CoastWeb
These maps show the extent of glacier ice in Atlantic Canada from the last glacial maximum until 12,000 radiocarbon years ago. Ice cover is indicated by a transparent white tone. The thin blue lines represents ice-flow lines. The heavy dashed lines are ice divides. Further information on the process of deglaciation is contained in recent paper: Shaw, J., Piper, D.J.W., Fader, G.B, King, E.L., Todd, B.J., Batterson, M.J., and Liverman, D.J.E., 2006. A conceptual model of the deglaciation of Atlantic Canada. Quaternary Science Reviews, 25, 2059-2081.
20 ka
Glacier ice extended to the edge of the continental shelves in most areas. Major ice streams occur in the Bay of Fundy, the Laurentian Channel, and off northeast Newfoundland.
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20 ka
By 20,000 radiocarbon years before present glacier ice has retreated in some areas, notably off northeast Newfoundland and in the Bay of Fundy.
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18 ka
The ice margin continues to retreat in the Bay of Fundy, on the western Scotian Shelf, and off northeast Newfoundland.
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16 ka
Ice-margin retreat is occurring in deeper water, so that ice remains grounded in shallow areas such as the eastern Scotian Shelf.
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14 ka
Just before 14 ka BP, extensive retreat occurred in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Retreat off Newfoundland has isolated an ice cap on the Grand Banks.
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13 ka
By now the retreating ice margin is near modern Quebec City. Much of the west coast of Newfoundland is also ice-free.
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12 ka
By 12 ka BP ice is mostly on land, and islands are present offshore. The changing geography from 13 ka BP onwards is explored Progression of sea-level change.
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