Aeolian Modification of Pleistocene Terraces Along the Cimarron River in Major County, Oklahoma

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe and interpret the interaction between fluvial and aeolian processes that are responsible for creating landforms on the terraces of the Cimarron River in Major County, Oklahoma. The landscape on the Pleistocene terraces of the Cimarron River was developed under fluctuating fluvial and Aeolian processes. Aeolian processes have modified the fluvial landforms by depositing dune fields and sand sheets on the terraces. Episodes of aeolian activity have occurred throughout the Holocene. Detailed soil-stratigraphic studies and radiocarbon dating were conducted at two sites to establish the chronology of landscape fonnation during the Holocene on the Qt2 terrace of the Cimarron River. Radiocarbon dating of soil humates shows significant sand mobilization over the last 2,000 years. Regional geomorphic mapping and was conducted and relative dating techniques were used to assess geomorphic processes that have been active throughout the Quaternary.