Abstract
A historical record of the effects of human development upon Lake Macatawa is established using geologic criteria. Significant cultural events are recognized using the pollen record, particularly ambrosia/vesiculate pollen ratios, and occurrences of detrital and chemical contaminants within the more recent sedimentary column. Detrital contaminants include such things as cinder and ash from coal burning power plants and animal hair from early tanning operations. Trace metal contaminants, frequently associated with specific industrial events, are particularly useful in establishing a modern sedimentary chronology.
The impact of human activity upon Lake Macatawa is measured using fossil diatoms. The advantage of this method of environmental impact assessment is that it provides a historical perspective in which changes within an environment are related to its natural conditions.
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Anderson, J.B., Wheeler, R., Dunning, C.P. et al. Geologic assessment of environmental impact in Lake Macatawa, Michigan. Geo 2, 67–78 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02380470
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02380470