Old Man River

USU geologist Tammy Rittenour says that glacial melt, not sea-level change, is largely responsible for the Mississippi River’s evolution during the past 100,000 years. Rittenour used optically stimulated luminescence dating technology to make the discovery during her doctoral studies at the University of Nebraska. Rittenours says the Mississippi has alternately changed from a braided river – featuring multiple, intertwined channels indicative of glacial runoff – to a meandering river in response to shifting glacial periods. The findings could shed light on the future impact of climate events on the river.

For more information, contact USU post-doctoral geologist Tammy Rittenour [tammyr@cc.usu.edu], 435-213-5756.