ABSTRACT
This chapter explains geological models for the configuration, history and style of disintegration of the Laurentide Ice Sheet. The great size of the Laurentide Ice Sheet was first perceived in the late 19th century, several models relating to its history and configuration have been proposed. Two distinct models for configuration of the Laurentide Ice Sheet have evolved over the past century. A model for some aspects of the final disintegration of the Keewatin sector, and by analogy for other sectors, of the Laurentide Ice Sheet has been described, based largely on the patterns of late-glacial glaciofluvial sedimentation. The chapter explains the model for glacial and non-glacial events affecting the center of the Laurentide Ice Sheet. The most reasonable way to explain the features to consider the esker system as consisting of two parts - a supraglacial river draining the ice surface and a short, subglacial tunnel into which the surface streams plunged through crevasses.
