Debris transport by Loch Lomond Readvance glaciers in Northern Scotland: Basin form and the within‐valley asymmetry of lateral moraines

Abstract

Abstract Moraines in six cirques in Northern Scotland are shown to be asymmetrically developed, being larger below north‐ or east‐facing valley sides. Moraine asymmetry is strongly correlated with the distribution of free faces in the valleys, a relationship that is interpreted as the result of variation in slope retreat rates. Analysis of clast form and roundness demonstrates that following initial release from bedrock, debris entered both passive high‐level glacial transport and tractive transport at the ice‐bed interface. The importance of glacier velocities and medial moraines on debris flux is discussed. Consideration is also given to the implications of process asymmetry to long term landform development.