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The onset of deglaciation in the Larsemann Hills, Eastern Antarctica

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 May 2004

J.S. Burgess
Affiliation:
Department of Geography and Oceanography, University College, University of New South Wales, Northcott Drive, A.C.T. 2600, Australia
A.P. Spate
Affiliation:
N.S.W. National Parks and Wildlife Service, 6 Rutledge Street, Queanbeyan, 2620 N.S.W., Australia
J. Shevlin
Affiliation:
Australian Antarctic Division, Channel Highway, Kingston, 7050 Tasmania, Australia

Abstract

The Larsemann Hills is an ice-free area of over 150 lakes that are not ice covered in summer. Despite being located at 69°30'S the area is not characterized to any extent by expected glacial indicators such as till, moraine or striations. Although the lakes show signs of evaporative lowering of water levels evolution to a saline state has not advanced to any great degree. While some evidence has been advanced to suggest only recent deglaciation (less than 10000yrBP) and large accumulations of ice (200–500m) it is now suggested that the area has not been glaciated during the Wisconsin to the extent previously claimed. The paper reports moss deposits aged 24950 yrBP that are significantly older than those previously reported for the area.

Type
Papers—Earth Sciences and Glaciology
Copyright
© Antarctic Science Ltd 1994

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