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 Knott Rigg (~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:

• ...

Staff require:

• ...

Handouts

• ...