Methods for Assessing Lake Pleistocene and Holocene Erosion History

in Glaciated Mountain Drainage Basins

P.J. Tonkin, J.B.J. Harrison, I.E. Whitehouse, and A.S. Campbell

I.A.H.S. Publ. No. 132 (Christchurch, 1981)

Methods for assessing late Pleistocene and Holocene erosion history of previously glaciated, mountain drainage basins are described. The main objective is the recognition of chronological sequences of geomorphic surfaces and their buried or exhumed correlatives. Once identified, geomorphic surfaces may be mapped and assigned ages based upon radiocarbon dating and upon surficial weathering features, such as rock surface weathering and soil profile development. Geomorphic surfaces of glacial moraine and associated landforms provide a relative age base which is the key to inter- and intra-drainage basin correlations. Maps showing the distribution of geomorphic surfaces and aggrading scree surfaces depict the erosion history of drainage basins.