Since that time one of our customers loaned us a microscope so we could study the different layers to see if there are any chronological clues in the deposits. I have learned that it is one thing to have a microscope and quite another to figure out how to use it and how to figure out what you are seeing even after getting something in focus. It is fascinating to see how the particles in this loess sample are so jagged and often transparent, probably quartz crystals? I have not had time to compare the different layers.
I did take a dozen samples of the different layers to the soil lab testing facility at the University to have a soil analysis done and just found out that the office was shut down due to budget cuts. So I guess they just threw out the samples. We know for sure that they did not do any analysis.
I have lost contact with Dr. Wallace so we aren't any smarter about her prediction that the large volcanic ash deposit was from Mt Hayes.
I guess the need at this point is for an educated, experienced microscope operator so we can document slides of the layers of wind deposited soil. I do not even know where to get lens cleaners, and slides and microscope supplies around here. There are several lenses with the microscope but I can only get the lowest power to focus.
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