Quaternary Glacial Mapping Using Soil Survey Information.

Quaternary Glacial Mapping Using Soil Survey Information Betsy M. Oehlke and Dr. Holly A.S. Dolliver University of Wisconsin- River Falls The majority of soils in the Upper Midwest have developed from glacial materials deposited during the Quaternary Period. In many regions multiple advances and retreats have left a complex landscape of diverse glacial sediments and landforms. The soils that have developed on these deposits reflect the nature of the parent material. ArcGIS, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Survey Geographic data, and topographic data were utilized to digitally map Quaternary deposits and landforms in selected regions in the Upper Midwest. Glacial sediments mapped included till, outwash, lacustrine and loess, while topographic data aided in identification and mapping of landforms such as outwash plains, lake plains, moraines, drumlins, and eskers. Results were compared to published maps from other data sources and field data. This project demonstrates that soil surveys can provide reliable, accurate, and high-resolution data on the Quaternary geologic history in the region. In addition this project shows the linkage and value of soil science to other disciplines such as geology.