Great Lakes paleohydrology: Complex interplay of glacial meltwater, lake levels, and sill depths

Authors

David K. Rea, University of Michigan - Ann ArborFollow
Ted C. Moore Jr, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Thane W. Anderson, Geological Survey of Canada
C.F. M. Lewis, Geological Survey of CanadaFollow
David M. Dobson, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
David L. Dettman, University of Michigan - Ann ArborFollow
Alison J. Smith, Kent State University - Kent CampusFollow
Larry A. Mayer, University of New HampshireFollow

Abstract

The oxygen isotope record of ostracode and clam shells recovered from Great Lakes cores of known age allows definition of times when meltwaters from the Laurentide ice sheet were important components of lake water in the several lake basins since 12 ka. We find that the lowstands in Lake Huron and Georgian Bay are characterized by isotopically light waters (δ¹⁸O values of -20‰ to -22‰ relative to SMOW [standard mean ocean water]) and the highstands by isotopically heavy waters of more local origin. These data can be used to determine the degree of hydraulic separation among the early Holocene lakes. Southern Lake Michigan, for instance, may mix with northern-source waters only during times of rising and high water levels. Generally it is characterized by waters of local origin.

Department

Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping Affiliate

Publication Date

12-1994

Publisher

Geological Society of America

Journal Title

Geology

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1130/0091-7613(1994)​022<1059:GLPCIO>​2.3.CO;2

Document Type

Article

Recommended Citation

Rea, D.K., Moore, T.C., Jr., Anderson, T.W., Lewis, C.F.M., Dobson, D., Dettman, D.L., Smith, A.J., and Mayer, L.A., 1994, Great Lakes paleohydrology: Complex interplay of glacial meltwater, lake levels and sill depths, Geology, vol. 22, pp. 1059-1062.