Basal (basic) moraines: Problem of the identification and principles of new classification

Abstract

The existing concepts of moraine/till formation are discussed and the available factual data on this issue are analyzed. It is concluded that active glaciers from the transported mineral matter make up exclusively basal moraines on the river bed. The latter moraines, which are composed of material directly deposited from the glacier base on the substrate, represent glacial diamicts. It is believed that material in these deposits always acquire a semisolid-solid (“stiff”) state. We identified a new type of glacial deposits–“mitis” basal moraines, which include the recently defined low consolidated glacial diamicts. Consequently, basal moraines are divided into two facies associations: moraines with glaciodynamic structures (common “stiff” moraines) and “mitis” moraines (M-moraines). Deposits of these associations are formed in different thermal zones (areas) of the ice sheet bed. Moraines of the first facies association are formed in melt zones. Therefore, they are characterized by different lithologies and overconsolidation. The M-moraines formed on the thawed glacial bed are marked by massive structure and low (normal) consolidation. They are subdivided into the Barents Sea and Antarctic types.