In tune with the ice: First description of excellently preserved flutes and other glacial structures from the LPIA in a newly discovered area in South Africa

During the Late Palaeozoic Ice Age (LPIA), South Africa was part of the Gondwana supercontinent. It therefore offers remarkably well-preserved outcrops (e.g. Nooitgedacht and Oorlogskloof) that show the extensive glacial influence.

Here, we introduce a newly discovered area in the Northern Cape region where glacially sculpted outcrops reveal a complex relationship between hard bedrock and soft-sediment features. The outcrops feature streamlined structures, clast-rich diamictite, as well as striated surfaces and exceptionally well-preserved flutes, among other features.

The area, which experiences flooding at irregular intervals, serves as an outstanding example of Late Palaeozoic glacial influence and likely represents one of the best-preserved outcrops of pre-Quaternary flutes.

Furthermore, comprehensive mapping of the visible structures enables a detailed analysis of the different phases of glaciation, contributing significantly to our understanding of the complex dynamics of ice flows during the LPIA.