Catastrophic backwash floods created valley head moraines at south end of Finger Lakes

Catastrophic backwash floods created valley head moraines at south end of Finger Lakes. Valley head moraine found at south end of Finger Lakes Moraine material washed down from glacier terminus by catastrophic floods No typical terminal moraine found at glacier terminus

Valley head moraines at the Finger Lakes' southern ends contain material washed down from the glacier terminus—NOT typical terminal moraine deposits. Researchers conclude catastrophic backwash floods during drainage events deposited this material, creating distinctive features at what would normally be flood outlets rather than glacial termini.

Key Facts

• Valley head moraine found at south end of Finger Lakes
• Moraine material washed down from glacier terminus by catastrophic floods
• No typical terminal moraine found at glacier terminus
• Valley head moraine represents material deposited during flood drainage

Source: The Finger Lakes All Radiate From The Same Spot by The Randall Carlson