THE PATTERN OF GLACIATION ON THE AVALON PENINSULA OF NEWFOUNDLAND

The pattern of glaciation on the Avalon Peninsula has been established through study of geomorphic features, striations, and erratic provena nce. Three phases in a continuum of glaciation are recognized. The ini tial phase involved the expansion of ice from several centres. Ice thi ckness and extent reached a maximum during the subsequent Phase 2 even t, correlated with the Late Wisconsinan. Lowered sea level permitted t he development of the St. Mary's Bay ice centre. Ice from the Newfound land mainland coalesced with Avalon Peninsula ice in Placentia Bay, on the Isthmus, and in Trinity Bay. Rising sea level, triggered by the r etreat of Laurentide ice in Labrador, resulted in destabilization of t he St. Mary's Bay ice cap, marking Phase 3. Final deglaciation of the Avalon Peninsula began before 10,100 +/- 250 BP. The Avalon Peninsula ice caps were controlled by regional and hemispheric events, and by th e response of the Laurentide glaciers.