Glacial geomorphology and cosmogenic 10Be and 26Al exposure
ages in the northern Dufek Massif, Weddell Sea embayment,
Antarctica
We studied the glacial geomorphology and geochronology of two ice-free valleys in the Dufek
Massif (Antarctic Specially Protected Area 119) providing new constraints on past ice sheet thickness in the
Weddell Sea embayment. 10Be and 26Al cosmogenic surface exposure dating provided chronological
control. Seven glacial stages are proposed. These include an alpine glaciation, with subsequent (mid-
Miocene?) over-riding by a warm-based ice sheet. Subsequent advances are marked by a series of minor
drift deposits at 760m altitude at .1 Ma, followed by at least two later ice sheet advances that are
characterized by extensive drift sheet deposition. An advance of plateau ice field outlet glaciers from the
south postdated these drift sheets. The most recent advance involved the cold-based expansion of the ice sheet
from the north at the Last Glacial Maximum, or earlier, which deposited a series of bouldery moraines during
its retreat. This suggests at most a relatively modest expansion of the ice sheet and outlet glaciers dominated
by a lateral ice expansion of just 2–3 km and maintaining a thickness similar to that of the northern ice sheet
front. These observations are consistent with other reports of modest ice sheet thickening around the Weddell
Sea embayment during the Last Glacial Maximum.
Details
Publication status:
Published
Author(s):
Authors: Hodgson, Dominic A. ORCID record for Dominic A. Hodgson, Bentley, Michael J., Schnabel, Christoph, Cziferszky, Andreas, Fretwell, Peter ORCID record for Peter Fretwell, Convey, Peter ORCID record for Peter Convey, Xu, Sheng
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're okay with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptRead more
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.