Glaciomarine varves and the character of deglaciation, Säveån valley, southwestern Sweden

Glaciomarine varves, in contrast to glaciolacustrine varves, are primarily dependent upon sedimentation from meltwater overflow. They are usually developed in proximal positions and are a more reliable reflection of deglaciation character within a specific area than ‘classical’ glaciolacustrine varves, which are generally more distal and greater influenced by bottom topography. The close relationship with ice‐front processes in the glaciomarine environment is discussed and utilized to suggest correlations between the varve stratigraphy, ice‐front positions and climate shifts during the deglaciation of the Savean valley, where two varve localities have been documented. A varve sequence outside this valley shows similar general trends in varve‐thickness variation, and comparison between localities may help in extending the lines connecting positions of concurrent ice‐marginal deposition. The study of glaciomarine varves provides a more continuous record of changes in the ice‐front character than can be obtained from intermittent moraine positions.