A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Morphological characteristics of eskers in areas with soft and hard bed: Examples from Poland and Finland
Authors: Frydrych, Małgorzata; Ahokangas, Elina; Mäkinen, Joni; Lejzerowicz, Anna
Publisher: Elsevier Ltd
Publishing place: OXFORD
Publication year: 2025
Journal: Quaternary International
Journal name in source: Quaternary International
Journal acronym: QUATERN INT
Article number: 109649
Volume: 717
Number of pages: 17
ISSN: 1040-6182
eISSN: 1873-4553
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quaint.2024.109649(external)
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quaint.2024.109649(external)
Constraining esker characteristics is crucial for understanding subglacial processes and reconstructing past ice sheet behaviour. This study compares the morphological characteristics of eskers in areas with soft and hard beds, using examples from Poland and Finland. Eskers in both regions display similar elongation, average sinuosity, and orientation, suggesting control by similar ice-stream configurations affecting the hydraulic gradient towards the ice margin. Differences arise in the lengths, widths, heights, fragmentation, and spacing of eskers, influenced by the lithology and transmissivity of the substratum. In soft bed areas, eskers are less fragmented and show a more stable and gradual ice stream retreat, often associated with tunnel valleys and controlled by subglacial porewater pressure and groundwater flow patterns. Hard bed areas exhibit eskers influenced by bedrock topography, with more reorganization of ice flow and meltwater drainage. The study highlights the impact of substrate properties on esker distribution and morphology, emphasizing the significance of subglacial hydrology and depositional environments in esker formation.
Funding information in the publication:
This work was supported by the University of Lodz as part of the “Initiative of Excellence - Research University” [grant numbers B2311701000188.07].
