Louisiana State University LSU Digital Commons LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses Graduate School 1989 Geomorphic and Stratigraphic Evolution of the Middle Amite River Valley, Southeastern Louisiana. Whitney Joseph Autin Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/gradschool_disstheses Recommended Citation Autin, Whitney Joseph, "Geomorphic and Stratigraphic Evolution of the Middle Amite River Valley, Southeastern Louisiana." (1989). LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses. 4695. https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/gradschool_disstheses/4695 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at LSU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses by an authorized administrator of LSU Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. 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University Microfilms International A Bell & Howell Information Company 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, Ml 48106-1346 USA 313/761-4700 800/521-0600 Order Number 9002121 Geomorphic and stratigraphic evolution of the middle Amite River Valley, southeastern Louisiana Autin, Whitney Joseph, Ph.D. The Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical Col., 1989 UMI 300 N. ZeebRd. Ann Arbor, MI 48106 GEOMORPHIC AND STRATIGRAPHIC EVOLUTION OF THE MIDDLE AMITE RIVER VALLEY, SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA A Dissertation Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of the Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in The Department of Geology and Geophysics by Whitney Joseph Autin B. S., Nicholls State University, 1976 M. S., University of Mississippi, 1978 May 1989 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Many individuals and organizations have contributed to the successful completion of this project. I would first like to thank C. G. Groat, State Geologist and Director of the Louisiana Geological Survey (LGS), for consistent financial support, allowing me the time to investigate this problem, and allowing the LGS to provide the various logistical support necessary for conducting this study. Numerous members of the LGS offered their time to assist in the field and provided an open forum for exchange of ideas. The LGS Cartographic Section, especially John Snead, Bud Millet, Eddie Koch, Dave McCraw, Sue Birnbaum, Matthew Morris, and Matt Armand drafted the maps and diagrams generated by this project. The LGS Editorial Section consistently answered my questions concerning writing style, grammar, and the formalities of scientific writing. The LGS word processor operators were a blessing, especially Tangular Williams who coached me on the use of Word Perfect and cleaned up the complex parts of the tables and appendices. Several people at LSU have been instrumental in providing assistance and support in a number of ways. The faculty and staff of the Department of Agronomy provided field and laboratory assistance, especially Will Day for drilling holes and producing the laboratory results. I especially thank Dr. Dag Nummedal of the Department of Geology and Geophysics who evolved into my committee chairman. His continued encouragement and advice kept me focused towards the geological audience during my analysis and writing. Thanks are also extended to my committee, Drs. Jeff Hanor, Richard Kesel, Roger Saucier, and Mark Walthall for their support, advice, and encouragement. Many people from USDA Soil Conservation Service have influenced my perceptions on field geology and geomorphology. Thanks are extended to Warren Cockerham and Arville Touchet of the State Soil Survey Office in Alexandria for keeping open the doors of the beaurocracy. I also especially thank Donald McDaniel and Larry Trahan for showing me what they have been observing and mapping in the field. I also wish to thank the people who have influenced my career decisions and provided the opportunities leading to a place in the world of scientific research. Ray Frederking and Earl Grissinger were instrumental in arousing my curiousity about rivers early in my research career. Of foremost significance is the late Dr. Bobby J. Miller, who was always willing to talk and planted numerous creative ideas with me. He opened my eyes regarding the recognition of subtle soil geomorphic relations in the field, what questions to ask, and how to seek answers. In short, he taught me how to conduct scientific field investigations. He is dearly missed and I can only hope that my research can make him proud of the skills that he passed on to me. I thank Roger Saucier for the avid enthusiasm he has for my topic, and his willingness to share opinions regarding Quaternary geology of the Gulf Coast and Mississppi River valley. He has ways to get me to think about things I would otherwise neglect. A special note of thanks goes to Dag Nummedal, Roger Saucier, Joann Mossa, and Art Bettis for early reviews of my manuscript and many helpful criticisms and insightful discussions. Thanks to the landowners and gravel pit operators in the Amite River. I would not have been able to conduct this field investigation without their cooperation and patience. Thanks to my Mom and Dad for encouraging my continuing education. Scott Burns, my P.R. man, has consistently kept me in touch with the right people and places. Thanks to all my friends and loved ones who put up with me for all the years that I persisted with this project. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ....................................................................................................... ii TABLE OF CONTENTS............................................................................................................ iv LIST OF TABLES ...................................................................................................................... vi LIST OF FIGURES .................................................................................................................... vii ABSTRACT ......................................................................................................................................viii INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................... 1 Study Area ...................................................................................................................... 2 Methods ............................... 4 O b jectiv es ......................................................................................................................... 5 INFLUENCES ON THE AMITE RIVER ............................................................................. 8 Inherent Geomorphic Processes ................................................................................ 8 Eustatic Sea Level Rise ............................................................................................. 8 Mississippi River Delta P lain ..................................................................................... 9 Tectonic Adjustment .................................................................................................... 10 Climate Fluctuation ....................................................................................................... 10 Effects of Interaction .................................................................................................... 12 RATIONALE FOR GEOLOGIC MAPPING ..................................................................... 13 BASIN SETTING ......................................................................................................................... 18 Regional Setting ............................................................................................................ 18 The Middle Amite R iv er ............................................................................................. 19 Prairie Terraces ..............................................................................................