Glacial geomorphology of the Aladağlar, central Taurus Mountains, Turkey

Abstract

The Aladağlar is a mountain range located in the central Taurus Mountains (37°45′ N, 35°15′ E) along the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, dominated by geomorphic features intervened by karstic and glacial landscapes. The Aladağlar, also known as The Alps of Turkey, is one of the most popular places for mountaineering. Here, we present a comprehensive glacial geomorphological map of the mountain. Despite increased recent research, understanding of the spatial distribution of glacial landforms is still poorly known. To provide a framework for future research, we present a 1:50,000-scale glacial geomorphological map, covering an area of ∼1200 km2. Our map is based on remote sensing and detailed field observations on geomorphological imprints of glacial erosional and depositional landforms, such as glacial valleys, cirques, arêtes, horns, debris-covered glaciers, moraines and outwash fans. Our glacial geomorphological map could be used as a base for future dating and glacier reconstructions efforts.

Keywords

• glacial landforms
• moraines
• paleoclimate
• quaternary
• aladağlar
• turkey