Barron, H F, Gillespie, M R and Merritt, J W 2011. Geodiversity of the Cairngorms National Park. British Geological Survey Open Report, OR/10/019
A PDF of this report is available from the NORA, the NERC archive
Site no.: Q12
Site name: Drumochter Hummocky Moraine
Grid reference:
Locality: Pass of Drumochter
GCR Status: N/A
GCR No.: N/A
Type: Landform assemblage
Description: The Pass and glens to the west contain numerous hummocks of bouldery moraine that formed during 'active' glacial retreat by flows of debris from the glacier surface and 'bulldozing' of loose debris at glacier margins. The moraines are associated with meltwater channels that were eroded parallel to ice margins. Although appearing to be chaotic, the mounds form chains arranged en enchelon across valley sides.
Justification: The Pass is commonly cited as containing textbook examples of Hummocky Moraine formed during the Loch Lomond Stadial, but both the origin and age of this excellent suite of features remains controversial and an active field of research. Taken together, the features provide a record of glacial recession across the district.