Structure of a Pleistocene push moraine revealed by GPR: The eastern Veluwe Ridge, the Netherlands

article
The classic idea on the architecture of the push moraines of The Netherlands is one of imbricated thrusts. This study shows a more complete model of the structural style within a push moraine. We have mapped three glaciotectonic styles using 50 MHz ground penetrating radar (GPR). The moraines are composed of coarse-grained unconsolidated sediments of fluvial and glacio-fluvial origin. Maximum penetration depth is about 45 m. In a 12 km cross-section over the eastern Veluwe Ridge we have encountered the following glaciotectonic styles. Style I is found near the former ice margin and consists of imbricated thrust sheets, with thrust planes dipping towards the former glacier. Style II, further away from the glacier, is a combination of folds and thrust structures. The folds have a wavelength of up to 200 m and an amplitude of 40 m. Style III is almost entirely composed of large-scale folds with wavelengths of 400 m maximum. Toward the most distal parts of the ridges the folds flatten out. The study shows that GPR is capable of imaging large-scale glaciotectonic structures, resulting in a factual model of the eastern Veluwe push-moraine architecture and better insight into post-glacial denudation amounts and push-moraine genesis.
TNO Identifier
237192
ISSN
03058719
Source
Geological Society Special Publication(211), pp. 143-151.
Pages
143-151
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