Glacial geomorphology of the Creag Meagaidh Massif, Western Grampian Highlands: Implications for local glaciation and palaeoclimate during the Loch Lomond Stadial

Abstract

Detailed mapping of the Creag Meagaidh massif reveals two geomorphological signatures. One suggests widespread ice retreat to a western source, while a second indicates the existence of a small, locally sourced, icefield and three possible independent glaciers. Based on morphostratigraphic criteria, a Loch Lomond Stadial (Younger Dry as) age is proposed for the local ice masses, indicating that ice extent was greater than previously thought. When constrained by the inferred limits of erosive and depositional ice, the Creag Meagaidh Icefield (18.2 km ) yields an area altitude balance ratio (AABR) equilibrium line altitude (ELA) of between 621 and 628 m (AABR = 1.67–2.0). However, uncertainties concerning the potential input of cold‐based plateau ice mean that these ELAs are regarded as minimal values. Mean annual precipitation at the icefield ELAs is calculated to have been 2090±430 mm. Modern precipitation at these altitudes lies within the lower end of this range, suggesting that precipitation over the Creag Meagaidh area was similar to, or slightly higher than, today during the Loch Lomond Stadial.