|
|
RESEARCH |
|
Christina
M. Neudorf (2008)
Abstract
This research explores
relationships between the macroscale sedimentology and micromorphology of
glacigenic diamictons associated with the last Cordilleran Ice Sheet in
south-central B.C., and tests the hypothesis that diamictons classified using
traditional definitions and sedimentological criteria have unique micromorphologies. Cluster analyses suggest that diamicton
types cannot be differentiated by the relative abundances of particular
microstructures. Qualitative
analyses suggest that microfabrics may be less consistent with macrofabrics in
deformation tills and gravity flow diamictons than in undeformed or partially
deformed lodgement tills, and evidence of water sorting at the microscale may
be more prevalent in gravity flow diamictons than in primary tills. This suggests that though
microstructures and microfabrics are not diagnostic
to any one diamicton type, depositional processes express themselves at the
microscale. Therefore diamicton
micromorphology may be used to elaborate on diamicton depositional mechanics
and post-depositional modification; however, interpretations are best made
within the context of macroscale sedimentological inferences.
|