PALEOZOIC PLATEAU EROSION PERSPECTIVE
E.A. Bettis III
Iowa Department of Natural Resources,
Geological Survey Bureau
109 Trowbridge Hall
Iowa City, IA 52242-1319
ABSTRACT
Geological and historical records provide a long-term perspective on the impact of agricultural landuse on soil erosion and sediment movement in the Paleozoic Plateau. Uplands were most affected by erosion in the late 1800s and early 1900s before the implementation of soil conservation measures, while streams continue to be adversely affected because of delayed movement of sediment through the drainage network. A drainage-system-wide perspective on the soil erosion and sedimentation issue provides a clearer view of the potential outcome of land-management practices across the entire landscape.