CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Coulthard, B.L.; and Smith, D.J.
Date : 2009.
Title : -A dendroglaciological interpretation of glacial history at Confederation Glacier, Central British Columbia Coast Mountains, Canada.
Publication : CANQUA–CGRG Biennial Meeting. May 3-8, 2009. Simon Fraser University, Burnaby Campus, Burnaby, British Columbia.
Issue : Programme and Abstracts Volume.
Page(s) : 61.
Abstract
Dendroglaciological research was completed at Confederation Glacier in the central Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Canada. Most glaciers in this high-relief landscape reached their maximum Holocene downvalley extent during the late Little Ice Age (LIA) and have since experienced an interval of general retreat and downwasting. Today LIA landforms and deposits dominate this environment, although older Holocene-age deposits and wood detritus previously overrun and buried during preceding glacial advances are now exposed within stream-side incisions and within collapsing lateral moraines. Our study aims to provide a late Holocene history of glacial activity in the vicinity of Confederation Glacier and to develop proxy climate and mass balance records from tree-rings for the Confederation Glacier area. The advantages of both tree ring width and tree ring density are being explored. Field investigations in July 2008 focused on surveys of glacier forefields and proximal lateral moraine deposits located near the confluence of the Confederation and Franklin glaciers. Our preliminary findings provide dendroglaciological evidence for the timing of the Tiedemann and early Little Ice Age advances. We expect that our research will assist with broader-scale reconstructions of late Holocene glacier activity in the British Columbia Coast Mountains, and establish links between significant climate forcing events and late Holocene glaciological responses.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology