Description and origin of some talus‐foot debris accumulations, Aghla Mountains, Co. Donegal, Ireland

• Published in: Permafrost and Periglacial Processes
• Main Author: Wilson, Peter
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 1993
• Subjects: Ice; permafrost; Permafrost and Periglacial Processes
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ppp.3430040305; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1002%2Fppp.3430040305; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/ppp.3430040305

Abstract The morphology and site characteristics of talus‐foot debris accumulations in the Aghla Mountains, Ireland, suggest that these landforms are fossil protalus ramparts and talus‐derived rock glaciers. The ramparts are linear or arcuate ridges or benches located within 45 m of the talus foot. The rock glaciers comprise several transverse ridges and depressions, interpreted as flow structures, and extend further from the talus foot than the ramparts. At least one rock glacier developed from a rampart. The ramparts indicate the former existence of perennia snowbeds and the rock glaciers are considered to result from the deformation and creep of interstitial ice (permafrost). There is no clear evidence of large scale‐slope failures or glacier ice having influenced debris accumulation. The landforms are probably of Nahanagan Stadial age (c. 11‐10 ka BP) and testify to the susceptibility of well‐jointed quartzite cliffs and talus to significant modification under the severe climatic regime of the stadial.