The Surficial Geology of Skeldal, Mesters Vig Northeast Greenland.

Abstract

Skeldal is located in the Mesters Vig district, Northeast Greenland {72°15' N. lat., 24°15' W. long.). The surficial deposits were studied and sampled for analysis in the laboratory. Thirteen radiocarbon dates of shell material, and one of peat helped to establish a chronology for glacial retreat since the last glacial (Würm/Wisconsin) maximum. Conclusions: ( 1) The maximum height of the ice surface in Skeldal during the last glaciation is tentatively set at 500 m (Phase I) and probably corresponds to the last glacial maximum. (2) The first period of downwasting from the 500 m level is the result of glacial thinning and retreat (Phase II). {3) A glacial readvance probably occurred (Phase III), followed by general uncovering of the Mesters Vig district during postglacial time (Phase IV). (4) A glacial readvance occurred more recently than 1,500 B.P. (Phase V). (5) The early rate of emergence, 8,000-7,000 B.P., related to delevelling in Skeldal was of the order of 3 m per 100 years, but slowed approximately to 1 m per 100 years between 6,500 and 6,000 B.P. From 6,000 B.P. to the present emergence is tentatively set at 6 to 7 cm per 100 years. (6) The highest peaks rising from Skeldal were nunataks during the last ice maximum, and very probably during the entire Pleistocene. (7) Valley profiles and a slide block in the area suggest multiple glaciation occurred in Skeldal.