Appalachian Palaeoperiglacial Geomorphology
I study surficial geology and geomorphology of certain classes of large-scale periglacial features that are know only to form under unforested cold-climate conditions. These features, such as low-angle blockfields, large-scale patterned ground, and stratified slope deposits occur today under dense forest covers in the central and southern Appalachians in many upland sites. Establishing proof of a fossil nature would demonstrate the former existence of widespread tundra conditions in exposed high elevation sites in the Appalachians Determining date(s) of formation will not only establish a chronology but will also demonstrate that subsequent slope stability has obtained in environments where these features occur.
View of large scale sorted nets on Mt. Davis, Pennsylvania.
Soil pit across sorted net border area exposing Spodosol morphology in net center and gleyed horizons beneath block concentration, Red Run, West Virginia.
G. Michael Clark
Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences
1412 Circle Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-1410
Phone: (865) 974-6006
Email: clarkgmorph@utk.edu