CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
Search Results
Author : Harmon, R.S., Ford, D.C.and Schwarcz, H.P.
Date : 1977.
Title : Interglacial chronology of the Rocky and Mackenzie Mountains based upon 230Th-234U dating of calcite speleothems
Publication : Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences
Issue : 14:
Page(s) : 2543-2552
Abstract
Fifty-four 230Th-234U ages for 36 different speleothems (calcium carbonate layers deposited in caves) from mountain karst areas of western North America (Nahanni region, Northwest Territories; Columbia Icefield region, Alberta and British Columbia; Crowsnest Pass area, Alberta and British Columbia; Bear River Range, Utah) cluster into five distinct age groups. Interpreting episodes of speleothem deposition to correspond broadly to periods of interglacial climate, it is possible to construct a general picture of climatic change in the Rocky and Mackenzie Mountains between 41°N and 62°N during the past 350,000 years. Thus, interglacials are recognized at: (1) present to about 15,000 years B.P.; (2) 90,000 to 150,000 years B.P.; (3) 185,000 to 235,000 years B.P.; (4) 275,000 to 320,000 years B.P.; (5) ~350,000 years B.P. These interglacials agree well with periods of high sea stand and warm climate observed in the marine paleoclimatic record. (Abstract by C.R. Harington)
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology