Paleoenvironmental history of Otjimaruru pan, Namibia, based on OSL dating and sediment characteristics of associated lunette and linear dunes
In July of 2009 a study was undertaken at Otjimaruru pan and its associated dunes in the southern Kalahari of Namibia to understand the nature and origin of pans and lunettes. Four dune features associated with the pan were augered to depth for sediment, Magnetic Susceptibility (MS), and Luminesces...
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English |
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uga
2011
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| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/10724/27563 http://purl.galileo.usg.edu/uga_etd/ploetz_christopher_j_201108_ms |
| Summary: | In July of 2009 a study was undertaken at Otjimaruru pan and its associated dunes in the southern Kalahari of Namibia to understand the nature and origin of pans and lunettes. Four dune features associated with the pan were augered to depth for sediment, Magnetic Susceptibility (MS), and Luminesces data collection. The results indicate the pan-lunette systems of the Southern Kalahari originated prior to 80ka. Rapid accumulation of dunes at Otjimaruru during OIS 2 and 4 suggest that the climate was possibly dryer and the winds were stronger at this time. MS data from the dunes appear to record shifts from wet to dry climates with MS peaking during wet, stable periods, when weak soil formation was possible. The higher-resolution MS data correlate well with records from regional climate and Antarctic ice core data indicating that despite bioturbation pan-lunette complexes can be useful in paleoclimate research in the Sothern Kalahari. MS Geography Geography George Brook George Brook David S. Leigh Thomas Jordan |
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