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Sediment-landform assemblages at two adjacent temperate, alpine glaciers, one debris-covered (Glacier Noir) and the other relatively debris-free (Glacier Blanc), are considered in order to determine the influence of debris cover on the formation of sediment-landform assemblages. Sediment-landform assemblages at Glacier Blanc include ice-marginal moraines, lee-side cavity fills and glaciofluvial sediments. Sediment-landform assemblages at Glacier Noir include ice-marginal moraines, supraglacial dominated dump moraines and plains composed of glaciofluvial sediments. Differences in sediment-landform assemblages at Glacier Blanc and Glacier Noir are inferred to reflect differences in debris cover, ice dynamics and catchment topography. The extent of debris cover influences debris modification and transport routes, as well as the volume, composition and preservation potential of landforms. The conclusion is that debris cover is an important control on sediment-landform assemblage genesis.
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