CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
Search Results
Author : Sjogren, E.C.
Date : 1999.
Title : Geomorphology of the Tawatinaw Region.
Publication : Unpublished M.Sc. thesis. University of Alberta, Edmonton.
Issue :
Page(s) : 112 p.
Abstract
The area being studied is the Tawatinaw Valley, located approximately 100 km north of Edmonton. The research objective is to determine the genesis of the valley on the basis of the sediments and associated landforms. More specifically, it will be concluded whether the valley was: (1) formed subglacially, as a tunnel valley, (2) formed as a preglacial valley and subsequently modified by glaciation, or (3) formed proglacially during retreat of the ice sheet. Based on preliminary data collection, it is suspected that the valley was a tunnel valley. Profiles along the valley floor show that it has a convex thalweg, suggesting that subglacial meltwater was instrumental in its formation. Till capped by fluvial sediments discourages the idea that the valley may be a proglacial meltwater channel, formed during a single glacial advance and retreat. Bedrock topography maps, showing paleothalwegs of preglacial rivers, do not indicate that the valley may be preglacial in age due to an inadequate catchment. If the analysis shows that the Tawatinaw Valley is a tunnel valley (rather than a pre- or proglacial valley), the next step will be to determine which method of formation probably took place: (1) formation by subglacial sediment deformation - meltwater flowing in R-channels carries away material from the sides and base, (2) time-transgressive formation close to the ice margin during retreat, or (3) formation by catastrophic subglacial meltwater floods. A large glaciofluvial complex is located at the southern end of the valley. This complex spreads out as it sweeps toward the southeast from the southern end of the valley. Paleocurrent analyses in the glaciofluvial complex support the idea that it was deposited by water flowing southward out of the valley, releasing into a broadening, southeasterly flow. Digital Elevation Models show a close association between the Tawatinaw Valley and the higher, surrounding area characterized by giant flutings (oriented NNE to SSW), hummocky terrain and streamlined landforms.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology