Glaciation of the Western Foothills of the Verkhoyansk Range During the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM)

M. S. Lukyanycheva; A. N. Vasilieva; V. M. Lytkin; R. N. Kurbanov

doi:10.7868/S2412376526010104

Glaciation of the Western Foothills of the Verkhoyansk Range During the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM)

M. S. Lukyanycheva, A. N. Vasilieva, V. M. Lytkin, R. N. Kurbanov

https://doi.org/10.7868/S2412376526010104

Full Text:

Abstract

The article presents the chronology and extent of Quaternary glaciations in North-Eastern Siberia, using the Verkhoyansk Range as an example. This Range is one of the largest and least studied mountain ranges in the region. We analyzed available geomorphological and stratigraphic data, as well as the present-day dating techniques (in particular, cosmogenic dating using 10Be) applied to glacial deposits and landforms in the Undyulyung River valley. The results obtained on the basis of 12 exposure ages from content of in situ 10Be in glacial boulders and bedrocks testify to the presence of a large mountain-valley glaciation in the Late Pleistocene. Glaciers filled the valleys and extended over 100 km westward from the central axis of the Ridge during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) that is approximately 28–17 ka. Field investigations and new dating results made possible more correct definition of the time frame of the glaciers’ deglaciation and confirmation that ice thickness during this period reached up to 300 meters. The extent of glaciation likely covered significant areas of the western slopes of the range. A comparison with regional paleoclimatic and geochronological data indicates synchroneity in Late Pleistocene deglaciation stages across NorthEastern Siberia and highlights the importance of 10Be dating for reconstructing the glacial dynamics. Finally, our findings support the hypothesis of a stage-by-stage reduction in the volume of the ice cover in the NorthEastern Siberia during the Late Pleistocene. This work highlights the importance of the Verkhoyansk Range as a natural archive for paleoclimate reconstruction in North-Eastern Asia and emphasizes the need for further comprehensive research to resolve existing controversial issues related to the history of glaciations in the region.

Keywords

moraines, mountain-valley glaciers, cosmogenic dating, 10Be, Pleistocene, рaleoclimate, Yakutia,

About the Authors

M. S. Lukyanycheva

Institute of Geography RAS
Russian Federation
Moscow

A. N. Vasilieva

Institute of Geography RAS ; Melnikov Permafrost Institute, Siberian Bramch of RAS
Russian Federation
Moscow; Yakutsk

V. M. Lytkin

Melnikov Permafrost Institute, Siberian Bramch of RAS
Russian Federation
Yakutsk

R. N. Kurbanov

Institute of Geography RAS ; Lomonosov Moscow State University
Russian Federation
Moscow

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Supplementary files

For citation: Lukyanycheva M.S., Vasilieva A.N., Lytkin V.M., Kurbanov R.N. Glaciation of the Western Foothills of the Verkhoyansk Range During the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Ice and Snow. 2026;66(1):138-154. https://doi.org/10.7868/S2412376526010104

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