Stratigraphy and chronology of offshore to nearshore deposits associated with the Provo shoreline, Pleistocene Lake Bonneville, Utah

Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology
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Abstract

Stratigraphic descriptions and radiocarbon data from eleven field locations are presented in this paper to establish a chronostratigraphic framework for offshore to nearshore deposits of Lake Bonneville. Based on key marker beds and geomorphic position, the deposits are interpreted to have accumulated during the period from the late transgressive phase, through the overflowing phase, into the regressive phase of the lake. Radiocarbon ages of sediments associated with the Provo shoreline indicate that Lake Bonneville dropped rapidly from the Provo shoreline at about 12,600 14C yr BP (15,000 cal yr B.P.). The presence of one or more sand beds in the upper part of the Provo-aged marl indicates rapid lowering of lake level or storm events at the end of the Provo episode. An accurate understanding of the timing and nature of Lake Bonneville's climate-driven regression from the Provo shoreline is critical to correlations with records of regional and hemispheric climate change. The rapid descent of the lake from the Provo shoreline correlates with the decline of Lakes Lahontan and Estancia, and with the onset of the BØlling–AllerØd warming event.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Stratigraphy and chronology of offshore to nearshore deposits associated with the Provo shoreline, Pleistocene Lake Bonneville, Utah
Series title Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology
DOI 10.1016/j.palaeo.2011.08.005
Volume 310
Issue 3-4
Year Published 2011
Language English
Publisher Elsevier
Contributing office(s) Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center
Description 9 p.
First page 442
Last page 450
Country United States
State Utah
Other Geospatial Pleistocene Lake Bonneville
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