Relationship of cave fills to glaciation in the Nelson River Valley, Central Western Tasmania.

Abstract

Glacial diversion of the Nelson River into a limestone floored valley promoted karst development. This diversion occurred prior to the Last Glacial Stage. Outwash gravels of pre-Last Glacial age are preserved within a meander cutoff cave and indicate cavern infilling and only minimal cave enlargement during the cold climatic stage. Equivocal evidence exists for human occupation of one cave immediately prior to the late Last Glacial Maximum, when mechanically weathered limestone fragments were precipitated onto the cave floor. Extensive erosion of the cave fills has occurred during postglacial time.