24-7 Tracking Anthropogenic Sediment Deposition in Lake Myotis, New York

Session: Lake Sedimentary Records of Past Climate and Environment (Posters)

Presenting Author:

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Abstract:

The Huyck Preserve in Rensselaerville, New York, is one of the oldest biological research stations in the United States, dedicated to supporting research on natural systems that protect Earth’s biodiversity. Myosotis Lake is an anthropogenic reservoir within the Huyck Preserve built in 1800, after the damming of Ten Mile Creek. Limited in-depth geological surveys have been conducted, with most data drawn from a 1978 dam inspection report (New York District Corps of Engineers, 1978). Evaluating the rate of sediment accumulation will produce a reliable record of geological and environmental changes from the dam’s construction to the present day. 

To understand changes in sediment deposition within a man-made system, a series of core holes from varying water depths was used to map the thickness of stratigraphic units. Grain size analyses, core descriptions, organic and carbonate content, and XRF data have been compiled to calculate sedimentation rates and identify potentially significant environmental changes, including flooding events and wildfires. Work is ongoing, and results will pair the geological data with entomological indicators to build a sense of the evolution of wildlife systems within a man-made setting.

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