Olivia Verplancke
School of Geography , Geology and the Environment
The Origin and Palaeoglaciological Significance of Herefordshire ’ s Ice Age Ponds
Herefordshire offers a distinctive palaeoglaciological ice-margin landsystem rich in geomorphological and geological evidence following the expansion and contraction of ice sheets during the Late Pleistocene (~ 20,000yrs ago ). Many landscape depressions of assumed glacial origin , frequently interpreted as kettle holes , have been observed within a variety of moraine features , indicative of the diverse glacial and periglacial processes that occurred here . These water-filled depressions have created a unique range of ecologically significant pond and wetland habitats , hence the term ‘ Ice Age Pond ” is applied . The landscape remains understudied , and this research aims to understand the origin and significance of Herefordshire ’ s ice-age ponds within the location ’ s wider palaeoglaciological ice-margin landsystem using geomorphological and geophysical approaches . Which will support the wider work of the Heritage Lottery funded ‘ Ice Age Ponds Project ’. The initial application of GIS techniques has demonstrated geomorphic differences within the locations and morphologies of the Ice Age Ponds . However , it is frequently acknowledged that geomorphological evidence alone can be misinterpreted , therefore the application of geophysics will provide a valuable insight into the internal structures of these landforms . This will only strengthen the expected research outcomes , which include a classification of the depressions according to their morphology , geophysical characteristics , and landsystem setting .
Postgraduate Conference 2021 Page 41