FACTORS CONTROLLING THE DISTRIBUTION OF ROCK STEAMS IN THE OUACHITA MOUNTAINS OF OKLAHOMA AND ARKANSAS

Traditionally rock streams are thought to be an indicator of periglacial climates. Rock streams are known to occur within the Ouachita Mountains of southeastern Oklahoma and southwestern Arkansas. Previous work has suggested they are relict features from past colder climates, although some authors have suggested they are currently active. In an attempt to understand the factors controlling the distribution of rock streams in the Ouachita Mountains, we investigate the importance of aspect, slope, elevation, and bedrock on the distribution of rock streams on Rich and Black Fork Mountains. Using aerial photographs and topographic maps we determined the slope, elevation, and aspect of 30 rock streams in the Ouachita Mountains. These results may hold important clues to the past climatic conditions of southeastern Oklahoma and southwestern Arkansas.