Glacial history of the lower Borgarfjördur area, western Iceland

The glacial development of the lower Borgarfjördur region, western Iceland, was investigated with regard to morphology, lithostratigraphy and chronology of glacial events. The maximum glacial situation is outlined, and a synthesis of all available evidence on the deglaciation is proposed. It is concluded that after an initial deglaciation of the coastal lowlands, some time prior to 12,500 BP, glaciers again advanced to the outer coastal areas between 12,000 and 11,700 BP, and, after a minor retreat between 11,700 and 11,000 BP, retained nearly their former positions between 11,000 and 10,300 BP. The marine maximum limit, at 80–90 m a.s.l., was reached in connection with the former advance, and the regional marine limit, at 60–70 m, at the end of the latter advance. A raised beach at 40 m a.s.l. possibly relates to an Early Flandrian glacial episode. These results imply a more extensive glaciation in coastal western Iceland at the end of the Late Weichselian than hitherto assumed.