Forest fires as activator of geomorphic processes in Kuttanen esker-dune region, northernmost Finland

Abstract

Several soil profiles with up to 14 charcoal layers found in a kettle‑hole in the Kuttanen esker (68'24'N, 22'52E) and a nearby parabolic sand dune are described. Five of the charcoal layers have been dated by means of the ¹⁴C method. The ages range between 5840 ± 180 and 650 ± 120 years ¹⁴C B.P. Forest fires have activated the slope washing of the kettle‑hole several times and caused long periods of deflation. The thickest charcoal layers were formed during the climatic optimum before 4500 years B.P. Most sand redeposition took place in the kettle‑hole later, during the cooler climatic period from 4000 to 2000 years B.P.