FLOOD AND DROUGHT CYCLES OBSERVED IN A SEDIMENT CORE FROM THE CATHARINE CREEK WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA WETLAND, WATKINS GLEN NY

Catharine Creek is the main inlet to Seneca Lake, the largest of the eleven finger lakes in Central New York, as well as a popular trout fishing destination. Immediately to the south of Seneca Lake, it flows through the Catharine Creek Wildlife Management Area wetland. A three meter vibracore was taken in March of 2019 in the wetland, 840 meters east of the creek. The core was sub-sampled to examine for micro and macro-fossils. A variety of seeds and wood samples were present which were used to model past ecosystems in the wetland. In addition to the specimens found within the core, we also looked at the sediment type as an indicator of the environment of deposition. Modeled clays signal changes in water level and are located at depths of 55-67 cm, 73-99 cm, and 251-300 cm. Charcoal layers were found at depths of 35-55 cm, 117-125 cm, and 126-176 cm, indicating fire events suggestive of droughts. Comparing findings from the core to collected meteorological and flood data over the years gives us a comprehensive overview of how natural and anthropogenic influences have affected the region.