Glaciomarine varves in late-Pleistocene clays near Göteborg, southwestern Sweden

Cyclic variations in the grain size, colour, carbonate content and organic content are interpreted as the result of proximal glaciomarine varve deposition along a fjord-like valley in southwestern Sweden. The sedimentological factors which allow varve development in this generally inhibiting environment arc considered by analogy with modern examples. Density stratification which is best developed during the spring and summer period of high discharge is suggested to have an essential influence on the cyclic character. Since sedimentation is interpreted to have occurred primarily from meltwater overflow the degree of mixing and salinity-induced coagulation largely governs fine-sediment sorting. Although these varves are not as well defined or as easily correlated as classical varves, they are considered useful in many comparable applications.