Implications of ice-bedrock dynamics at Ullstorp, Scania, southern Sweden

• Main Author: Juliusson, Oscar
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: English
• Published: Lunds universitet/Geologiska institutionen 2021
• Subjects: Ice-bedrock dynamics; Hydrofracturing; Bedrock liberation; Plucking; Sediment production; Till continuum; Geomorphology; Earth and Environmental Sciences; Ice Sheet
• Online Access: http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9066247

The field of Quaternary science has, through a long history of high-quality research, produced a vast record of evidence regarding ice sheet dynamics. Consequently, our understanding of such processes and their effects are well understood. However, historically the predominant focus has been of a loose sediment perspective, which has resulted in limited insight into ice-bedrock dynamics. This is interesting due to the inherent importance of such processes for the production of loose sediment. In order to add to the knowledge and to better understand the implications of ice-bedrock interactions, a field study was conducted at a limestone quarry situated at Ullstorp, Scania, southern Sweden. At the study site, the limestone bedrock houses an expansive system of fractures with characteristic infilled material that has been determined to have formed through the process of hydrofracturing. When analysing these fractures in relation to the regional geomorphology, insights have been gained regarding the implications of ice-bedrock dynamics. First, topography seems to largely control the generation and propagation of structures and landforms that are intimately linked to subglacial water pressure. Secondly, hydrofracturing seems to exert a crucial control on bedrock liberation. In turn, this has implications for the production of loose sediments, the till continuum, and landscape evolution.