Geomorphic evidence of Younger Dryas glaciation in the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, south west Ireland

Geomorphological mapping in the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, south west Ireland, has revealed evidence for a phase of local glaciation following the retreat of the Glenavy Stadial glacial ice, On the basis of contrasting geomorphic evidence within and outside the limits of local glaciation it is considered that this glacial phase was triggered by Younger Dryas climatic cooling. This evidence can be summarised as follows: (1)Schmidt Hammer rebound Values (R-value) demonstrate that the surface strength of glacially moulded in situ rock within the glacial limits is higher than equivalent bedrock exposures outside, indicating that R-value contrasts can only be attributed to temporal weathering differences; (2) Periglacial features are absent or poorly developed within the glacial limits, but are well developed outside. Reconstruction of the former glacial extent revealed six small high level cirque glaciers, with a total surface area of 1.4 km(2) and a mean equilibriun line altitude of 700 m.