The Carstairs Kames (Lanarkshire, Scotland): Morphology, sedimentology and formation

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

Journal: Journal of Quaternary Science

Volume: 12

Issue: 6

Pages: 467-484

ISSN: 0267-8179

DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1099-1417(199711/12)12:6<467::aid-jqs314>3.0.co;2-r

Abstract:

The Carstairs Kames have been the subject of debate for over 150 yr. A synthesis of previous work, along with new sedimentological data, is used to reappraise this classic British esker locality. Three morphological elements are recognised: (i) large, sinuous and anastomosing ridges; (ii) large, irregular, linear mounds; and (iii) small, low and irregular mounds. The main ridge system is composed of a core of boulder gravel with sand/pebble gravel above and adjacent to the core. The large, linear mounds contain a varied facies range which include: glaciolacustrine sediments (deltaic sequences, laminites and dropstones); debris flows; and glaciofluvial channel systems. All the deposits, both in the main ridges and in the adjacent linear mounds, contain syn-and post-depositional subsidence structures, including normal faults, synclinal folds and growth faults. A range of potential origins for these landforms is reviewed and it is suggested that glaciofluvial sedimentation in a supraglacial environment, controlled by a topography of ice-cored ridges, is the most appropriate depositional model. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Source: Scopus

Preferred by: Matthew Bennett