SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHIC CORRELATION OF MID- TO LATE- DEVONIAN FLUVIAL DEPOSITS THROUGH PALEOPEDOLOGICAL ANALYSIS, CATSKILL MOUNTAINS, NY

Multiple paleosols from the Devonian (Givetian) Plattekill and Manorkill Formations, near West Saugerties, NY, were described and sampled in order to record changes in paleosol morphology, hydromorphic features, and chemical/mineralogical composition. These terrestrial sediments were deposited during a transgressive to regressive phase of the Catskill Sea and record changes in sedimentology and fluctuations of the water table associated with changes in base level. Macroscopic descriptions of these soils reveal three unique pedosedimentary successions associated with the Transgressive, Highstand, and Falling Stage Systems Tracts. Soils in the upper portion of the Plattekill Formation exhibit weak soil development, an increase in hydromorphic features, and evidence of frequent flooding events. These soils have been assigned to the “Transgressive” pedosedimentary succession. Paleosols sampled at or slightly above the Plattekill – Manorkill boundary exhibit uniform pedogenic features throughout the profile and a greater degree of hydromorphic features. In addition, the lower-most deposit in this succession marks the Maximum Flooding Surface. These soils have been assigned to the “Highstand” pedosedimentary succession. A compound paleosol measured above the stratigraphic boundary exhibits the greatest degree of soil development within this sequence, a marked decrease in hydromorphic features, and evidence of prolonged exposure. This paleosol marks the Sequence Boundary associated with the FSST, and thus is designated as the “Sequence Boundary” pedosedimentary succession. Ongoing micromorphological, XRF, and XRD analysis will help confirm the stratigraphic position of the Maximum Flooding Surface and Sequence Boundary within these paleosols.