Geomorphic history of the Kickapoo region, Wisconsin
The Kickapoo region, located in the Driftless Area of southwestern Wisconsin, consists of a submaturely dissected plateau developed on gently dipping sedimentary rocks. The upland of the region has been variously interpreted as: (1) a series of single-cycle cuestas, (2) remnants of one peneplane on the lower parts of the upland, and (3) two peneplanes, one, that mentioned above, and another on the higher parts of the upland. From field observation and laboratory study of projected profiles the higher parts of the upland are interpreted as remnants of one peneplane—the Dodgeville of Trowbridge—thus eliminating the first two of the above interpretations. The lower parts of the upland, while possibly remnants of a partial peneplane, may equally well be interpreted as structural surfaces. These two conclusions constitute a fourth interpretation. The Kickapoo River is a strikingly misfit stream. In explaining the misfit relation, consideration is given the mechanics of meander development both in floodplain and incised streams. Both theoretical considerations and data from topographic maps indicate that for streams of a given size, those that are incised have a larger maximum meander size than those flowing on floodplains. Consequently, a misfit stream may result from the sudden change from incised to floodplain characteristics. This, as well as climatic change and underflow through the alluvium, is a possible explanation for the misfit character of the Kickapoo. The extensive alluvial deposits of the Kickapoo Valley, almost entirely the result of slope wash, probably result from aggradation of the Wisconsin Valley to which the Kickapoo is tributary.