Glaciodynamic sequence stratigraphy

Abstract

Abstract The glaciofluvial deposits are by volume and permeability the most important unit in the terrestrial glacial successions, and they are the obvious target for groundwater as well as hydrocarbon reservoir exploration. The dominant glaciofluvial units are related to the proglacial setting in the foreland of an advancing ice margin, which results in a coarsening-upwards sequence with fine-grained beds at the base and glaciofluvial gravel at the top. In a complete sequence a till caps the unit, and at its base a glacitectonite is formed by shearing related to the development of the deformational layer below the ice. The glacial deposits laid down during the same glacial advance represent a glaciodynamic sequence. An important feature added to this is the proglacial glaciotectonic deformation. The glaciotectonic architectural elements comprise thrust faulting, folding of hanging-wall anticlines, thrust-sheet duplexes, hydrodynamic breccias and mud diapirs, the structural style of which define the glaciotectonic complex. The glaciodynamic sequence corresponds to the glaciodynamic event related to one major ice advance. The glaciodynamic processes representing the event comprise deposition as well as deformation, creating a glaciogenic sedimentary succession and a set of glaciotectonic structures. These constitute the elements to be recognized for defining a glaciodynamic sequence.