DO MORAINES DEGRADE, WHAT EVIDENCE DO WE HAVE?

The most compelling evidence of moraine degradation is the qualitative relaxation of the moraine cross profiles; the smooth curves and gentle slopes of old moraines compared to the steep slopes and sharp crests of young ones. It is a well-known fact that Earth’s surface erodes continuously, the question is how rapidly the surface degrades and how the rates vary through time.

We have employed a range of techniques to decipher the rates of moraine and regolith degradation at scales ranging from years to millions of years. The techniques include cosmogenic nuclides, repeat photography, soil traps, transport markers, and LiDAR scanning.

Our research suggests significant lowering of glacial moraines in some areas and small but persistent degradation in others. We will present evidence and examples of moraine degradation in varying climates.