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Karst Geomorphology of the Saugeen-Bruce Peninsula, Ontario

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Landscapes and Landforms of Eastern Canada

Part of the book series: World Geomorphological Landscapes ((WGLC))

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Abstract

The Saugeen-Bruce peninsula is distinguished by the widespread surface exposure of dolostone and its association with glacial landforms and processes. Given that it has formed within late glacial and postglacial times, it is considered as a young karst that is actively expanding. But palaeokarst forms have also been identified. The Lockport Group carbonates (Early Silurian) are the most significant karst forming rocks on the peninsula. The release of stresses created by over 40 cycles of glacial loading and unloading has led to mechanical separation along major joint surfaces and bedding planes. In addition, the last deglaciation was accompanied by massive flows of sub-glacial meltwater that penetrated these structural openings. High hydraulic gradients associated with the Niagara Escarpment have created a holokarst zone (13% of the peninsula) where surface channels are largely absent and all precipitation is taken underground via sinkholes and bedrock fractures. Four types of dolostone pavements have been identified: intensely pitted littoral zone (type 1), vuggy pavements on reefal rocks (types 2a and 2b) and pavements on non-reefal rocks (type 3) which have the greatest diversity of karren forms. Fluvïkarst systems occur throughout the peninsula, with sinkholes, springs, suffusion dolines and interconnecting conduits; five such systems are described. The role of sub-glacial meltwater systems is discussed.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 27 Rita Crescent, RR1, Tobermory, ON, NOH 2R0, Canada

    Daryl W. Cowell

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  1. Daryl W. Cowell
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Correspondence to Daryl W. Cowell .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Olav Slaymaker

  2. Department of Geography, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St John's, NL, Canada

    Norm Catto

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Cowell, D.W. (2020). Karst Geomorphology of the Saugeen-Bruce Peninsula, Ontario. In: Slaymaker, O., Catto, N. (eds) Landscapes and Landforms of Eastern Canada. World Geomorphological Landscapes. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-35137-3_12

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