Radiocarbon Dates on Deglaciation, Cordillera Central, Northern Peruvian Andes

Abstract

AbstractThree radiocarbon dates along with relative-dating criteria place limits on the deglaciation history of Manachaque Valley, Cordillera Central. Ice retreated from the late-glacial maximum by at least 12,100 yr B.P. During ice retreat numerous moraines were deposited throughout the valley. Glacier cover was reduced to about half that of the last glacial maximum by at least 9700 yr B.P. and to less than a tenth by at least 6450 yr B.P. Because all dates are minimum, the dates and field data are consistent with little or no ice remaining by early Holocene. No unambiguous Younger Dryas moraines are present.