An OSL‐dated sediment sequence at Idre, west‐central Sweden, indicates ice‐free conditions in MIS 3. (10th October 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Möller, Per; Anjar, Johanna; Murray, Andrew S.
• Is Part Of: Boreas. Volume 42:Number 1(2013:Jan.)
• Page Start: 25
• Page End: 42
• Publication Date: 2012-10-10
• Subjects: Geology, Stratigraphic -- Quaternary -- Periodicals; 551.79
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1502-3885.2012.00284.x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0300-9483

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>In central and northern Sweden, glacial sediments and landforms, formed during Early and Middle Weichselian stadials and their transition into interstadials, are often preserved in spite of having been overridden by later glacial advances. This study presents an OSL‐dated glacial stratigraphy from Idre in west‐central Sweden, expanding the area in which Middle Weichselian ice‐free conditions have been identified. Three sedimentary units were identified, with the lowermost unit consisting of glaciolacustrine sand, deposited in a stagnant water‐body. Nine OSL samples gave ages ranging from 54 to 41 ka, suggesting deposition during a deglacial phase in MIS 3. Normal faults and silt veins, formed after deposition, indicate that the area was ice‐free for a prolonged period, enabling the melting of buried stagnant ice. Above an erosional unconformity is a sediment unit characterized by gravels and sands deposited in a proximal braided‐river environment. OSL ages range from 180 to 41 ka, indicating poor sediment bleaching during deposition. We thus consider them to give a maximum age of the sedimentation, indicating deposition at or after 41 ka. The uppermost unit consists of a stacked succession of subglacial traction tills and glaciotectonite beds, representing the Late Weichselian glaciation of the area, probably during the inception phase with a wet‐based glacier regime. At the last deglaciation of the area there was extensive meltwater erosion, eroding all sedimentary units and forming a landscape with terraces and channels, and erosional remnants of the uppermost diamict as free‐standing hummocks.</p> </abstract>