Weichselian ice movements, sediments and stratigraphy on Hardanger- vidda, South Norway.

Abstract

Based on studies of glacial directional elements and on lithology, palynology and stratigraphy of the Quaternary sediments, the following climatostratigraphy and ice movement patterns are indicated; an early ice-free period, the Hovden thermomer, which is correlated with the Eemian; an early Weichselian glacial event, the Hovden kryomer, characterised by ice movements towards the east from a westerly situated ice divide (Phase I); an Early Weichselian ice-freeevent, the Førnes thermomer; a continuous glaciation period, the Førnes kryomer, which ended with the Holocene deglaciation. During the Førnes kryomer, the ice divide was situated far to the west in the earliest periods (Phase II). Later, the ice divide was located over eastern Hardangervidda (Phase III) and finally the ice movement diverged from a westerly situated ice divide and a dome located to the north (Phase IV). The environment during the thermomers is discussed as well as the temerature, relief and the reason for the changing ice movement patterns of the ice sheet during the kryomers. Textural and petrographical studies have been carried out on 485 sediment samples. Emphasis is laid upon ruling out the comminution and dilution of phylite during glacial and glaciofluvial transport.