Revision of the chronology of the late Otira Glacial

Abstract

The greatest ice advance during the late Otira Glacial, the later Kumara-2 (K2₂) advance, began some time prior to 22,300 yr B.P. and culminated shortly after 18,600 yr B.P. Pollen floras indicate a barren treeless landscape and bleak conditions at these times in the Grey Valley, north Westland, 25 km in front of the ice limit. The subsequent rather smaller Kumara-3 advances are thought to have been followed by rapid deglaciation after about 14,000 yr B.P.