Articles | Volume 11, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.3285/eg.11.1.10
https://doi.org/10.3285/eg.11.1.10
15 Dec 1960
 | 15 Dec 1960

Neue Schweizer Arbeiten zur Glazialmorphologie des Mittellandes

Hans Graul

Abstract. In this report the most important results of 5 new Swiss papers on glacial and periglacial landforms of the „Schweizer Mittelland" are published and discussed. These very good studies show the first geomorphological maps (1 : 25 000) of the „Mittelland" and for the first time they analyse periglacial forms in this region. A reiterated and radical change of accumulation and erosion is rejected within the melt-water-valleys during the Würm-glaciation. The thick accumulation of pebbles is recognized as „Vorstoßschotter". Nowhere it has been noticed that fluvio-glacial pebbles interfinger with end-moraines. The highest of the lower terraces is the built-up-level of the fluvioglacial accumulation of the Würm-time. For that reason the Würm-time seems to be undissected in the Hochrhein- and Aare-valley. This opinion is opposite to J. Hug, L. Erb, D. Kimball, F. E. Zeuner and R. Huber. The reviewer points out that real cut-terraces are only existing in relatively short parts of the valleys (C. Troll's „Trompetentälchen"). But for the rest you can find as a rule an erosional disconformity on every wider inset terraces-level, because there are secondary pebbles of about 5—8 m thickness interbedded in the older main accumulation of the Würm-time. The question whether there are floors running throughout the valley below the main terrace-level in the Hochrhein valley, cannot be answered by individual and relatively small sections of a melt-water-valley; least of all in the Hochrhein valley above the mouth of the Aare. For the development of deeper situated lower-terraces was controlled by the later advance of the Rhone-glacier at a time, when the other Swiss glaciers were receding. The reviewer substantially agrees with the Swiss scheme of periglacial forms and the classification of the Riss-time.

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