Freeze-thaw and shore platform development in Gaspe, Quebec.

Abstract

The role of freeze-thaw action in coastal environments, with particular reference to the formation of sub-horizontal shore platforms in Gaspe, Quebec, was investigated experimentally. Shales were the most susceptible to frost breakdown, followed in turn by argillites, calcisiltites and dolomitic silty argillites, and graywackes. Greatest disintegration tended to be associated with sea water solutions of about half-normal salinity. The data suggest that breakdown is greatest in the lower portions of the cliff. Freeze-thaw may produce the moat-like pools commonly found at the back of shore platforms. -from Authors Dept. of Geog., Univ. of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, N9B 3P4, Canada. English