The Loch Lomond Readvance and contemporaneous sea-levels in Loch Etive and neighbouring areas of western Scotland

Abstract

During the Loch Lomond Readvance in western Scotland glaciers reached the seaward ends of Lochs Etive and Creran and extended to the head of Loch Feochan. On Mull the ice spread out from a mountain ice cap to terminate at the coastal zone. During deglaciation, outwash spreads were deposited in many valleys possibly during short stillstands due to topographic and/or climatic conditions. In Loch Etive, sloping series of well-developed kame terraces were formed and at Loch Creran there is evidence of a double moraine. Shortly after the culmination of the readvance, sea-level was below 12–14 m. O.D. at Lochs Etive and Creran and below 11–12 m. O.D. at Loch Feochan. Similarly on Mull the evidence suggests a sea-level, below 10–12 m. O.D. at this time, contrary to views expressed by previous writers.