Abstract
The glacial theory was born in the 1830s amid the splendor of the Swiss Alps. Jean de Charpentier is properly credited for initially developing the glacial theory, and Louis Agassiz popularized the new concept of former extension of glaciers and ice sheets (Teller 1983). Charpentier based his theory on distribution of three features: large erratic boulders, moraines, and abrasion marks on boulders and bedrock. In combination, these features could only be explained as the results of former glaciation. Glacial theory has from the beginning, thus, rested on two groups of geological field evidence: (1) features formed by glacial erosion and (2) features created by glacial deposition.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1989 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Aber, J.S., Croot, D.G., Fenton, M.M. (1989). Nature of Glaciotectonism. In: Glaciotectonic Landforms and Structures. Glaciology and Quaternary Geology, vol 5. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-015-6841-8_1
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-015-6841-8_1
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-94-015-6843-2
Online ISBN: 978-94-015-6841-8
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive