Investigation of a Possible Ancient Beach Deposit within Soil in an Urban Nature Center

This research examines a sand deposit that occurs in soil within a 46-acre urban nature center. This sand is found in a soil developed in a region that was affected by glacial processes. In order to investigate the origin and nature of this sand layer, points along a transect were flagged and soil samples were collected using soil probes.  Soil samples were examined for variations in horizons, depth of horizons, depth to calcium carbonate, and depth and thickness of the sand layer of interest. A telescopic level and tripod were used to survey the sampling points in order to construct a topographic profile of the study area. Based on field observations and examination of historical maps, a hypothesis was developed that the sand of interest is a paleo-beach deposit. Color variation in sand layers may be related to depositional process or soil-forming process. Three distinctive sandy units are present in the study area, and this research focused on delineating the extent of the clean yellow sandy layer as a possible ancient beach deposit. This research could be vital in future studies including more detailed soil mapping within the nature center. This information potentially can be used for educational outreach by the nature center with respect to the geological history of this area.