HOLOCENE RAISED-BEACH RIDGES AND SEA-ICE-PUSHED BOULDERS ON THE KOLA PENINSULA, NORTHWEST RUSSIA: INDICATORS OF CLIMATIC CHANGE

Abstract

The primary aim of this paper is to describe and discuss the palaeoclimatic significance of mid-to late-Holocene fields of raised-beach ridges at Matalaniemi and sea-ice-pushed boulders at Kutovaya Bay on the Kola Peninsula. These beach features are interpreted as indicating at least 12 periods of stormy conditions alternating with calmer periods of relatively low sea-surface temperature since about 8000 cal. BP. A consistent chronology of climate change is difficult to establish due to considerable uncertainties attributed to local beach processes and relative sea-level displacements. A tentative interpolated chronology is suggested. At present, terrace formation at Matalaniemi and the absence of sea ice at Kutovaya Bay indicate an intermediate windy and mild type of winter climate.