ABSTRACTThe paper is based on observations of relict periglacial structures in a 40 km long pipeline section which was dug through a coastal plain of southwestern Sweden, lee-wedge formation and wedge characteristics in a broad range of matrices (glaciofluvium, glaciomarine sediments, till and eolian deposits) are analyzed. The distribution of ice wedges according to the upheaval of the area in Late Weichselian is considered and the chronology of polygon formation discussed by means of shore-line spectra and radiocarbon dating. The past arctic environment (the Dryas cold phases) is elucidated by comparison with present periglacial processes in areas of West Spitsbergen with an analogous geographical character (isostatically raised coastal plain with loose deposits).