DEBRIS FLOW DEPOSITS IN THE BLACK MOUNTAIN RANGE: EVIDENCE FOR PRE-EUROPEAN INHABITATION OF THE AREA

Mass wasting events such as landslides and debris flows are mechanisms of erosion and denudation in the Blue Ridge Mountain Range and create easily recognizable features including rough patches in the landscape and large debris deposits. In studying landslide debris in the Black Mountain Range on the eastern side below Celo Knob, we hoped to gain insight to the Eastern Band of Cherokee’s historical connection to the site. The site is mentioned in a Cherokee origin story wherein a boulder covering the entrance to a cave containing all animal life was pushed aside. We aimed to assess the site for evidence of historic debris flows with the goal of strengthening evidence of the pre-European occupation in the area. We used LiDAR to determine that landslides are common in the area and then mapped the geomorphology in the field. Additionally, we examined a 4m debris flow outcrop to determine the sedimentology and with the goal of finding datable material. Here, we present those dates and conclude that not only are debris flows in the Black Mountain Range significant mechanisms of denudation, but they can provide evidence of human interactions with the environment based on oral histories.