Glaciation of the Torngat Mountains, Northern Labrador

Abstract

Considers role of these mountains in glaciation of Labrador-Ungava, assessing particularly events in late-Wisconsin times with respect to final disappearance of both continental and local ice masses. Conflicting theories are discussed, and evidence presented, based on physiography and findings from summer 1956 field work, including unmistakable erratics on summits at 4,000-5,000 ft. The highest summits were completely submerged by eastward moving continental ice during the Wisconsin glaciation; local glaciers never reached significant dimensions; rapid melting in situ of thick masses of ice occurred during the final Wisconsin stages. Two or three separate glacial periods are recognized from the morphology of the area. Instantaneous glaciation of a large area of the Labrador-Ungava Plateau probably initiated a continental ice sheet in northeastern North America at the onset of each glacial period. Also pub. in International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics, Association of Scientific Hydrology, 11th assembly report of proceedings 1958, v. 4, p. 372-86.