Neoglacial Glacier Variations in Northern Iceland: Examples from the Eyjafjördur Area

Abstract

Results of lichenometry and rock-weathering studies on outer moraines in Skídadalur, Eyjafjördur, northern Iceland show a late Little Ice Age 19th century maximum for all glaciers except the Klaengshóll glacier. Retreat from these maximum positions occurred in three distinct phases: 1896–1908, 1915–1926, and post-1930. Evidence suggests, however, that many glaciers must have reached a position close to the Little Ice Age maximum on at least one other occasion earlier in the Neoglacial.