Studies on some glacial moraines in New Zealand - 2
- Author
- Burrows, C.J.
- Year
- 1973
- Journal / Source
- N.Z. Journal of Botany
- Volume
- 15
- Pages
- 831-855
- Summary
- The criteria (lichen measurements, geomorphology, vegetation cover and degree of weathering of rocks) used for comparing and dating moraine ridges near the Mueller, Tasman and Hooker glaciers at Mount Cook are briefly discussed. Characteristic land- forms, indicating that episodes of glacier expansion have occurred, include sharp- crested lateral moraines. A description is given of the chronology of moraine ridges formed by periods of expansion of the three glaciers during the last 700–800 years, illustrated by maps, diagrams and photographs. There have been marked expansions of one or more of the glaciers in A.D. mid 12th century, mid 13th century, mid 15th century, mid 16th century, early and mid-to-late 17th century, mid and late 18th century, early, mid, and late 19th century and about 1930. There may have been other minor expansions during this time span.