The Formation and Evolution of the Stockton Island Tombolo, Refined by OSL Geochronology
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Abstract
Past research conducted on strandplain sequences has shown strandplains can record Holocene lake level changes. The Stockton Island tombolo, of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, holds such a record within its eastern and western strandplains; however, its data is at risk of being erased due to its position in a region of subsiding glacial isostatic adjustment. The objectives of this study were to provide geologic dates to evaluate the formation and evolution of the tombolo, as well as assess an apparent truncation of the western strandplain by the eastern. 19 samples were collected along transects from ridges within each strandplain. Samples were dated using Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) techniques. These age results will provide useful geochronological context for future ecological and archaeological research on the tombolo; they will also provide a more robust understanding of past lake level variations which may enhance public education on water resources and climate change.