So called ,,vallons de gelivation” in Central Labrador-Ungava
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26485/BP/1963/12/6Keywords:
solifluction, periglacial processes, Dolly Ridge region, CanadaAbstract
The paper presents a re-examination of the so-called “vallons de gélivation” – frost valleys of a niche-like character found in the Dolly Ridge area of central Labrador-Ungava. These features were previously interpreted by Twidale (1956) as periglacial forms created by frost action and solifluction. Author challenges this interpretation, arguing that field evidence does not support intense frost weathering and that the great variability in valley morphology cannot be explained by a single periglacial process. He proposes an alternative glacifluvial origin, suggesting that the valleys were formed by subglacial meltwater erosion during the final stages of deglaciation, around 7,000 years ago. Periglacial processes played only a minor postglacial role, limited to the development of scree slopes and the widening of joint lines. Author concludes that geomorphologists should be cautious in attributing excessive importance to periglacial processes without sufficient observational and quantitative evidence.
References
Andrews, J. T., 1961 a - ”Vallons de gélivation" in Central Labrador-Ungava, A reappraisal. Canadian Geogr., vol. 5; p. 1-9.
Andrews, J. T., 1961 b - The development of scree slopes in the English Lake District and Central Québec-Labrador. Cahiers Géogr. Québec, vol. 5; p. 219-230.
Capp, S. R., 1910 - Rock glaciers in Alaska. Jour. Geol., vol. 18; p. 359-375.
Cook, F. A., Raiche, V. G., 1962 a - Simple transverse nivation hollows at Resolute, N.W.T. Geogr. Bull., No 18; p. 79-85.
Cook, F. A., Raiche, V. G., 1962 b - Freeze-thaw cycles at Resolute, N. W. T. Geogr. Bull.
Derbyshire, E., 1959 - Fluvial glacial erosion in Central Quebec. Unpublished M. Sc. thesis, McGill Univ.
Derruau, M., 1956 - Les formes périglaciaires due Labrador-Ungava comparées à celles de l'Islande Centrale. Revue Géomorph. Dyn., vol. 7; p. 11-17.
Dorywalski, M., 1960 - Review of Twidale's 1958 paper. Biuletyn Peryglacjalny, nr 7; p. 119-121.
Grawe, O. R., 1936 - Ice as an agent of rock weathering. Jour. Geol., vol. 44; p. 173-182.
Haywood, B. H. J., ed. by Andrews, J. T. and E. M. Matthew, 1961 - Studies in frost-heave cycles at Schefferville. McGill Sub-Arctic Research Papers, No 11; p. 6-10.
Henderson, E. P., 1956 - Large nivation hollows near Knob Lake, Quebec. Jour. Geol., vol. 64; p. 601-616.
Ives, J. D., 1959 - Glacial drainage channels as indicators of Late Glacial conditions in Labrador-Ungava. Cahiers Géogr. Québec, vol. 3; p. 57-73.
Ives, J. D., 1960 - Permafrost investigations in Labrador-Ungava. McGill Sub-Arctic Research Papers, No. 9; p. 32-44.
Ives, J. D., 1961 - A pilot project for permafrost investigations in Central Labrador-Ungava. Geogr. Paper, No 28, Dept. Mines and Techn. Surveys, Ottawa; 22 pp.
Kesselli, J. E., 1941 - Rock streams in Sierra Nevada, California. Geogr. Review, vol. 31; p. 203-227.
Reiche, P., 1950 - A survey of weathering processes and products. Univ. New Mexico Publ. in Geol., no 3; 95 pp.
Twidale, C. R., 1956 - Vallons de gélivation dans le centre du Labrador. Revue Géomorph. Dyn., vol. 7; p. 18-23.
Twidale, C. R., 1958 - Vallons de gélivation dans le centre du Labrador. Revue Géomorph. Dyn., vol. 9; p. 84.
Williams, P. J., 1961 - Solifluction phenomena. McGill Sub-Arctic Research Papers, No. 11; p. 100-101.
