Lithological analysis of 45 presumed pingo remnants in the northern Netherlands (Friesland): substrate control and fill sequences

  • S.J. Kluiving Institute for Geo- and Bioarchaeology, VU University Amsterdam, the Netherlands GEO-LOGICAL, Earth Scientific Research & Consultancy, Delft, the Netherlands
  • A.L.L.M. Verbers Landschapsbeheer Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
  • W.J.F. Thijs Archaeological Research & Consultancy, Groningen, the Netherlands
Keywords: Pingo remnants, Friesland, landscape evolution, substrate, fill sequences

Abstract

A number of 45 presumed pingo remnants have been analysed on lithological criteria while measured parameters of pingo remnants can be compared on a spatial scale. Methods used were hand augering and radiocarbon dating. Out of 45 cored sites thirty sites proved to represent pingo remnants after having tested the results according to the set of descriptive criteria. Does a difference in filling types in a spatial analysis influence the choice of early settlers in this region? Results show that two groups of pingo remnants can be distinguished by the nature of the pingo filling. Type 1 pingo remnants with predominantly peat filling are found in the lower valleys between the higher glacial till ridges. Type 2 pingo remnants with equal loam and peat filling are predominantly found on the higher glacial till ridges. Type 2 pingo remnants generally have a greater depth, are more ellipsoid in shape, and have a steeper slope angle than type 1 pingo remnants on the lower terrain. Results indicate that the substrate character influenced the development of infilling of pingo remnants. Marshy environments may have existed for a prolonged period throughout the Holocene in pingo remnants on the glacial ridges, while pingo remnants on the lower terrain are filled in by peat bogs. Landscape evolution based on the results of a distinct dataset of pingo remnants can help to solve archaeological problems of settlement issues when combined with new palaeobotanic data and high resolution dates.

Published
2010-07-01
How to Cite
S.J. Kluiving, A.L.L.M. Verbers, & W.J.F. Thijs. (2010). Lithological analysis of 45 presumed pingo remnants in the northern Netherlands (Friesland): substrate control and fill sequences. Netherlands Journal of Geosciences, 89, 61 - 75. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0016774600000822
Section
Original Articles