Depositional processes within the frontal ice-cored moraine system, Ragnar glacier, Svalbard

Marek Ewertowski,Izabela Szuman,Aleksandra Tomczyk,Leszek Kasprzak

doi:10.2478/v10117-010-0003-8

Marek Ewertowski, Izabela Szuman + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.2478/v10117-010-0003-8

Copy DOI

Journal: QUAGEO	Publication Date: Mar 1, 2010
Citations: 4	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań

Abstract

Depositional processes within the frontal ice-cored moraine system, Ragnar glacier, Svalbard The marginal zone of the Ragnar glacier has been divided into four zones: ice surface, proglacial lake, lateral moraine and frontal moraine complex. Detailed researches were carried out in the last one - frontal moraine complex consisting of three subzones: (1) outer moraine ridge, (2) culmination moraine ridge and (3) inner moraine plateau. The frontal moraine complex of the Ragnar glacier shows large variability of lithofacies and depositional processes. The aim of this study was to reconstruct the intensity and variability of depositional processes from early stage of the frontal ice-cored moraines creation till present situation. Debris flow processes, glaciofluvial and glaciolacustrine sedimentation as well as aeolian activity and down- and backwasting are identified as most important processes. Intensity of these processes has varied through the time. Presently the frontal ice-cored moraine complex of the Ragnar glacier is relatively stable, except few areas affected by the river or streams.

Highlights

Resedimentation processes are one of the most important mechanisms of transformation of glacial environment
In this study we considered only the frontal moraine complex including: the outer and the culmination ridge and the moraine plateau
The intensive resedimentation is restricted to few areas: affected by river activity and some parts of steep ridges with directly exposed ice-cores, where the mass movement processes occur with high intensity

Summary

Introduction

Resedimentation processes are one of the most important mechanisms of transformation of glacial environment. Most glacial landforms and sediments are modified to some extent by post-depositional activities. Knowledge of these processes is crucial in the interpretation of sedimentary record of past glaciations (Bennet et al, 2000). Study of contemporary glacial landsystems is vital for better understanding of Pleistocene features. This study concentrates on the moraine complex of the mountain, Arctic glacier Raganr. Similar moraine ridges have been described from glaciers on Svalbard Klimaszewski, 1960; Boulton, 1967, 1972; Kłysz, 1985; Karczewski, 1989; Stankowski et al, 1989; Huddart & Hambrey, 1996; Bennet et al, 2000; Etzelmüller, 2000; Lyså & Lønne, 2001; Sletten et al, 2001; Lønne & Lyså, 2005; Lukas et al, 2005) as well as from other Arctic areas (e.g. Goldthwait, 1951; Östrem, 1959; Hooke, 1970, 1973; Szupryczyński & Kozarski, 1970; Evans, 1989; Kjær & Krüger, 2001) Similar moraine ridges have been described from glaciers on Svalbard (e.g. Klimaszewski, 1960; Boulton, 1967, 1972; Kłysz, 1985; Karczewski, 1989; Stankowski et al, 1989; Huddart & Hambrey, 1996; Bennet et al, 2000; Etzelmüller, 2000; Lyså & Lønne, 2001; Sletten et al, 2001; Lønne & Lyså, 2005; Lukas et al, 2005) as well as from other Arctic areas (e.g. Goldthwait, 1951; Östrem, 1959; Hooke, 1970, 1973; Szupryczyński & Kozarski, 1970; Evans, 1989; Kjær & Krüger, 2001)

Objectives

Methods

Findings

Conclusion