Polyphase Glacigenic Deformation of Advance Glaciofluvial Sediments, Near Big Creek, British Colombia

ABSTRACT Deformation structures were observed in glaciofluvial sediments near Big Creek, central British Columbia. These sediments record a sequence of polyphase deformation resulting from the advance and retreat of the Late Wisconsinan (Fraser Glaciation) Cordilleran Ice Sheet. Deformation is attributed to ductile then brittle failure resulting from: (a) horizontal compression and loading as ice advanced over saturated sediments; followed by (b) lateral extension then (c) compression under frozen conditions during glacier overriding; and finally (d) vertical extension during unloading upon déglaciation. Most deformation (a-c, above) appears to have occurred during the advance phase of the Fraser Glaciation.