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Geomorphic investigation of the terrebonne marsh, louisiana: Foundation for cultural resource surveys
Author(s) -
Britsch L. D.,
Smith L. M.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
geoarchaeology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.696
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1520-6548
pISSN - 0883-6353
DOI - 10.1002/gea.3340040303
Subject(s) - delta , geology , marsh , progradation , holocene , subsidence , river delta , erosion , physical geography , geomorphology , wetland , oceanography , geography , ecology , sedimentary depositional environment , structural basin , engineering , aerospace engineering , biology
A geomorphic investigation of Terrebonne Marsh in south‐central Louisiana was conducted to establish a framework for subsequent cultural resource investigations. the investigation consisted of an initial phase of detailed geomorphic mapping, subsequent field investigations, sedimentological, biostratigraphical, and chronological analyses of field samples, and paleoenvironmental reconstruction of the area. the investigation substantiated and refined previous interpretations of the progradation of three Mississippi River deltas through the area. the earliest known Holocene delta, the Maringouin, was probably active in the area from 7000 to 6000 years before present (YBP). the Teche delta prograded through the area from 4500 to 3500 YBP. From approximately 2000 to 1000 YBP the Lafourche delta partially buried the Teche delta. the periods of approximately 6000‐4500, 3500‐2000, and 1000 YBP to present were characterized by deltaic subsidence and erosion. Distributary natural levees and beach ridges appear to be sites of major cultural focus in Terrebonne Marsh. Due to high rates of subsidence, older cultural components are either buried or disturbed by erosion.