Upper Pleistocene and Holocene marine deposits and faunas on the north coast of Nûgssuaq, West Greenland

Abstract

Field relations and the composition of the Quaternary molluscan and barnacle faunas at Pátorfik, Kûtsiaq and Sarfâgfik on the north coast of Nûgssuaq, West Greenland, are described. The marine Quaternary deposits at Pátorfik are older than 35 000 years. The lower part of the deposits seems to represent a prodelta environment, whereas the middle and upper parts apparently correspond to a delta slope. The rich fauna and the field relations differ essentially from what we know from other localities in Greenland where Late Wisconsian or Holocene marine fossiliferous deposits have been found. The faunal composition indicates prevailing water temperatures during deposition similar to those at the boundary between the arctic and boreal faunal regions today and somewhat higher than those in Umanak Fjord at present. It is suggested that the Pátorfik deposits were formed during the last interglacial stage (Sangamon/Eemian). The marine beds at Kûtsiaq and Sarfâgfik are of Early Holocene ages and apparently represent delta deposits.