1Quaternary glaciation of Mount Everest

The Quaternary glacial history of the Rongbuk valley on the northern slopes of Mount Everest is examined using field mapping, geomorphic and sedimentological methods, and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and 10Be terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide (TCN) dating. Six major sets of moraines are present representing significant glacier advances or still-stands. These date to>330 ka (Tingri moraine),>41 ka (Dzakar moraine), 24-27 ka (Jilong Moraine), 14-17 ka (Rongbuk moraine), 8-2 ka (Samdupo moraines) and ~1.6 ka (Xarlungnama moraine). The Samdupo glacial stage is subdivided into Samdupo I (6.8-7.7 ka) and Samdupo II (~2.4 ka). Comparison with OSL and TCN defined ages on moraines on the southern slopes of Mount Everest in the Khumbu Himal show that glaciations across the Everest massif were broadl