Algodones Dune Migration and Strigraphic (sic) Analysis Using Ground Penetrating Radar, Southern California

Abstract

The Algodones dune field, is located south-east of the Salton Sea in Southern California. The dune field is divided into two sections composed of a protected wilderness area (north) and a larger area of public land (south), which is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The Algodones Dune field is a highly complex geomorphic and spatially diverse dune system. Dune sediments in the region are derived from aeolian (wind) processes and are remnant sediments from Ancient Lake Cahuilla. On March 5th, a ground penetrating radar (GPR) grid was shot consisting of horizontal and vertical lines on the Eastern Crescentic dune region located in the northeastern portion of the Algodones dune field. Two GPR systems were used in collaboration with San Diego State University.