CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Bhiry, N.; and Todisco, D.
Date : 2007.
Title : Late-Holocene solifluction and periglacial geoarchaeology: the example of Tayara site, (KBFK-7), Qikirtaq Island, Nunavik (Canada).
Publication : 37th Annual International Arctic Workshop. May 2-4, 2007. Skaftafell, Iceland. Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Iceland, Askja, Iceland.
Issue : Program and Abstracts.
Page(s) : 51-52.
Abstract
The geoarchaeological study of the Palaeoeskimo Tayara site on Qikirtaq Island (Nunavik) has led to a better understanding of archaeological site formation in the arctic periglacial environment. The surrounding geomorphology (extra-site) is characterized by fine-grained, low plasticity and leached postglacial glaciomarine sediments that have been reworked by sheet-like solifluction. This process buried the northern part of the Tayara site with mean annual rates between 1.68 and 2.86 cm/yr over approximately 350 years (1330–980 yr B.P.).The physico-chemical and mineralogical properties of the frost-susceptible glaciomarine sediments may explain their susceptibility to solifluction. This process was probably enhanced by longer thawing periods or warmer/moister summer months that induced active layer thickening or rapid soil thawing. The dates we obtained in the downstream valley show that solifluction occurred during short warm periods in the Late Holocene between ca. 1500 and 1000 yr B.P., after 1000 yr B.P. (or after 500 yr B.P.) and recently (90-60 yr B.P.) Our data provide insights on the site factors and climate factors that govern site burial by solifluction. Solifluction promoted the preservation of the three superposed archaeological levels in the Tayara site; however, the waterlogging of the site related to solifluction also likely caused the subsequent abandonment of the site by the Palaeoeskimo people.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology