Quaternary Glacial Mapping in Western Wisconsin Using Soil Survey Information

Abstract

The majority of soils in the western Wisconsin have developed from glacial sediments deposited during the Quaternary Period (2.6 million years before present). In many regions, multiple advances and retreats have left a complex landscape of diverse glacial sediments and landforms. The soils that have developed on these deposits reflect the nature of the parent material and glacial sediments. Data from the Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) database were utilized to digitally map Quaternary deposits and in St. Croix County, Wisconsin. Maps of ice source region (northwest vs. northeast) and parent materials (till vs. outwash) were produced. Results were compared to a preliminary Quaternary surficial geology map. Overall agreement between the geologic map and the map created using soil survey information was generally greater than 60%. This research shows that soil surveys can provide reliable, accurate, and high-resolution data on Quaternary surficial geology. In addition, this research shows the linkage and value of soil science to other disciplines such as geology.