Moraine Systems in the Faroe Islands: Glaciological and Climatological Implications

Abstract

Danish Journal of Geography 96: 21–31, 1996.

Geomorphological investigations on the Faroe Islands have shown the existence of small, but distinct moraine systems, indicating the former occurrence of glaciers. At least two glacial events may be distinguished: an older characterised by valley glaciers 2–4 km long, and a younger characterised by small cirque glaciers. Dating (¹⁴C) indicates that the youngest moraines are older than 5,200 yr. BP. During the two glacial events the largest glaciers were located in cirques facing NE, while the smallest were located in cirques facing SW. During the two glacial events equilibrium line altitude was at 200–350 m a.s.l. and 300–450 m a.s.l., respectively. Glaciers of intermediate size were found in cirques facing NW and SE. This pattern is interpreted as being caused by strong snow drift from SW and W. The temperature and precipitation values during the glacial events are discussed with reference to measured meteorological conditions at modern glaciers.

Keywords:

• Faroe Islands
• North Atlantic
• Late Weichselian glaciation
• North Atlantic Drift
• cirque
• moraine systems
• palaeoclimate