Liigijärgset

Liigijärgset refers to the post-glacial rebound of landmasses, a phenomenon observed in regions that were once covered by ice sheets during glacial periods. As the immense weight of the ice is removed, the land, which was previously depressed under its burden, begins to rise. This uplift is a slow but continuous process, and its effects can be observed in various geological and environmental changes.

The rate of isostatic rebound varies depending on the geological composition of the land and the thickness and duration of the ice cover. In some areas, the land is still rising centuries after the glaciers retreated. This uplift can lead to significant changes in coastlines, with former seabeds becoming dry land and new coastlines forming. Rivers may alter their courses, and lakes can be drained or formed as a result of these topographical shifts.

Evidence of liigijärgset can be found in raised beaches, terraces, and other landforms that indicate former sea levels. Scientific studies, often involving precise GPS measurements and geological surveys, are used to monitor and understand the ongoing uplift. The phenomenon has implications for coastal infrastructure, ecosystem dynamics, and even the distribution of certain species. Understanding liigijärgset is crucial for predicting future environmental changes in formerly glaciated regions.