Large-scale glaciotectonic deformation in the Great Lakes basin, USA-Canada

Investigation of the sedimentology, stratigraphy and deformation structures of an exposed sedimentary sequence associated with an isolated large ridge along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan reveals that it is part of a broad grounding-line fan complex that was subjected to extensive glaciotectonic deformation. It is concluded that the sequence formed following melting back of the margin of the Lake Michigan lobe and was subsequently overridden and deformed during advance of the ice margin probably to the Port Huron moraine. The lack of reported major glaciotectonic structures in the Lake Michigan basin compared to that in the North Sea and Baltic Sea basins is most likely due to paucity of soft and incompetent bedrock and/or lack of continuous permafrost conditions during deglaciation.