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Abstract
In order to investigate the effect of differing sampling area size in preparation of Glaciation Level (GL) maps, four GL maps have been prepared for the Disko-Nugssuaq region in West Greenland (70°N). Three maps are constructed using sampling areas of 100 km2, 400 km2, and 2500 km2, respectively. The results are compared with a map which contains all GL determinations obtainable within the investigation area. Maps using sampling areas of fixed size lose many details in the GL surface morphology. As the sampling area increases, GL gradients decrease, and high and low GL values are ignored. Furthermore, in areas where the GL gradient is great, the GL may not be properly determined by the standard “summit method” if sampling areas of fixed size are used. Also, the effect of terrain type should be considered in GL studies. In alpine areas especially, the subjectivity in selection of summits to be paired may lead to incorrect GL values.