Periglacial landforms of the Ahlmannryggen and Jutulsessen areas of western Dronning Maud land, Antarctica

Abstract

Periglacial landforms are a common occurrence in Ahlmannryggen and Jutulsessen areas of western Dronning Maud land (WDML). Classification and formation of these landforms were disputed in literature. In Antarctica information on periglacial landforms is limited or confined to a specific landform. Thus a holistic approach was taken when investigating the periglacial landforms found in WDML. An overview of the existing knowledge base on periglacial landforms in WDML was given which was coupled with the analysis of archival data. The landforms found in this area were patterned ground, openwork block deposits (OBD), rock glaciers, terraces, a pronival rampart and lake ice blisters. With patterned ground being the common periglacial landform in WDML, heave monitoring was used where time-lapse videos were used to investigate the formation processes in patterned ground. From consolidating existing knowledge as well as adding new knowledge on the formation of periglacial landforms, it is clear that the landforms in Antarctica should not be compared to other examples, especially examples from the northern hemisphere. Further research in the formation of periglacial landforms is needed and can be further enhanced with more extensive use of the heave monitoring method in future research.