description Salpausselkä II Overview
Salpausselkä II is the more northerly of two prominent, broadly parallel ice-marginal formations that cross southern Finland. It consists of moraines, glaciofluvial deposits, and associated ridges formed when the retreating Fennoscandian Ice Sheet paused during the late-glacial period. The formation lies behind Salpausselkä I in the direction of ice retreat and records a later stabilized position of the ice margin.
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What exactly is Salpausselkä II?
Salpausselkä II is the more northerly of two prominent ice-marginal formations that stretch broadly across southern Finland. It is a massive geographical ridge consisting of moraines and glaciofluvial deposits.
How was Salpausselkä II formed?
The formations were created when the massive Fennoscandian Ice Sheet paused its retreat during the late-glacial period. As the ice margin temporarily stopped moving, melting water deposited vast amounts of sand and gravel, building up the ridges.
How does Salpausselkä II differ from Salpausselkä I?
Salpausselkä II is located just north of its parallel counterpart, Salpausselkä I. Both formations were created during the Younger Dryas stadial, a period of sudden temporary cooling roughly 11,000 to 12,000 years ago.
Why is Salpausselkä II important to the geography of Finland?
These ridges serve as vital drainage divides, separating different watershed regions in southern Finland. Because they are made of highly porous gravel, they also act as crucial aquifers, providing clean groundwater to nearby municipalities.
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