Earth's glacial record

Abstract

Glacial deposits provide a long-term record of climate and sea level changes on Earth. Detailed study of sedimentary rocks deposited during and immediately after glacial episodes is paramount to accurate paleoclimatic reconstructions and for our understanding of global climatic and eustatic changes. This books present new information and interpretations of the ancient glacial record looking in particular at the Late Proterozoic and Late Paleozoic eras. The influence of global tectonics on the origins and distribution of ice masses and the character of glacial deposits through geologic time is emphasised. Sequence stratigraphic techniques are applied to glaciogenic successions, and explanations are put forward for possible low-latitude glaciation during the Late Proterozoic era and the association of carbonate deposits with glaciogenic rocks. Early interglacial conditions, represented by dark-grey mudrocks and ice keel scour features, are discussed. These studies, from key workers in International Geological Correlation Program Project 260, will aid in the understanding of Earth's climatic history.