CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Gosse, J.C.
Date : 2003.
Title : Cosmogenic nuclide exposure dating in canada: new strategies, old landscapes, new questions.
Publication : Joint Annual Meeting of the Canadian Quaternary Association and the Canadian Geomorphology Research Group. Halifax, Nova Scotia, June 8-12, 2003.
Issue :
Page(s) :
Abstract
Cosmogenic isotopes produced in rocks have been used to (1) calculate the duration that a landform has been exposed at the Earth's surface; (2) estimate rates and styles of erosion on spatial scales of boulders to catchments; (3) determine if and how long a surface or sediment has been shielded from cosmic rays. Ages of Quaternary impact craters, raised shorelines, strath terraces, and sea level events that cannot be constrained by other methods can now be estimated. Yet, the method provides more than just chronology because it offers insights into rates and nature of surface processes. Rates of erosion (averaged over only 104 and 105 year timescales) can be systematically established on Canada's tough craton rocks. This information can be compared to longer (106 and 107 year) timescale estimates of denudation from thermochronology methods and geodetic data in order to deduce changes in rates and processes of landscape evolution. The geomorphological community can pose new questions. What is the rate of cliff retreat? Can high altitude felsenmeer summits induce non-erosive glacier cover? How and how fast has Vancouver Island uplifted in the past million years? Do rates of glacial erosion depend on rock fracture density? What is the rate of cryoplanation?
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology