Uphill-facing (antislope) scarps in the Coast Mountains, southwest British Columbia
Uphill-facing scarps are examined, at Affliction Creek, a glacierized area within the Meager Creek Volcanic Complex of southwest British Columbia. Scarps occur directly downslope of tension cracks and are considered to have developed from a combination of (1) antithetic movement between partly toppled slices of rock, defined by a master joint set dipping into the slope; and (2) erosion of the upslope face of each tension crack, leaving the downslope face prominent as an antislope scarp. A kinematic test for toppling failure is described. Glacial erosion and rapid glacial downwasting are probable causes of toppling. Lichenometric data indicate significant scarp development since Affliction Glacier attained its maximum Neoglacial dimensions about 140 yr ago. Dilatancy is cited as a possible mechanism for scarp stabilization.