Spatial distribution and geomorphology of lunette dunes on the High Plains of Western Kansas: implications for geoarchaeological and paleoenvironmental research

Abstract

The High Plains are a vast, low relief landscape that contains thousands of upland-embedded depressional playa wetlands. Lunettes are isolated dunes that form from prolonged periods of aeolian deposition along the downwind margin of some larger playas. Playa-lunette systems are important landscape elements that have the potential to preserve high-resolution records of past environments, and several archeological sites have been associated with playa-lunette systems throughout the High Plains. While a comprehensive playa wetland geospatial database has been developed for the High Plains, lunettes have only been mapped for the Southern High Plains of Texas and New Mexico. The purpose of this research was to map and characterize the geomorphology of all lunettes associated with playas in the High Plains and bordering regions of western Kansas. Results indicate 129 lunettes are associated with 104 playas in Kansas. All lunettes are associated with playas larger than 5 ha, and about 10% of these larger playas have a lunette. Lunette height ranges from approximately 1.5–12 m, with a median height of 3 m. Most lunettes (60%) are in Finney, Gray, Lane, and Scott counties, which have broad, flat uplands with few major drainages upwind of playas and lunettes.