A critical re‐analysis of constraints on the timing and rate of Laurentide Ice Sheet recession in the northeastern United States

Abstract We review geochronological data relating to the timing and rate of Laurentide Ice Sheet recession in northeastern United States model ice margin movements a Bayesian framework using compilations previously published organic 14 C ( n = 133) situ cosmogenic 10 Be 95) ages. compare resulting method‐specific chronologies with glacial varve records that serve as independent constraints on pace to: (1) construct synthesis deglacial chronology throughout region; (2) assess accuracy each chronometer for constraining deglaciation. Near Last Glacial Maximum terminal moraine zone, ages disagree by thousands years limit determination initial date range 24–20 ka. infer inherited from pre‐glacial exposure adds 2–6 kyr many near moraines, whereas macrofossil are typically 4–8 too young due substantial lag between sufficient material accumulation dating some basins. Age discrepancies these chronometers decrease distance moraine, less prior reduced deposition. generally agree at locations more than 200 km distal moraines suggest mostly continuous history region 18 13 ka variable best documented varves.