Glacial stadials and interstadials of the Late Precambrian Smalfjord Tillite on Laksefjordvidda, Finnmark, North Norway.

Abstract

Three glacial conglomerates and two intervening sandstones in the Smalfjord Formation on Laksefjordvidda were deposited during three glacial episodes and two interstadials, respectively. MOst of the sequence is preserved in a preglacial palaeovalley. The lowermost conglomerate is interpreted as an indurated ground moraine, and the middle and upper ones are partly deposits formed under water. The interstadial sandstones consist of sand and silt carried by wind or rivers into quiet lakes or marine basins situated in the palaeovalley. The Smalfjord Tillite at Tanafjord is correlated with that of the third glacial episode of Laksefjordvidda, while the Bigganjargga Tillite at Varangerfjord is considered to have been formed contemporaneously with the lower or middle glacial conglomerate on Laksefjordvidda.