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The Avalon of Newfoundland: Geomorphology, People and Landscape

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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 geomorphology of the Avalon Peninsula in easternmost Newfoundland is dominated by Ediacaran geology and lithology, local glaciation, and coastal processes developed under a boreal climate. The physiography, particularly the configuration of headlands and embayments, is closely related to the region’s tectonic history and structural geology. Repeated glaciation has resulted in landscapes dominated by bedrock erosional features. During MIS 2, numerous local ice caps developed during three phases, and expanded to cover the peninsula. To the west, ice from the main part of Newfoundland flowed into Placentia and Trinity Bays. Deglaciation was triggered by relative sea level rise in St. Mary’s Bay c. 14 ka, and was complete by 10 ka. At present, relative sea level is rising c. 3.5 mm/y, primarily as a result of residual glaci-isostatic subsidence. Most shorelines along the Avalon are distinguished by deep indentations open to either the southwest or northeast, aligned parallel to prevailing storm tracks, and steeply sloping nearshore bathymetry. The frequent storm activity, long fetch, and ambient moderate to high energy, in combination with the coastal configurations, produces shorelines dominated by swash activity, shore-normal transport and reflective conditions. A succession of residents has interacted with the geomorphology and landscape since the early Holocene.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geography Memorial, University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Canada

    Norm Catto

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  1. Norm Catto
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Correspondence to Norm Catto .

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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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Catto, N. (2020). The Avalon of Newfoundland: Geomorphology, People and Landscape. 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_15

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