Late Precambrian resedimented conglomerates from Bellsund, Spitsbergen

Abstract

SummaryLate Precambrian polymict conglomerates are described from Bellsund, western Spitsbergen, where they are intimately associated with authentic glacigenic sediments. They display normal, compound and reverse grading. Spectacular flame, injection and incipient rip-up structures are developed at the base of some beds. The conglomerates were initially deposited either as foreset debris beneath a wet-based glacier, or on the subaqueous part of a glaciomarine outwash delta, and were subsequently redeposited from mass gravity flows initiated by slumping on the unstable glacial detritus slope. An informal stratigraphic nomenclature is proposed for the Kapp Martin area to the north of Bellsund and the Kapp Lyell area to the south.