Landform mapping used to identify glaciations in the multi-glaciated landscape of Yorkshire, U.K

Abstract

Landform mapping, coupled with luminescence dating, has confirmed two glaciations in the Vale of Pickering in northern England: a Late Devensian (MIS 2) glaciation and a Drenthe stage late Saalian (MIS 6) glaciation. In addition, mapping of strandlines around the margins of proglacial Lake Humber has suggested a parallel evolution for the Vales of York and Pickering with synchronous flooding in both regions during the Late Devensian. This mapping also confirms a lack of recognisable glacioisostatic rebound post-MIS 2, while a review of the literature indicates the spacing regularity of the strandlines, recorded during the drainage of Lake Humber, can be attributed to cyclical climate changes. In contrast, the penultimate glaciation that is represented by a North Sea glacial incursion into the Vale if Pickering as far as the Wykeham Moraine, records post-glacial rebound of up to 30m. It is also probable that a proglacial lake, which has been given a tentative late MIS 7 date, impounded in the Vale of York could be indicative of an MIS 8 or early Saalian glacial blockage of the Humber.