The mapping and study of glacial geomorphology near Piteå, Northeastern Sweden

Abstract

Since the beginning of the 20th century numerous mapping projects regarding glacial geomorphology in different regions of Sweden have been published, with methods advancing from in situ field observations to modern remote sensing systems that are currently used to map the surface of Mars. What all these have in common however is the intention to lay ground for a better understanding of the glacial history, and the dynamic processes that shaped the landscape during past glaciations. With the more recent availability of LiDAR derived elevation models mapping of small-scale landforms, such as De Geer moraines and smaller glacial lineations, has been made possible, furthering the use of remote sensing and GIS for detailed mapping of local geomorphology. This mapping project explores the use of LiDAR as a mapping tool in pursuit of identifying glacial landforms in and around the Swedish city Piteå, an area previously known to have smaller scale landforms and a dynamic glacial and post glacial geological history. The mapping was done in QGIS 3.10.14, with four sets of data being used in total. Results showed that there are predominantly three types of glacial landforms in the studied area, glacial lineations, De Geer moraines, and post glacial shorelines. The predominant facing NW direction of the lineations and moraine ridges and the earlier shorines appearing along elevated features agree with what is previously known about the ice movement in the area. The method of using high resolution LiDAR elevation models also proved to be a time efficient method of geomorphological mapping, making it possible to identify small scale landforms.