Indicator studies: a critical review and a new data­presentation method

Abstract

This paper deals with general problems of indicator collection and introduces a new datapresentation method, named the circle-map method. The advantages of this method is demonstrated by collecting a wide spectrum of Scandinavian and Baltic rock types in two Danish localities. It is concluded that an indicator count should be made in situ and comprise at least 50 stones, and that the rock types used should represent parent areas as evenly distributed as possible throughout the Scandinavian and Baltic regions. The circle maps indicate the routeway of ice flow from the Scandinavian mountains to the locality dealt with. It emphasizes variations in indicator content and may, therefore, show the lateral displacement of ice-flow routes which should be expected from a glaciological point of view. In addition, the method makes it possible to distinguish between directly brought stones and contaminating stones.