Stoker, B., Livingstone, S. orcid.org/0000-0002-7240-5037, Barr, I. et al. (3 more authors) (2021) Variations in esker morphology and internal architecture record time-transgressive deposition during ice margin retreat in Northern Ireland. Proceedings of the Geologists' Association, 132 (4). pp. 409-425. ISSN 0016-7878
Abstract
The architecture and evolution of the subglacial hydrological system plays a key role in modulating ice flow. Eskers provide an opportunity to understand subglacial hydrology at a broader perspective than contemporary studies. Recent research has established a morphogenetic classification for eskers, but these studies have been limited to topographically simple regions of a single ice sheet. We present an updated map of esker distribution in Northern Ireland based on 5-m resolution elevation data. We also present a high-resolution map of the glacial geomorphology of SW Northern Ireland, based on ~ 0.4-m resolution elevation data. Ground Penetrating Radar data from four sites along the > 20-km long Evishanoran Esker system in central Northern Ireland are combined with geomorphological observations to provide insight into depositional processes and controls on esker formation. Esker architecture indicates two styles of deposition, including an initial high energy flow event in a subglacial conduit and delta foreset deposition close to the ice sheet margin during ice margin retreat. These delta foreset deposits can be used to reconstruct former ice margins. We identify that local topographic complexity and geological structures (e.g., faults) are important controls on esker formation. The broad-scale esker architecture remains the same despite variable esker planform morphology, suggesting hydrological conditions alone cannot explain esker morphology. This study provides further evidence that morphogenetic relationships cannot be based solely on remote sensing data and must be supported by robust field observations, especially where post-glacial processes may distort esker morphology (e.g., peat infilling).
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2021 Crown Copyright. This is an author produced version of a paper subsequently published in Proceedings of the Geologists' Association. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. Article available under the terms of the CC-BY-NC-ND licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). |
Keywords: | Eskers; Northern Ireland; Morphology; Sedimentology; Deglaciation; Meltwater |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Social Sciences (Sheffield) > Department of Geography (Sheffield) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 20 Apr 2021 06:30 |
Last Modified: | 19 Apr 2022 00:38 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Elsevier |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1016/j.pgeola.2021.03.002 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:173230 |
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