The glaciolacustrine landform-sediment assemblage at Heinabergsjokull, Iceland

Authors: Bennett, M.R., Huddart, D. and McCormick, T.

Journal: Geografiska Annaler, Series A: Physical Geography

Volume: 82

Issue: 1

Pages: 1-16

ISSN: 0435-3676

DOI: 10.1111/j.0435-3676.2000.00107.x

Abstract:

Landform-sediment assemblages associated with two ice-dammed lakes, one active and one fossil, at Heinabergsjokull in southeast Iceland are described. The current ice-dammed lake (Vatnsdalur) is dominated by a large aggradational terrace, as well as an excellent suite of shorelines. The second fossil ice-dammed lake dates from the Neoglacial maximum of Heinabergsjokull (c. 1887) and drained during the late 1920s. This lake is associated with a suite of shorelines and ice-marginal glaciolacustrine fans. The sedimentology of one of these fans is described. Between 50 and 70% of the sediment succession is dominated by ice-rafted sediment, although rhythmites, matrix-rich gravels, sands and graded sand-silt couplets are also present. A range of intra-formational, soft-sediment deformation structures are present, consistent with liquefaction and deformation associated with loading, current shear, and iceberg calving. The landform-sediment assemblages described from Heinabergsjokull provide important data for the interpretation of Pleistocene ice-dammed lakes.

Source: Scopus

Preferred by: Matthew Bennett