Revision of the chronology of the late Otira Glacial

Abstract

Abstract The greatest ice advance during the late Otira Glacial, the later Kumara‐2 (K2 2 ) advance, began some time prior to 22,300 yr B.P. and culminated shortly after 18,600 yr B.P. Pollen floras indicate a barren treeless landscape and bleak conditions at these times in the Grey Valley, north Westland, 25 km in front of the ice limit. The subsequent rather smaller Kumara‐3 advances are thought to have been followed by rapid deglaciation after about 14,000 yr B.P.