Nadlens

Nadlens are sedimentary formations that are characteristic of glacimarine and glaciomarine deposition. They are one type of sedimentary structure that forms when icebergs melt and the resulting meltwater deposits sand-sized sediment on the seafloor. Nadlens are typically conical or semi-conical in shape and may have a rounded or flat apex. They can be found in a variety of environments, including the polar and subpolar regions of the world's oceans.

The formation of nadlens is closely tied to the interactions between ice and the ocean. When an iceberg melts, the meltwater that is produced may be dense enough to sink to the seafloor. As this dense water plume flows over the seafloor, it carries with it sediment that originates from the melting ice. This sediment may include a mixture of clay, silt, and sand-sized particles. As the plume loses momentum and settles on the seafloor, it creates a mound of sediment that is characteristic of a nadlen.

Nadlens are often associated with other glaciomarine deposits, such as diamictons and diamictites, which are formed from glacial debris. They are an important indicator of the presence of former icebergs in a region, and can provide valuable information to researchers about the past behavior of glaciers and ice sheets. In addition, the study of nadlens has numerous applications in the fields of geology, paleoclimatology, and oceanography, as they offer insights into the nature of ice-glacier interactions and the impact of these interactions on the surrounding ocean environment.