GEOLOGIC STUDIES OF CAROLINA BAYS IN NORTHEASTERN SOUTH CAROLINA

Carolina bays are oriented, shallow, elliptical wetland depressions. This study continues on previous work on the geomorphology and stratigraphy of two overlapping bay complexes within Horry County, South Carolina. Continuing studies have focused on geologic rim development and wetland hydrology. To better understand bay architecture, vibracores collected along the long axis of the bays have been combined with additional ground penetrating radar profiles from the rims and gauge auger samples of the bay interiors. Core data was analyzed for grain size, loss-on-ignition, and age estimates using radiocarbon and luminescence techniques. This data reveals sandy rims surrounding thin interior wetland peat deposits, which contain a sandy clay layer to the southeast of the inner bay, overlaying humate-cemented coarse sand. Age estimates from the interior rim suggests initial formation of the rim at 20 kya with most recent interior bay sediments deposited after 7.5 kya. Rim formation by eolian processes is consistent with local pollen records indicating drier climates. Results from this research may allow for a better understanding of regional wind and climate history.