LATE PLEISTOCENE GLACIATION OF THE KOSCIUSZKO MASSIF, SNOWY MOUNTAINS,
AUSTRALIA
Timothy T. Barrows, John O. Stone, L. Keith Fifield and Richard G. Cresswell
Quaternary Research 55(2), 179-189 (2001)
doi:10.1006/qres.2001.2216
Abstract
Late Pleistocene glaciation of the Australian mainland was restricted
to a small area of the southeastern highlands. Geomorphic mapping of the
area and exposure dating using the in situ-produced cosmogenic isotope
Be-10 provides evidence for at least two distinct glaciations. The Early
Kosciuszko glaciation consisted of a single glacier advance before 59,300
± 5400 years ago (Snowy River Advance). The Late Kosciuszko glaciation
comprised three glacier advances 32,000 ± 2500 (Headley Tarn Advance),
19,100 ± 1600 (Blue Lake Advance), and 16,800 ± 1400 years
ago (Mt. Twynam Advance). The Early Kosciuszko glaciation was the most
extensive and the Late Kosciuszko advances were progressively less extensive.
These periods of glaciation in the highlands correspond to episodes of
periglacial activity, and peaks in lake levels and river discharge at lower
elevations in southeastern Australia. Glacier advances on the Kosciuszko
Massif correlate with advances in Tasmania, South America and New Zealand,
and are broadly representative of hemispheric climate changes during the
last glacial cycle.
