The periglacial geomorphology of the Rankin Inlet area, Keewatin, N.W.T., Canada
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26485/BP/1972/21/8Keywords:
glacial landforms, periglacial features, patterned ground, raised beaches, postglacial emergence of landAbstract
The glacial landforms and periglacial surface features of a previously little known area bordering Hudson Bay, northern Canada, are described. The area lies 480 km north of the treeline and is entirely within the zone of late glacial and postglacial marine submergence. The present-day climate is typically arctic, and the vegetation, tundra; permafrost lies to a depth of 300 m. The last glacial ice to cover the area flowed southeastward from the direction of the Keewatin Ice Divide. Glacial landforms include till sheets, drumlinoid and morainic ridges, and an abundance of fluvioglacial forms iricluding eskers and crevasse-fillings. Periglacial forms are classified and described, the classification being devised in such a manner as to allow convenient description of the forms. Non-sorted patterned ground forms in which vegetation comprises an important element predominate. Most common are frost-fissure polygons, non-sorted circles, steps, vegetation nets, and hummocks. The most vigorous processes are those associated with marine fine sand and silt and the formation of non-sorted circles, steps, and vegetation nets. Fluvioglacial ridges and raised beaches, associated with frost-fissure polygons, are the most stable surfaces. Relationships between each periglacial feature and landform, vegetation, and depth of active layer are examined. No correlation was found to exist between stage of development of periglacial form and the time elapsed since the postglacial emergence of the land surface from the sea.
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