Offshore sedimentation in the Hyttevika Bay, South Spitsbergen

Abstract

In the intertidal and offshore zones of the Hyttevika Bay (South Spitsbergen) two phases of deposition are recognizable. During the first one, the accumulation results from melting of sea ice blocks and a calf ice whereas during the second phase the successive generations of beach ridges and beach sediments are formed in a shallow offshore zone. These phases are noted in raised marine terraces as a bipartity of their sediments. Basing on that, an evolution model of the sediments of raised marine terraces and discussion on their age are presented.