A re-interpretation of the literature on late-glacial shorelines in Scotland with particular reference to the Forth area

Abstract

Some problems revealed by the literature on Scottish late-glacial raised beaches are indicated and it is suggested that these problems cannot be resolved in terms of the widely-held concept of so-called 100-ft. and 50-ft. beaches. Reasons are given for believing that some late-glacial shorelines in Scotland have considerably steeper gradients than has hitherto been recognised. Particular reference is made to the Forth area, where shoreline altitudes as recorded in the literature reveal anomalies that appear not to be explicable in terms of current ideas. The relation of shorelines to glacial stages is briefly considered and modification of the limit of Simpson's Perth Readvance in the Forth area suggested. Some implications of the hypothesis presented are mentioned.