Central Prairies Research Articles

Effects of glaciations upon karst aquifers in Canada

In Canada there are ∼5.7 · 10 5 km 2 of limestone and marble outcrop, ∼6 · 10 5 km 2 of dolomite and ∼8 · 10 4 km 2 of sulfate rocks. In addition, halite subscrops beneath 5 · 10 5 km 2 of the central Prairie region and interacts with modern groundwater circulation to a varying extent. More than 90% of the total outcrop-subcrop has been repeatedly glaciated. The most recent glaciation (Late Wisconsin) terminated 13,000–5000 yrs. B.P. in different areas. Carbonate terrains still partly buried by glacier ice may be inspected in the Rocky Mountains. Nine distinct effects of glacial action upon the propagation and efficiency of karst aquifers are recognized. Destructive effects include erasure, dissection, infilling and injection. Bedrock solution may be inhibited during non-glacial periods by a cover of glacial drift rich in carbonate clasts. Glacial burial may also preserve an aquifer and enhance its storage characteristics. Aquifer expansion may be stimulated by raising the hydrostatic head or steepening hydraulic gradients, or by crustal flexure during deglacial isostatic rebound. The differing effects make general prediction of the state of an aquifer in glaciated terrains difficult.

Present Thermal State of Western Canada Sedimentary Basin: ABSTRACT

The regional geothermal pattern of Western Canada sedimentary basin was studied using available temperature data from shut-in wells. Average heat conductivity was estimated with net-rock data from Canadian Stratigraphic Services. These data allowed heat flow estimations. The geothermal gradient and heat-flow values for the basin are exceptionally high in comparison with the other Precambrian platform areas, especially in the northwestern part of the Prairies basin in Alberta and British Columbia and most of southern Saskatchewan. Low-gradient areas are found close to the eastern limit of the Disturbed belt of Alberta and British Columbia. Neither the analysis of regional conductivity nor heat generation of the basement rocks based on U, Th, and K data after Burwash explains the heat-flow patterns. Certain hydrogeologic phenomena do suggest the significant influence of fluid flow on geothermal features. Low geothermal gradient areas coincide with water recharge and high hydraulic head regions. The phenomenon of upward water movement in the deep strata and downward fluid flow through much of the Cenozoic and Mesozoic strata seems to be the main influence on heat distribution in the basin. Analyses of coal metamorphism in the upper and middle Mesozoic formations of the Foothills belt and in the central Prairies basin suggest that pre-Laramide heat-flow distribution was different from the present. It is very probable that the Foothills belt had a higher geothermal gradient than the central part of the Prairies basin, opposite to the present relation. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1362------------

Regional heat flow patterns in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin

The regional geothermal pattern of the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin has been studied using available temperature data from wells. Average heat conductivity for various geological formations has been estimated on the basis of net rock studies by Canadian Stratigraphie Services. These data and observations of temperature made in “shut-in holes” in some of the oil pools have been used in heat flow estimations by the Bullard method.The geothermal gradient and heat flow within the basin are exceptionally high in comparison with the other world wide Precambrian platform areas. Especially high geothermal gradient areas are found in the northwestern part of the Prairies Basin in Alberta and British Columbia and most of southeastern and southwestern Saskatchewan. Areas of low gradient are found mainly in the Disturbed Belt of the Foothills, southern and southeastern Alberta, and the Peace River area in British Columbia. Neither the analysis of regional heat conductivity distribution nor the heat generation distribution of the basement rock of the Prairies Basin evaluated on the basis of U, Th and K data after Burwash (1979), explain the observed heat flow patterns of the Prairies Basin. Comparison of heat flow patterns with some of the hydrogeological phenomena suggests the significant influence of fluid flow in the basin formations on geothermal features. Low geothermal gradient areas coincide with water recharge areas and high hydraulic head distribution regions.The phenomenon of upward water movement in the deep strata and downward flow through much of the Cenozoic and Mesozoic strata seems to control the regional heat flow distribution in the basin. The analyses of coal metamorphism in the upper and middle Mesozoic formations of the Foothills Belt and in the central Prairies Basin suggest that the pre-Laramide paleogeothermal heat flow distribution was different from the present one. It is very probable that the Foothills Belt area was characterized by a higher geothermal gradient than the central part of the Prairies Basin, i.e. opposite to the present picture.

