Ice Sheet Retreat from the Sturgis Moraine, Michigan, USA

This project aims to better constrain the timing of Laurentide Ice Sheet retreat from the Sturgis Moraine in south-central Michigan, USA. The Sturgis Moraine has previously been dated using radiocarbon and optically stimulated luminescence dating, but resulting ages of deglaciation range from ~15,000-30,000 years ago. We are dating the exposure ages of glacial erratics on the moraine using in situ 14C and 10Be geochronology in an attempt to close the age gap. This project offers the opportunity to compare deglaciation age results obtained from four independent geochronometers – a first for the Great Lakes region of North America. This project also provides for two undergraduate research the opportunity to be involved in geochronological research activities.

Status: Wrapping up

Participants & Collaborators:

• Logan Carney (Dept. of Geography & Geology, current)

• Luna Hennig (Dept. of Physics & Astronomy, current)

• PRIME Lab @ Purdue University

Funding Sources: 

• Advancing Geochronology Science, Spaces, and Systems Diversity in Geochronology (AGeS-DiG): From Metro to Moraine: Individualized authentic geochronology research experiences in southeast Michigan for two undergraduate students from underrepresented groups.