The Turkwell in its modern form is an important source of livelihood for the Turkana people, and the center of a semidesert ecosystem west of Lake Turkana. But geological strata exposed alongside the river at TBI show that the Turkwell has a changing history spanning millions of years.
These photographs will show how field school students used their knowledge to reconstruct this history and better understand the Lake Turkana’s ancient surroundings.
Following an introduction by professor Craig Feibel in geological mapping and stratigraphic processes, TBI students apply their knowledge to begin a study of the Turkwell River and its history.
The Turkwell in its modern form is an important source of livelihood for the Turkana people, and the center of a semidesert ecosystem west of Lake Turkana. But geological strata exposed alongside the river at TBI show that the Turkwell has a changing history spanning millions of years.
These photographs will show how field school students used their knowledge to reconstruct this history and better understand the Lake Turkana’s ancient surroundings.
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Below the Pliocene sediments, students find a Halocene river terrace that has been eroded by modern, seasonal water flow.
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In order to better understand past and present processes of deposition, students make their way into the Turkwel River to characterize its flow into Lake Turkana.
Ben attempts to part the waters with his staff. Students found the crossing more challenging after water levels rose.
