Abstract:
Late Pleistocene glaciation of the Australian mainland was restricted to a
small area of the southeastern highlands. Geomorphic mapping of the area and
exposure dating using the in situ produced cosmogenic isotope 10Be provides
evidence for at least two distinct glaciations. The Early Kosciuszko
glaciation consisted of a single glacier advance before 59,300 ± 5400 years
ago (Snowy River
... Advance). The Late Kosciuszko glaciation comprised three
glacier advances 32,000 ± 2500 (Headley Tarn Advance), 19,100 ± 1600 (Blue
Lake Advance), and 16,800 ± 1400 years ago (Mt. Twynam Advance). The Early
Kosciuszko glaciation was the most extensive and the Late Kosciuszko advances
were progressively less extensive. These periods of glaciation in the
highlands correspond to episodes of periglacial activity and peaks in lake
levels and river discharge at lower elevations in southeastern Australia.
Glacier advances on the Kosciuszko Massif correlate with advances in Tasmania,
South America, and New Zealand and are broadly representative of hemispheric
climate changes during the last glacial cycle. 