Native Law: Law and Order among Eighteenth-Century Cherokee, Great Plains, Central Prairie, and Woodland Indians

Native Law: Law and Order among Eighteenth-Century Cherokee, Great Plains, Central Prairie, and Woodland Indians

Present heat flow and a preliminary paleogeothermal history of the central prairies basin, Canada

The heat flow pattern in the Prairie Basin in Canada is influenced mostly by hydrodynamic conditions in the deep geological strata. The hydraulic head is a post-Laramide feature and the exceptionally high heat flow values in the Prairies are closely related to the upward fluid motion in the porous formations. Heat flow values in the Prairies are higher than in other Precambrian platforms in the world. On the basis of coal maturation studies it can be shown that the paleo-geothermal gradients were slightly lower in the Central Prairies during Eocene-Oligocene times than those observed at present. The maximum burial temperatures influenced significantly the depth distribution of the oil and gas in the Paleozoic formations in the Basin.

Present Thermal State of Western Canada Sedimentary Basin: ABSTRACT

The regional geothermal pattern of Western Canada sedimentary basin was studied using available temperature data from shut-in wells. Average heat conductivity was estimated with net-rock data from Canadian Stratigraphic Services. These data allowed heat flow estimations. The geothermal gradient and heat-flow values for the basin are exceptionally high in comparison with the other Precambrian platform areas, especially in the northwestern part of the Prairies basin in Alberta and British Columbia and most of southern Saskatchewan. Low-gradient areas are found close to the eastern limit of the Disturbed belt of Alberta and British Columbia. Neither the analysis of regional conductivity nor heat generation of the basement rocks based on U, Th, and K data after Burwash explains the heat-flow patterns. Certain hydrogeologic phenomena do suggest the significant influence of fluid flow on geothermal features. Low geothermal gradient areas coincide with water recharge and high hydraulic head regions. The phenomenon of upward water movement in the deep strata and downward fluid flow through much of the Cenozoic and Mesozoic strata seems to be the main influence on heat distribution in the basin. Analyses of coal metamorphism in the upper and middle Mesozoic formations of the Foothills belt and in the central Prairies basin suggest that pre-Laramide heat-flow distribution was different from the present. It is very probable that the Foothills belt had a higher geothermal gradient than the central part of the Prairies basin, opposite to the present relation. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1362------------

Hybridization Between the Perennial Sunflowers Helianthus salicifolius A. Dietr. and H. grosseserratus Martens

The genus Helianthus L. presents many problems in plant systematics, and questions in delimiting sunflower species are raised by professional and amateur botanists alike. Sunflowers are annuals or perennials, with a few shrubby forms in tropical America (Watson, 1929); approximately 90%o of the species are perennial. Little work on perennials has been reported, although Heiser (1951) has contributed greatly to our understanding of the annuals. One of the more distinctive species of the genus is H. salicifolius A. Dietr. (H. orgyalis DC). It is a series of populations characterized by smooth, glaucous stems bearing crowded, sessile, lance-linear, entire leaves (fig. 2a), with terminal panicles of yellow or brown disks. It has a somewhat restricted distribution, chiefly over the central prairie region of Missouri and Nebraska, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and parts of Texas (fig. 1). The species often occurs in limestone soils, and frequently appears as dense plumes of long, narrow leaves which completely hide the stem (Watson, 1929).

VARIABILITY OF ANNUAL PRECIPITATION IN CANADA

From computed values of the coefficient of variation of precipitation for Canada and northern United States, the distribution of this variable across Canada is determined. The minimum variability increases as one moves poleward. Also the variability is great in the central prairies. The pattern among the mountains and valleys of British Columbia is irregular.

