Wind Erosion of Moraine Feature

Referred by: Rose Lisle
Summary authors & editors: Rose Lisle

The above photo shows an example of wind attrition on part of a small, chocolate colored moraine. It was taken beside Highland Creek in Scarborough, Canada (near the north shore of Lake Ontario). This glaciolacustrine complex consists of glacial till, sand, silt, and clay that were probably deposited here during the last major advance of Wisconsinian glaciation, which reached its maximum extent about 18,000 BCE, during the late Pleistocene epoch. Abrasion by wind as well as repeated freeze-thaw cycles were responsible for the formation of this feature -- the exposed face is warmed by the Sun and loosened by frost action during the winter season. The area covered by the photograph is about 100 square feet (9.3 square meters). Photo taken on February 17, 2007.

Related Links:

• Geologic Glossary
• Geologic Time