Relative sea-level changes, Schuchert Dal, East Greenland, with implications for ice extent in late-glacial and Holocene times

The chronology of late-glacial and Holocene ice fluctuations in East Greenland is important for documenting glacier response to climate change and for determining the mechanisms behind abrupt climate switches. Raised marine sediments and landforms suggest culmination of the late-glacial Milne Land Stade in Schuchert Dal alongside Scoresby Sund before similar to 11,900-12,300 cal yr B.P. Ice in Schuchert Dal apparently receded during the later part of the Younger Dryas, consistent with the idea that this period was characterized by strong seasonality. A stillstand or slight readvance probably interrupted overall recession just prior to 11,000 cal yr B.P. In many locations, ice was back close to present positions by the start of the Holocene. The most extensive glacier advance of the Holocene occurred during the Little Ice Age and was restricted to within a few kilometers of present-day ice margins. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.