Soil-Geomorphic and Paleoclimatic Characteristics of the Fort Bliss Maneuver Areas, Southern New Mexico and Western Texas

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe and interpret soil-geomorphic features on Fort Bliss in southern New Mexico and western Texas in order to obtain information about landscape evolution and paleoclimatic conditions during the late Quaternary. This information is intended to assist Fort Bliss archaeologists in evaluating archaeological site locations and conditions in terms of their geomorphic and paleoclimatic context. To obtain this goal, backhoe trenches were dug and maps were made of the geomorphic surfaces and deflated depositional areas. In addition to soil-geomorphic evidence of paleoclimatic and environmental conditions, stable isotopes, fossil pollen, and phytoliths were examined. An area on McGregor Range in the vicinity of Benton Well was investigated to determine if the area was occupied by a late Pleistocene pluvial lake. Twenty-four sites, in the forms of backhoe trenches, hand-dug pits, and natural exposures, were studied on Fort Bliss North, and sixteen sites were studied on Fort Bliss South. The gathered data included radiocarbon dates, stable isotopes, fossil pollen, phytoliths, particle size analysis, organic carbon (OC), calcium carbonate, and thin sections.