The foundation of the Nordic Union for Quaternary Research (NORDQUA)

A Nordic Union for research workers in the Quaternary has been founded during a meeting on the island of Öland in the Baltic and in the 'Hall of the Union' in the Royal Castle of Kalmar. The aim of the Union is to forward co-operation between scientists in Norden (Denmark, Finlnnd, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden), especially by cncouraging larger rcsearch project, joint field cxcursions and symposia, and by studying educational and labour-market problems.     

Contrasting views on the Weichselian glaciation and deglaciation of Denmark

Recent kineto-stratigraphic studies (Berthelsen, Bull. Geol. Soc. Denm. 27 , 1978) indicate repeated advances and recessions and a correspondingly complex pattern of deglaciation. From mainly morphological studies Marcussen ( Danm. Geol. Unders . II: 110. 1977) advocates that only one Weichselian advance (from N and NE) occurred. Two of his key areas are discussed. His deglaciation model involves the formation of successively lower plains during the late Middle Weichselian due to glaciofluvial and ablation processes. It is shown that this model must be abandoned, because its implications contradict its basic assumptions.     

Kineto-stratigtraphic evaluation and presentation of glacial-stratigraphic data, with examples from northern Samsø, Denmark

Glacial-stratigraphic methods used in Denmark are discussed and illustrated by a case study of Weichselian drift successions on Samsø. Detailed observations of lithological sequences, glacier-induced deformations, glaciodynamic structures, and till fabric in cliff exposures are used to reconstruct flow directions of successive ice advances and run-off patterns of meltwater. In this way kineto-stratigraphic drift units are established. In addition to their directional elements, individual unit/sub-units may show particular clast/microfossil/heavy mineral content. Such compositional characteristics only partially reflect first-time long-range transport from distant sources; local admixture of material from pre-existing glacial and non-glacial sediments may play an equally important role. In order that the relative significance of results obtained by different methods can be evaluated in a broader context, a standardized graphic chart for the presentation and correlation of glacial-stratigraphic data has been prepared and used in this case study.