A RECONSTRUCTION AND ANALYSIS OF PLEISTOCENE BEACH RIDGES IN NORTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA USING ARCGIS

Using ArcGIS and 10m resolution elevation data, ancient beach ridges and wave cut scarps are traced along the Pennsylvanian portion of Lake Erie in order to reconstruct former shorelines. Three elevations are traced for every shoreline feature: along the base, along the steepest slope, and at the top of every ridge. This analysis permits an appraisal of the degree of development of each strandline and establishes upper and lower limits of every water plane. The Warren III and Whittlesey strandlines are the most prominent; traces of the Warren I, II and Maumee are also observed. A subtle difference in slope is apparent between the Warren III and Whittlesey strandlines. This project began as a geological field methods class exercise that compared and improved upon Schooler's data from 1974. A much more consistent and detailed evaluation of the Lake Whittlesey and Lake Warren III strandlines are possible using modern digital elevation data.

Schooler, E.E., 1974, Pleistocene Beach Ridges of Northwestern Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania Geological Survey, General Geology Report 64, 38 p.