Glacial Geomorphology

Information

Created By: Phil Hughes

Currently Used By: Phil Hughes, Chris Darvill, Anna Hughes, Matt Tomkins

Location: Keskdale, Newlands Valley

Instructions

Drive to Newlands Hause (free parking) to observe the moraine sequence at Keskadale dated by Hughes et al. 2012.

If visibility is good, begin by walking up towards Knott Rigg, but not necessarily to the summit (~30 mins climb). Views down to the Keskadale cirque; a good opportunity to introduce glacial sequences, erosional and depositional landforms etc. Introduction to glacial geomorphological mapping, but also good examples of non-glacial processes e.g. fluvial incision within the valley, scree below Wandope (north).

Return to the road (~20 mins?) and drop down to the lower moraine (~10 mins). Discussion of moraine sedimentology - stratigraphy revealed by fluvial incision (clast analysis?).

Along the moraine to locate boulders dated using 10Be - light discussion of cosmogenic dating (boulder transport history, rolling, erosion, sediment?). Opportunity for relative dating (Schmidt hammer) but relatively few boulders. With ~10-15 students, take 4 Schmidt hammers, split into groups of 3-4 and get them to sample some of the boulders. What factors influence the measurements? Mention the kit available in the department; opportunities for dissertations.

If time available, walk up to High Hole and inspect the ice-moulded bedrock. Discussion of glacial erosion (quarrying, abrasian, striations etc) and glacier formation (nivation, snowpatches, topography shielding, snow-blow etc).

Return to the minibus and the centre.

Equipment

Each student should have:

• Pencils for mapping
• Topographic (or OS) map of upper Eskdale
• Compass clinometer (?) for clast fabric analysis

Staff require:

• 4x Schmidt hammers

Handouts

• Copies of Hughes et al. (2012)