ABSTRACT

Detailed field and laboratory studies of the late Pleistocene deposits of the Houston area indicate that previous stratigraphic work, based mainly on geomorphological considerations, is in need of revision. In the present study, geomorphology is considered as only one of many possible approaches to deciphering the stratigraphic history of the western Gulf Coast section.

No attempt is made to solve all the problems concerning the geology of the Houston area, but rather the intention is to delineate the problems involved, and to discuss methods of investigation that might lead to their solution.

The authors' approach has been sixfold: (1) geomorphological, (2) stratigraphical, (3) paleontological, (4) sedimentological, (5) paleoecological, and (6) paleogeographical.

Formation names are as plentiful as investigators who have worked in the area, and there is no agreement in definition or recognition of units within the Pleistocene section. Evaluation of past work reveals the application of insufficient data to the study of the deposits, resulting in questionable interpretations.

The correlation of depositional surfaces from Texas to the Mississippi River cannot be based solely on the comparison of topographic maps and aerial photographs. Lithologic criteria are more pertinent to correlation than has been suggested by the literature. Facies changes are minor and easily observable. The sediments appear to dip approximately parallel to the slope of the land surface. Nearly identical lithology can be traced in outcrop across areas which have been mapped as formation contacts in past work.

A change in gross lithology, from clay to sand, can be seen between Greens Boyou and Cypress Creek, north of the city of Houston. From Greens Bayou north of Houston to Clear Creek in south Houston, sections appear similar.

Vertebrate fossils collected from four localities were studied, but they proved to be of little use in correlation. Invertebrate fossils are rare, and are of limited use.