Multiple cosmogenic nuclides document complex Pleistocene exposure history of glacial drifts in Terra Nova Bay (northern Victoria Land, Antarctica)

Di Nicola, L., Strasky, S., Schlüchter, C., Salvatore, M. C., Akçar, N., Kubik, P. W., Christl, M., Kasper, H. U., Wieler, R. and Baroni, C. (2009) Multiple cosmogenic nuclides document complex Pleistocene exposure history of glacial drifts in Terra Nova Bay (northern Victoria Land, Antarctica). Quaternary Research, 71(1), pp. 83-92. (doi: 10.1016/j.yqres.2008.07.004)

Abstract

Geomorphological and glacial geological surveys and multiple cosmogenic nuclide analyses (10Be, 26Al, and 21Ne) allowed us to reconstruct the chronology of variations prior to the last glacial maximum of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet (EAIS) and valley glaciers in the Terra Nova Bay region. Glacially scoured coastal piedmonts with round-topped mountains occur below the highest local erosional trimline. They represent relict landscape features eroded by extensive ice overriding the whole coastal area before at least 6 Ma (pre-dating the build-up of the Mt. Melbourne volcanic field). Since then, summit surfaces were continuously exposed and well preserved under polar condition with negligible erosion rates on the order of 17 cm/Ma. Complex older drifts rest on deglaciated areas above the younger late-Pleistocene glacial drift and below the previously overridden summits. The combination of stable and radionuclide isotopes documents complex exposure histories with substantial periods of burial combined with minimal erosion. The areas below rounded summits were repeatedly exposed and buried by ice from local and outlet glaciers. The exposure ages of the older drift(s) indicate multiple Pleistocene glacial cycles, which did not significantly modify the pre-existing landscape.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was carried out through a joint research program of the School of Polar Science of Siena, Department of Earth Science of Pisa, the Institutes of Geological Science of Bern and ETH of Zurich. It was supported by the Italian National Program on Antarctic Research (PNRA) and the Swiss National Science Foundation (grant No. 200020- 105220/1).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Di Nicola, Dr Luigia
• Authors: Di Nicola, L., Strasky, S., Schlüchter, C., Salvatore, M. C., Akçar, N., Kubik, P. W., Christl, M., Kasper, H. U., Wieler, R., and Baroni, C.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre
• Journal Name: Quaternary Research
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• ISSN: 0033-5894
• ISSN (Online): 1096-0287
• Published Online: 10 October 2008