A loess-paleosol record of climate and glacial history over the past two glacial-interglacial cycles (similar to 150 ka), southern Jackson Hole, Wyoming

TitleA loess-paleosol record of climate and glacial history over the past two glacial-interglacial cycles (similar to 150 ka), southern Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2011
AuthorsPierce KL, Muhs DR, Fosberg MA, Mahan SA, Rosenbaum JG, Licciardi JM, Pavich MJ
JournalQuaternary Research
Volume76
Pagination119-141
Date PublishedJul
ISBN Number0033-5894
Accession NumberWOS:000292175700011
Abstract

Loess accumulated on a Bull Lake outwash terrace of Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage 6 (MIS 6) age in southern Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The 9 m section displays eight intervals of loess deposition (Loess 1 to Loess 8, oldest), each followed by soil development. Our age-depth model is constrained by thermoluminescence, meteoric 10Be accumulation in soils, and cosmogenic 10Be surface exposure ages. We use particle size, geochemical, mineral-magnetic, and clay mineralogical data to interpret loess sources and pedogenesis. Deposition of MIS 6 loess was followed by a tripartite soil/thin loess complex (Soils 8, 7, and 6) apparently reflecting the large climatic oscillations of MIS 5. Soil 8 (MIS 5e) shows the strongest development. Loess 5 accumulated during a glacial interval (~ 76–69 ka; MIS 4) followed by soil development under conditions wetter and probably colder than present. Deposition of thick Loess 3 (~ 43–51 ka, MIS 3) was followed by soil development comparable with that observed in Soil 1. Loess 1 (MIS 2) accumulated during the Pinedale glaciation and was followed by development of Soil 1 under a semiarid climate. This record of alternating loess deposition and soil development is compatible with the history of Yellowstone vegetation and the glacial flour record from the Sierra Nevada.

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