Slope Processes in Periglacial Environments of Northern Scandinavia

ABSTRACT

A research programme is presented with the aim of describing the recent slope process activity and its variation during Upper Holocene along an east-west cross profile of the Caledonian mountain range in Northern Scandinavia. The recent process activity in monitored mainly by air-photo interpretation and Cs 137 measurements. The variation of the processes during Upper Holocene is investigated by lichenometry, dendrochronology and sediment studies. Some preliminary results are given from two study areas, Åknes, situated on Andøya island is northern Norway, and Kärkevagge in northern Sweden. These results show that certain non proglacial lakes have sediments in which traces of infrequent rapid mass movements can be observed. The results also indicate that slope processes related to extreme meteorological events are more important in the western, maritime part of the mountain range.