Glacial geomorphic features in the northern Barents Sea: direct evidence for grounded ice and implications for the pattern of deglaciation and late glacial sedimentation

Abstract

Glacial landforms, in particular flutes and associated transverse ridges, have been identified in an area of roughly 4000 km² and between approximately 150 and 340 m water depth in the north-central Barents Sea. The transverse ridges are interpreted to be analogous to De Geer moraines and are observed only in the southern part of the fluted area. The flutes, trending roughly north-south, have a relief of less than one metre, widths on the order of 4–8 m and lengths usually 100–500 m. Although the present data do not allow firm conclusions on the exact genesis of these features, they are compared to analogous terrestrial features.