Additional Records of the Reptiles of the Central Prairie Region of the United States

Data for the present contribution has been gathered during numerous field expeditions in the Middle West particularly from 1931 to 1933. Original observations have been made on the habitats and habits of certain species, and many county records are added to the known range of numerous forms. The area covered by this report includes sections of Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming; but the major portion deals with the herpetology of Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma, with especial reference to Kansas. The specimens involved in our study have been widely distributed to museums and individuals, both at home and abroad, but most of them are deposited in places where they are readily available for further study. Friends, collectors, and correspondents (exclusive of students at Southwestern College), who have collected specimens presented herein, are listed as follows: F. M. Adams, J. A. Allen, Leo Brown, Waunita Burchell, David Dunkle, Max Elias, Edith R. Force, Howard K. Gloyd, Charles Hadley, Daniel Hink, Charles Keech, W. S. Long, Harold Lyon, Horace Lyon, George Jelinek, Paul McGrew, Roy L. Moodie, Richard Nelson, C. B. Perkins, Alvin Peterson, E. F. Powell, Theodore Robb, Ottys Sanders, Dorothy Schreck, Hobart M. Smith, Edward H. Taylor, E. C. Thayer, Samuel Tihen, Robert H. Wolcott, and G. A. Whitney. Data have been obtained from specimens at the University of Nebraska through the courtesy of Dr. Otis Wade and Mr. E. F. Powell; at Kansas State College through Dr. Robert K. Nabours and Mr. M. J. Harbaugh; and at Southern Methodist University through Dr. S. W. Geiser and Dr. Elmer P. Cheatum. The following students of Southwestern College have collected reptiles that are discussed in this report: Byard Anderson, Phil Antrim, Keith Corp, Clayton Gerboth, Victor Edgell, Clay Hildinger, Cornelius Rogers, Don Strother, Esther Stuber, and Merlin Trumbull. Before presenting the discussion of species, something may be said pertaining to the systematic arrangement of the larger reptilian groups. In all three editions of their Check List of North American Amphibians and Reptiles, Stejneger and Barbour (1917, 1923, 1933) have stated that their higher groups and genera are in systematic sequence. With reference to the subclasses and orders of reptiles, the following arrangement has been maintained in all three editions (following Osborn, 1903): I. Subclass Diapsida. A. Order Loricata (crocodile and alligator). B. Order Squamata (lizards and snakes). II. Subclass Synapsida. A. Order Testudinata (turtles).

Soil Horizons in the Central Prairies

Soil Horizons in the Central Prairies

The Ecological Relations of the Vegetation of Western Texas (Concluded)

1. By reason of its geographic extent and position and of its relief, the west Texas region possesses floral elements ranging in their temperature relation from tropical to transition. 2. In its climatic relations the region falls partly under the eastern or Atlantic type (Gulf type, Great plains type), and partly under the Pacific (Yuma type, Mexican type). This brings about great diversity of vegetation in the moisture relation. 3. This region is the meeting ground of the following floral elements: (1) the Gulf neotropical; (2) the Mexican semitropical; (3) the Austro-riparian and Carolinian; (4) the Great plains upper Sonoran; (5) the north central prairie region; (6) the Rocky mountain; (7) the south plateau (of the Rocky mountains) upper Sonoran; (8) the arid plateau and bolson desert lower Sonoran. 4. The physiographic and geologic provinces coincide in general with vegetation provinces distinguished by characteristic vegetation formations. 5. The flora of the entire region is one of xerophytic aspect, but of several grades from semi-arid to extremely arid. Broad streamways and cañons and high mountains carry mesophytic vegetation into the heart of the region.

The Ecological Relations of the Vegetation of Western Texas (Continued)

1. By reason of its geographic extent and position and of its relief, the west Texas region possesses floral elements ranging in their temperature relation from tropical to transition. 2. In its climatic relations the region falls partly under the eastern or Atlantic type (Gulf type, Great plains type), and partly under the Pacific (Yuma type, Mexican type). This brings about great diversity of vegetation in the moisture relation. 3. This region is the meeting ground of the following floral elements: (1) the Gulf neotropical; (2) the Mexican semitropical; (3) the Austro-riparian and Carolinian; (4) the Great plains upper Sonoran; (5) the north central prairie region; (6) the Rocky mountain; (7) the south plateau (of the Rocky mountains) upper Sonoran; (8) the arid plateau and bolson desert lower Sonoran. 4. The physiographic and geologic provinces coincide in general with vegetation provinces distinguished by characteristic vegetation formations. 5. The flora of the entire region is one of xerophytic aspe...