Consolidation of Finnish sediments by loading ice sheets

Abstract

In the following the consolidation properties of clays are studied in Kimola and Ylikiiminki, Finland and, the general possibilities of the overconsolidation in the Finnish sediments created by the former overriding ice sheets are discussed. In general the conditions have favoured the sediments becoming consolidated by the glacier load and also for the consolidation properties to be preserved in the later history. In some environments the consolidation could, however, have been prevented or been partially or wholly lost. Because of this the non-existence of overconsolidation is not always significant as a negative evidence of a readvance of the ice sheet but greater confidence can be placed on the existence of overconsolidation.