Soils and glacial deposits in the Beacon Valley, southern Victoria Land, Antarctica

Abstract

Multiple glaciation has carved the main Beacon Valley, and a series of lateral valleys, into interlayered sandstones and dolerite sills, and has left a number of distinct tills with associated moraines. The lower Beacon Valley has been glaciated during advances of Taylor Glacier, while the upper valley has received ice from alpine glaciers and surrounding névés. Geometric relationships and surface weathering characteristics suggest that, although alpine ice was generally slightly out of phase with fluctuations of Taylor Glacier, in at least one instance alpine and Taylor Glacier advances were in phase. Soil studies complement the geomorphological investigations. Based upon varying degrees of soil development, at least three major ice invasions are recognised in Beacon Valley. Criteria useful in distinguishing the three soil groups include depth of oxidation, texture, consistence of lower horizons, depth of the frost table or ice-cemented permafrost and the relative amount of salts.