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The margin of a Middle Pleistocene ice advance at Tottenhill, Norfolk, England

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 May 2009

P. L. Gibbard ,
R. G. West ,
R. Andrew  and
M. Pettit
P. L. Gibbard
Affiliation:
Subdepartment of Quaternary Research, Botany School, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EA, U.K.
R. G. West
Affiliation:
Subdepartment of Quaternary Research, Botany School, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EA, U.K.
R. Andrew
Affiliation:
Subdepartment of Quaternary Research, Botany School, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EA, U.K.
M. Pettit
Affiliation:
Subdepartment of Quaternary Research, Botany School, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EA, U.K.
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Abstract

Exposures at Tottenhill quarry, west Norfolk, are described. Detailed sediment logs, lateral sediment distribution and facies relationships are presented, together with palaeocurrent measurements and pebble counts. It is concluded that the sequence represents a delta-like subaquatic fan accumulation that was deposited by glacier meltwater at the eastern margin of the present Fenland. The ice must have entered the area from the west to northwest. An arctic leaf flora is associated with still water pool sediments within the fan sequence. Pollen assemblages appear to be largely derived by reworking from underlying in situ temperate stage sediments which are correlated with the Hoxnian Stage.

The age of the deposits is discussed and it is concluded that the glaciation concerned must date from the early part of the Wolstonian Stage on the basis of the previously established stratigraphical sequence in the area.

Type
Articles
Information
Geological Magazine , Volume 129 , Issue 1 , January 1992 , pp. 59 - 76
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1992

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