Paleosol Record of Late Quaternary Desertification, Chihuahuan Desert, New Mexico

Paleosols in the northern Chihuahuan Desert of North America indicate that there have been multiple geomorphic responses to bioclimatic changes over the late Quaternary. The nature and magnitude of these responses is being sought by investigating pedogenic horizons and redoximorphic features using thin sections, mineralogical analysis, carbon isotopes, and particle size analysis. The objective of this study, in addition to investigating paleoclimate, is to place current ecological studies of desertification at the Jornada Basin LTER into a broad-scale and long-term geomorphic and temporal context. This context is critical for comparing natural and anthropogenic influences on desertification.