Glaciotectonic Dilemma

The internal structure and stratigraphy of Pleistocene glaciotectonic features are best exposed in coastal cliffs and stream bluffs, as well as artificial human-made excavations. Such exposures of glaciotectonic structures and strata tend to be ephemeral. Features revealed at one point in time may be removed by continued erosion or excavation and, thus, new features become exposed. On the other hand, previous exposures often are obscured by slumping and vegetation growth. Major landforms, structures, sediments, and rock masses may remain more-or-less intact over decades, but the finer and more-detailed features may disappear within a few years. The consequences of this situation are reviewed in case studies from Canada, Denmark, and the United States. In order to fit together the glaciotectonic puzzle, field investigations must take place throughout a region and be repeated periodically over decadal time spans. Application of imagery and mapping techniques, especially UAS (drones), would be of great value for continuing research. In this way, previous results may be supplemented, verified, refined in greater detail, and preserved.