The age and paleoclimate implications of relict periglacial block deposits on the New England Tablelands, Australia
Publication Name
Quaternary Research (United States)
Abstract
Pleistocene periglacial activity in eastern Australia was widespread and has been predicted to have extended along much of the east coast. This paper describes block deposits in the New England Tablelands, Australia, as far north as 30°S. These deposits are characterized by openwork blocks on slopes below the angle of repose. The deposits are positioned where frost cracking was significant and range in area up to 8 ha. Surface exposure dating using the cosmogenic nuclide 36Cl from four block deposits indicate all sites were active late during the last glacial cycle, with a concentration of activity between 15-30 ka. Modern temperature measurements from block deposits highlight the importance of local topography for promoting freezing. Periglacial deposits are likely to have been more extensive than previously recognized at these northern limits, and mean annual temperature more than 8°C colder than today.
Open Access Status
This publication may be available as open access
Volume
111
First Page
121
Last Page
137
Funding Number
DP110103081
Funding Sponsor
Australian Research Council