Chapter 53 - The evolution of glacial landforms in the Tatra Mountains during the Younger Dryas

Abstract

The Younger Dryas (YD) glaciation in the Tatra Mountains developed anew after the glacier-free conditions prevailing during the Bølling–Allerød interstadial. A dry continental climate and relatively warm summers hampered glacier expansion even in the highest cirques (1700–2400m a.s.l.), while enhanced seasonality and strong winter cooling promoted widespread periglacial processes and rock glacier formation. In consequence, the record of the YD marginal glaciation is represented by an apron-type landsystem with a common moraine–rock glacier continuum located very close (200–600m) to the highest and most sheltered cirque headwalls in the High and Western Tatras. Several moraines yield consistent dates between 12.5 and 10.9ka. Exposure ages indicate prolonged stabilisation of YD rock glaciers until the Early Holocene (mean age 11.1 ± 0.9ka, no later than 10.4 ± 0.7ka). The YD landforms—moraines and relict rock glaciers—represent the final stage of the Tatra Mountains deglaciation.