Late Quaternary evolution of the Tees-Swale interfluve east of the Pennines: the role of glaciation in the development of river systems in northern England

Detailed mapping of the interfluve between the lower Tees and Swale valleys has allowed improved understanding of the sequence of Late Quaternary evolution of this watershed area, which encompasses the Devensian glaciation, glacial retreat and reoccupation of the landscape by post-glacial drainage systems. This evidence is described in the context of earlier research, including ideas of inter-relations between the Tees and Swale river systems. Although there is good evidence of meltwater transfer across the interfluve at more than one location there is no clear indication of a fluvial connection. Deglaciation left behind a disrupted and somewhat chaotic surface, with scattered depositional landforms and basins, in some of which have accumulated post-glacial sedimentary sequences from which palaeoecological records can be reconstructed. Since deglaciation the rivers have incised their valleys, typically by ∼30 m, into the glaciated landscape. Progressive stages in this incision are marked by terraces between the former 30 m landscape level and the modern floodplains.