Application of the Schmidt-hammer for relative-age dating of glacial and periglacial landforms in the Cantabrian Mountains (NW Spain)

• DOI: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2024.109210
• Publication Date: 2024-04-15T15:38:15Z
• Authors: Javier Santos-Gon...; R.B. González-Gut...; A. Gómez-Villar; S.A. Peña-Pérez; A. Melón-Nava; A. Pisabarro; J.M. Redondo-Vega
• Keywords: Schmidt hammer; Deglaciation; Rock glacier; Bedrock; Landform; Lithology; Glacial landform; Surface exposure dating

A Schmidt hammer was applied for relative-age dating to 48 sites in 5 different massifs of the Cantabrian Mountains (NW Spain). The sample included glacial (moraines, erratics, and polished bedrock) periglacial (rock glaciers, blockfields, talus slopes) from last glaciation present geomorphological contexts. rebound (R) values agree with morphostratigraphic reconstructions, showing progressively lower older deposits. Six stages Last Glacial Maximum are inferred. results differ according lithology: i) quartzites showed higher R-values very low weathering rates; ii) granodiorites larger differences reflecting clearly age differences; iii) sandstones appear be unsuitable measurements some areas; however, quartzite provide better results. rock glaciers formed periods after deglaciation (i.e. just Maximum, Bölling/Allerød, Holocene), indicate a paraglacial dependence rather than climate-driven landforms. sampled blockfields stabilized (almost) total cirques, but their origin significance this mountainous area remain poorly understood.