CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Germain, V.; Lamothe, M.; and Froese, D.
Date : 2010.
Title : Luminescence dating of late Pleistocene sandsheets from interior Yukon and Alaska.
Publication : Prairie Summit - Le sommet des Prairies. Joint Conference of Canadian Association of Geographers, Canadian Cartographic Association, Canadian Geomorphology Research Group, Canadian Remote Sensing Society / Conférence conjointe de l’Association canadienne des géographes, l’Association canadienne de cartographie, le Groupe canadien de recherche en géomorphologie, la Société canadienne de télédétection. June 1 to 5, 2010. Regina, Saskatchewan.
Issue : Program and Abstract Volume.
Page(s) : 118-119.
Abstract
Eolian sandsheets occur commonly in the unglaciated region of northwestern Canada and Alaska, but relatively few have been independently dated. These sandsheets result from unique climatic and environmental conditions that prevailed towards the end of the late Pleistocene, providing information on the relations between climate, vegetation cover and sand supply. Sandsheets are well exposed along the banks the middle Yukon River, and widespread between the mouth of the Fortymile River, Yukon, and the community of Eagle, Alaska. These sub-horizontal deposits are found on fluvial and glaciofluvial gravel and are currently stabilized, with typical Holocene soils on their surfaces. The sediments are composed of well-sorted fine to medium sand, with structures ranging from massive-to-well stratified, and thicknesses up to eight metres. They show sharply defined parallel and low-angle laminations, suggesting migration of low-amplitude wind ripples. Sand supply was from the Yukon River and their aggradation suggests sparse vegetation cover in an arid climate. In this study we use infrared simulated luminescence (IRSL) and radiocarbon dating to constrain the timing of their deposition. Optical simulated luminescence (OSL) has proven to be a very useful technique for establishing their chronology. Statistical IRSL parameters confirm their eolian origin and are coherent with the ca. 12-18 ka range deduced from preliminary radiocarbon dating.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology