Late Quaternary paraglacial sedimentation in the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, southwest Ireland

Abstract

Talus slopes in the Curraghmore cirque basin in the Macgillycuddy's Reeks have developed since the end of the Glenavy Stadial (Last Glacial Maximum; MIS 2). The site lay outside Younger Dryas glacier limits and, as a result, thick rockfall and debris flow accumulations form a significant landform assemblage draping lower hillslopes. Rockwall retreat rates since icesheet deglaciation average 0.08mm per year, and 0.2mm per year up to the beginning of the Holocene.