History of Kansas Glacial Geology

The glacial features of northeastern Kansas have been investigated scientifically for more than a century; out of this study has come the concept of the "Kansan glaciation," which is recognized as an important stage of continental glaciation during the Pleistocene Epoch. The past glaciation of the American Plains and its implication for river-system development were recognized early by Louis Agassiz in 1868. Evidence for multiple glacial advances was discovered soon after, and T. C. Chamberlin in 1896 designated five glacial periods, of which the Kansan glaciation was next to oldest. The first detailed studies of glacial features in Kansas were carried out by J. E. Todd mostly in the second decade of this century. He emphasized reconstruction of stream and lake drainage developed peripherally to the ice sheet, and he can be regarded as the "father of Kansas glacial geology." The work of Todd was followed closely by that of W. H. Schoewe in the 1920-40's. Schoewe mapped the glacial limit as presently accepted, collected nearly all measurements of glacial striations in the State, and described evidence for multiple ice advances in the region. The modern era of glacial geology in Kansas began in 1952 with a comprehensive report by J. C. Frye and A. B. Leonard. They developed the concept of a cyclical model for interpreting Pleistocene strata of the State, and although now out-dated in some respects, their report remains the "bible" for Pleistocene and glacial geology in Kansas. The complexity of glaciation in Kansas was recognized increasingly during the 1960's and 1970's by many geologists, who recognized evidence for multiple glacial advances from various directions. At least one pre-Kansan and two Kansan advances now are recognized in the State.