Conditions of sedimentation in the Weichselian glaciomarginal zone of northeastern Germany

Abstract

The conditions of glacigenic sedimentation during the Pomeranian Phase of the Weichselian Glaciation in northeastern Germany are reconstructed on the basis of the typical lithofacies successions and the depositional architecture of the distal and proximal parts of a sandur, as well as of those in the hinterland area of the glaciomarginal zone. The proximal parts of the sandur are characterized by the occurrence of boulders, pebbles and gravels, and horizontally stratified sands cut by large channel troughs in the upper parts. The occurrence of the channel structures indicates frequent torrential ablation floods. Horizontally and cross-stratified rhythms of sandy and gravelly lithofacies, indicating pulsatory ablation flows, are also frequent. The distal part of the sandur is dominated by horizontally stratified sands and sands with low-angle tabular cross-stratification. In the hinterland of the Pomeranian Glaciation, a thick layer of till is present, which locally is glaciotectonically deformed. Moraines left during glacial retreat, with gravity-redeposited till, are also present.