Holocene hillslope development in glacially formed valley systems in Nordfjord, western Norway

Abstract

Large areas of the Norwegian fjord landscapes are covered by hillslopes that reflect the influence of glacial inheritance from the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). The focus of this paper is two-fold: (1) analyze the spatio-temporal variability of relevant denudational slope processes and process intensities over the Holocene; and (2) detect Holocene modification of the glacial valley morphometry. Research was performed on hillslope systems within two steep, parabolic-shaped and glacier-fed tributary valleys, Erdalen and Bødalen located on the western side of the Jostedalsbreen ice cap in western Norway. Orthophoto delineation, high resolution mapping (TLS), detailed geomorphological information and spatial data analysis were combined with dating techniques and geophysical investigations. Calculated Holocene rockwall retreat rates at selected slope test sites range from 0.38 to 0.67mmyr−1, with a mean value of 0.53mmyr−1. Slightly higher values were found in Erdalen, with a mean rockwall retreat rate of 0.57mmyr−1 compared to 0.50mmyr−1 in Bødalen. Valley-wide Holocene rockwall retreat rates of 0.38–0.50mmyr−1 are consistent with other estimates of Holocene rockwall retreat rates in cold mountain environments. It is shown that the glacial inheritance of topography is the most important factor controlling valley development since the LGM and that sediment storage capacity is primarily conditioned by valley morphometry. Compared to contemporary rates, the results indicate enhanced denudation activity and intensity immediately following deglaciation and during the ‘Little Ice Age’. The overall tendency of landscape development is postglacial widening of the parabolic-shaped valley morphometry through rockwall retreat with associated debris accumulation beneath rockwalls. As a result, the glacially sculpted topography has not yet adapted to denudational processes acting under Holocene environmental conditions.