antenna was towed behind the field vehicle while Dr. Drzyzga operated the GPS.  Dr. Blewett walked along the path to locate the proper direction for the GPR survey lines. Dr. Drzyzga takes a detailed GPS reading along the GPS profile. 
Some kettle depressions are filled with water to create kettle lakes visible beside the survey lines. The 200MHz antenna was connected to the field vehicle and towed along the dirt roads.  Sand dunes adjacent to the survey lines indicate the high quantity of sand in the subsurface, ideal for GPR surveys
Dr. Drzyzga and Dr. Blewett walk in front of the survey to clear the path of overhanging limbs  The sandy soils of the survey location are ideal for GPR surveys.  Dr. Drzyzga takes GPS measurements along the survey line. 
Results published in Geomorphology, August 2014
2012 Great Lakes Glacial Mapping
 Geologic Mapping Ground Penetrating Radar
Sherrod Home Page