Morphological analysis of glaciated valleys in the Zardkuh Mountains, Iran

Abstract

<span>The morphology of glacial valley can be described in terms of power law or quadratic equations fitted to valley cross-profiles. These two models are used to study the cross-profiles of 86 valley cross-profiles in the Zardkuh Mountain in order to understand the evolutional patterns of valleys. Assessment of using the power law function indicates that b values for both valley sides range from 1.0 to 2.5 with values showing an increase within this range as valley floor altitude increases. Analysis of b and FR of the valleys in the Zardkuh Mountains does not fit in with the Rocky Mountain model of Hirano and Aniya, but has a similar trend to the Patagonia-Antarctica model. The analyses also show a more efficient widening process in higher altitudes and a more efficient over deepening of valleys in lower altitudes. The results of the analysis show a relatively efficient glacial process in the elevated region of the Zardkuh. Application of quadratic function show similar conclusions and also indicates that most of the valleys are roughly symmetrical in the cross-profile. Apparently, greatest degree of "U-ness" showing glacial modifications was observed in altitudes above ELA during Last Glacial Maximum.</span>