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North West European Rivers

7. LATE WEICHSELIAN /DEVENSIAN SUBSTAGE (MARINE ISOTOPE STAGE 2, LATE PLEISTOCENE)




Map 9: Drainage during the maximum extent of glaciation in the Late Weichselian Substage and equivalents (Marine Isotope Stage 2).

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Glaciation in the Weichselian seems to have influenced the drainage system least, as it did not reach lowland northwest Europe except in the extreme north: where meltwater discharged through the Elbe via a series of substantial drainage channels (urstömtaler), in central and northern Britain, and in the Alps where water discharged along the Rhine. The rest of the region outside that subjected to glaciation had a periglacial climate during this period. In periglacial areas, where both direct and indirect effects of glaciation have been minimal, rivers have maintained their courses except when river capture has taken place, e.g. the Seine and Somme.

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