Use of packrat middens to determine rates of cliff retreat in the eastern Grand Canyon, Arizona

Geology
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Abstract

Packrat midden data can be used to calculate rates of cliff retreat by relating midden age to the distance between cliff face and midden. Regression analysis using 14 radiocarbon-dated packrat deposits from the Mississippian Redwall Limestone in the eastern Grand Canyon suggests that the Redwall has been retreating at an average rate of 0.45 m/103 14C yr. This rate of cliff retreat, which is comparable to other cliff-retreat rates reported from arid environments, implies that the Colorado River cut through the Redwall Limestone in the vicinity of Horseshoe Mesa about 3.7 m.y. B.P.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Use of packrat middens to determine rates of cliff retreat in the eastern Grand Canyon, Arizona
Series title Geology
DOI 10.1130/0091-7613(1982)10<597:UOPMTD>2.0.CO;2
Volume 10
Issue 11
Year Published 1982
Language English
Publisher Geological Society of America
Description 3 p.
First page 597
Last page 599
Country United States
State Arizona
Other Geospatial Grand Canyon
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