Download presentation
Presentation is loading. Please wait.
Published byAdelia Gibbs Modified over 9 years ago
1
Ice Sheet Extent, Paleo-Ice Streams and Glacial Retreat History of Antarctic Peninsula during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) David C. Heroy and John B. Anderson Rice University, Houston, TX
2
(Nakada et al., 2000) Thickness of ice removed since the LGM Large ice mass in Peninsula Large disagreement between these models
3
1. What was the configuration of the ice sheet during the LGM? 2. What geologic evidence is there for paleo-ice streams? 3. What are the geologic controls of ice streams? 4. What is the nature and timing of ice sheet retreat? Scientific Questions: (BAS, 2000)
4
Previous work Maximum extent of grounded ice based on core and seismic data Mid-shelf grounding line during the LGM (Clapperton and Sugden, 1982; Kennedy and Anderson, 1989; Harden et al., 1992; Pope and Anderson 1992; Pudsey et al., 1994; Banfield and Anderson, 1995; Larter and Vanneste, 1995; Bart and Anderson, 1996; Shevenell et al., 1996; Canals et al., 2000; Domack et al, 2001) (Anderson 1999)
5
Previous work (Wellner et al., 2001)
6
Collected multibeam swath bathymetry, sediment cores (jumbo and standard piston, kasten, smith-mac), seismic (airgun and chirp), sidescan aboard the Nathaniel B. Palmer, 2002 Build on existing seismic and core data bases Carbon-14 (AMS) dating Methods
7
Data Set (multibeam, high resolution seismic, cores) PD 88-8
8
(accretionary sediments) (crystalline bedrock) Geologic controls of ice stream behavior? Anderson et al (1990) 10 km Two way travel time (seconds)
9
Results Mega-scale glacial lineations: Identified in at least 6 locations around the Peninsula Crest-to-crest distances of ~ 300-650 m Similar morphology and size to lineations found in Ross Sea, Amundsen Sea, Bellingshausen Sea Form on the prograding wedge of sedimentary deposits without exception PD 88-8
10
Indicate rapid ice flow by deformation of sediments along paleo-ice stream Thin sediment cover (1-2 m, approx) suggests these MSGL are relatively young Preliminary sediment core analysis and C-14 dating support this conclusion PD 88-8
11
Anvers Trough
12
Biscoe Trough
13
Biscoe South
14
Marguerite Trough
15
Weddell Margin (northern) Mega-scale glacial lineations
16
Weddell Margin (southern)
17
Other geomorphic features and their relation to bedrock?
18
Inner shelf geomorphic features Bedrock drumlins and grooves Crest to crest distances of 1-5 km Timing of formation is unconstrained North Anvers Trough Canals et al (2000) Boyd Strait Bedrock drumlins 0 km 10 Smith Trough Grooves
19
KC-26 12,810 14 C yr BP - 14,880 14 C yr BP - KC-26 Glacial marine Transitional glacial-marine Mottled stiff and soft diamicton These MSGL were formed during the LGM The ice pulled back before 14,880 14 C yr > 2000 yr before Palmer Deep 12,250 14 C yr (Domack et al., 2001) Age dating?
20
Minimum estimate of pullback of ice at the LGM
21
At least six, possibly eight, paleo-ice streams have been identified Ice was grounded at or near (<10 km) the shelf break around most of the Peninsula ? ?
22
Conclusions 1) Ice was grounded at or near the shelf break around most of the Peninsula. 2) At least 6, possibly 8, paleo-ice streams have been identified surrounding the Peninsula. 3) MSGL are covered with minimal (1-2 m) Holocene drape, suggesting these features relatively young. Initial core analysis and carbon-14 dating suggests these features are were formed during the LGM. 4) Preliminary carbon-14 dating suggests gradual retreat, with the initial pullback sometime before 14,880 14 C yr BP from the outer shelf, and by 12,250 14 C yr BP from the inner shelf at Palmer Deep. 5) Future work in this area will include continued dating and examination of geomorphic features.
23
Thank you
25
Anvers Trough gullies Line-sourced gullies Found in three troughs concomitant with mega-scale glacial lineations. Probably formed by ice grounded at the shelf break. Timing of their formation is unconstrained.
Similar presentations
© 2025 SlidePlayer.com. Inc.
All rights reserved.