Articles | Volume 3, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-3-139-2015
https://doi.org/10.5194/esurf-3-139-2015
Research article
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16 Feb 2015
Research article | Highlight paper |  | 16 Feb 2015

Ancient pre-glacial erosion surfaces preserved beneath the West Antarctic Ice Sheet

K. C. Rose, N. Ross, T. A. Jordan, R. G. Bingham, H. F. J. Corr, F. Ferraccioli, A. M. Le Brocq, D. M. Rippin, and M. J. Siegert

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Short summary
We use ice-penetrating-radar data to identify a laterally continuous, gently sloping topographic block, comprising two surfaces separated by a distinct break in slope, preserved beneath the Institute and Möller ice streams, West Antarctica. We interpret these features as extensive erosion surfaces, showing that ancient (pre-glacial) surfaces can be preserved at low elevations beneath ice sheets. Different erosion regimes (e.g. fluvial and marine) may have formed these surfaces.