An isolated glacial erratic of Precambrian dolomite
Location:
Nunavut,
Canada;
NTS
66A Schultz Lake or 66H Amber Lake
An isolated glacial erratic of Precambrian dolomite from the area north of Schultz Lake. In this tundra region, typical acid-loving tundra vegetation has not survived the alkaline soil conditions generated by runoff from this and similar boulders, illustrating the chemical fragility of this landscape. Note also the bright orange lichen, species unknown, that encrusts this and similar carbonate outcrops and erratics. Similar effects on acidophilic tundra vegetation have been noted in association with carbonate erratics glacially transported from offshore onto Bylot Island, as described by Klassen, 1982.
Updated 04/07/2010 AW