Landforms of glaciofluvial deposition - Kames Flashcards
What are kames?
Kames comprise a varied group of landforms resulting from deposition by glacial meltwater on the ice surface.
What different forms can kames take?
Kames can take the form of conical hills, terraces or ridges.
What are all kames composed of?
All kames are composed of stratified sand and gravel laid down by glacial meltwater in depressions on the surface of stagnant ice which melts in situ.
What do kames often occur in association with?
Kames often occur in association with eskers and with kettle holes. This association indicates that kames develop in an environment of large volumes of meltwater and glaciofluvial debris.
What is the size and shape of the kame dependant on?
Crevasses, moulins and larger cavities fill with glaciofluvial sediments; the shape and size of the kame are dependant on the shape and dimensions of the ice depressions where material accumulated.
What can the bedding of kames be disturbed by?
Kames are comprised of stratified material, but bedding can be disturbed by subsidence as the ice beneath the glaciofluvial sediments melts away.
Describe the size of kames?
Kames can be large in dimension, as indicated by the Fonthill Kame located in Niagara, Canada, which is 6km east to west, 3km north to south and rises 75m above the surrounding area.
