Observations on the Glacial History of Livingston Island

Abstract

Livingston Island, one of the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica, has recorded at least three glacial events. During the oldest event, all areas of the island below 200 m were covered by an expanded island ice cap. At that time Livingston Island ice probably joined that of adjacent islands. A second, less extensive event, is recorded by deposits of both the inland ice cap and cirque glaciers. Between these two glacial events, a higher stand of sea level produced beaches and terraces at 10.6 m to 12 m above the present sea level. Following the second glacial event, a higher sea level produced beaches 6.1 m above the present sea level. A third, minor and probably relatively recent glacial event is recorded by push moraines in some cirques from which the ice has now receded.