Late Quaternary glaciations in northeastern Russia

Abstract

Abstract A summary of the extent and chronology of Quaternary glaciations in NE Russia is presented in this paper. The complex timing and style of glaciations include asynchronous development of alpine glaciers in the western and eastern part of the area. While in the eastern part of NE Russia well‐preserved moraines have been dated to the global Last Glacial Maximum (18–24 ka), in the westernmost part of the area no glacial advance took place at this time. In general, glacial advances were more extensive earlier rather than later, in the last glacial cycle. Although only a handful of studies with reliable absolute ages in the vast area of NE Russia exist, it is clear that the number of advances throughout the region varies. Variable glacial response to global climate patterns is attributable to contrasting sources of precipitation. An Atlantic moisture source dominates in the western part of NE Russia, while a Pacific source influences the eastern part of the region. The glacial advances in the interior of NE Russia are largely unexplored and further research is needed in order to understand Quaternary climate change in the region. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.