Geomorphology and Pedology of Amchitka Island: Final Report
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Date
1969-09
Authors
Everett, Kaye R.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Research Foundation, The Ohio State University
Abstract
Amchitka Island is composed of volcanic rocks and minor amounts of sandstones, conglomerates and glacial deposits, all of relatively recent geologic age. Most of these rocks are fractured and faulted. The island has undergone a series of upward and downward movements relative to sea level. Much of the present topography of the island has been conditioned by its past positions relative to sea level, as well as by glacial and near-glacial climatic conditions. Geomorphologically the island can be separated into six more or less distinct segments. The three eastern segments are characterized by upland areas with numerous shallow lakes and ponds with little or no drainage connection. On both the north and south sides of the upland the land surface is dissected into low hills. The drainage between ponds may be both via surface and subsurface routes. The streams reach the sea across an elevated marine platform after exiting through deep āVā-shaped valleys. With the exception of the shallow organic cover of the easternmost segment, this area is covered with 20 to 40 inches or more of organic soil. Seven distinct soil types have been identified on the basis of their drainage, moisture content, character of peat, particle size distribution of underlying mineral soil, position in the landscape and natural stability. Their field relationships are presented on five map sheets which accompany this report. These soil groups have been mapped in detail at small scale and form the basis for predictions as to their behavior under testing and construction activities. The soil characterizations provide a basis on which the biological programs, particularly vegetation and pond ecology studies, can draw for community distribution and pond chemistry.
Description
"Prepared for Battelle Memorial Institute"
Keywords
Amchitka Island, Geomorphology--Amchitka Island, Pedology--Amchitka Island
Citation
Everett, Kaye R. 1969. Geomorphology and Pedology of Amchitka Island: Final Report. Ohio State University Research Foundation Report 2508-Final, Research Foundation, The Ohio State University, 151 pages.