Composite-wedge pseudomorphs in Flanders, Belgium

Auteurs :
GHYSELS, G.
HEYSE, I.

Description :
Wedge structures observed at several sites are interpreted as composite-wedge pseudomorphs, formed by thermal contraction cracking in a permafrost environment. The structures probably formed during the Pleniglacial. The widespread occurrence of composite-wedge pseudomorphs on the plateau conflicts with the literature suggesting that ice-wedge pseudomorphs are dominant in Flanders. As a consequence, palaeoenvironmental reconstructions may have been biased towards environmental conditions suitable for ice-wedge formation. Ice wedges probably formed mainly in depressions, whereas composite wedges may have been common on the plateaus.


Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Permafrost and periglacial processes, issn : 1045-6740, 2006, vol. 17, n°. 2, p. 145-161, nombre de pages : 17, Collation : Illustration, Références bibliographiques : 89 ref.

Date :
2006

Editeur :
Pays édition : Royaume-Uni, Chichester, Wiley