The Loch Lomond Stadial glaciation south of Rannoch Moor: new evidence and palaeoglaciological insights

• Main Author: Nicholas R. Golledge
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 2006
• Subjects: Loch Lomond; Ice cap
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.585.3754; http://www.geos.ed.ac.uk/homes/s0350775/Golledge_2007_SGJ.pdf

ABSTRACT The mountains and valleys south of Rannoch Moor were of key importance in governing both the style and direction of ice flow during the Loch Lomond Stadial (LLS), and yet have, until now, received limited attention from glacial researchers. New evidence, based on recent geological mapping of the area, shows that a landform-sediment assemblage exists that, at least in part, pre-dates the Loch Lomond Stadial. This last glacial episode was therefore characterised by very limited glacial erosion in this area, and in fact favoured landscape preservation. Geological and geomorphological data suggest that the former LLS ice cap flowed largely by meltwater-lubricated sliding on rigid beds, with deformation of unconsolidated basal substrate occurring only where pre-existing sediments were overridden. KEY WORDS: Loch Lomond Stadial, ice cap, palaeoglaciology, landscape preservation, superimposed landforms