USING SEDIMENTOLOGY AND GIS ANALYSIS TO INTERPRET PALEO-ICE FLOW IN NORTHERN ICELAND

This study uses a Geographic Information System (GIS) and sedimentology analyses to determine paleo-ice flow paths in northern Iceland. Till samples were collected from three regions south of Hunafloi: the valley of Svinadalur, the valley of Vatnsdalur, and the Hrutafjardarhals highlands. A total of 45 samples were analyzed for water content, organic content, magnetic susceptibility, and grain size. The data were statistically analyzed to determine variability by location. There are notable differences in the magnetic susceptibility between the Hrutafjardarhals highlands compared to the valleys of Svinadalur and Vatnsdalur. The samples from Hrutafjardarhals have the highest average mass magnetic susceptibility, 89.56 cgs. The samples from Svinadalur have the lowest mass magnetic susceptibility, 69.63 cgs. The samples from Vatnsdalur have an average mass magnetic susceptibility of 71.28 cgs. Loss-on-ignition measurements indicate low organic carbon content for all samples. Water content ranges from 6.36% to 7.79%, and variability is related to modern climate conditions. ArcGIS and ENVI were used to quantify characteristics of streamlined landforms, using a digital elevation model (DEM), aerial photographs, and satellite data. GIS analyses of streamlined landforms in the study area include measurements of length, width, elongation ratio, orientation, density, and packing. Over 100 drumlins have been identified in the Svinadalur valley. Additional analyses are in progress.