Paraglacial slope evolution in the Karakoram Mountains

Massive volumes of unconsolidated slope deposits on the flanks of glaciated valleys in the Karakoram Mountains are interpreted by Iturrizaga (2008) as being largely controlled by moraine re-working and mass movement induced by glacial processes. Production of debris due to weathering processed is deemed to be relatively insignificant. Talus cones that are traditionally viewed as having a periglacial origin are re-interpreted as landforms controlled by glacial activity. This paper is one of a growing number that has focussed attention on the important role of paraglacial processes on landform evolution in glacial environments. The image shows debris flanked slopes in Fåbergstølsdal, Norway, also interpreted by Ballantyne and Benn (1996) as being of paraglacial origin.

Ballantyne, C. K. and Benn, D. I. (1996). Paraglacial slope adjustment during recent deglaciation and its implications for slope evolution in formerly glaciated environments. In: M. G. Anderson and S. M. Brooks (eds). Advances in Hillslope Processes, John Wiley and Sons, Chichester. Volume 2, 1173-1195.

Iturrizaga, L. (2008). Paraglacial landform assemblages in the Hindukush and Karakoram Mountains. Geomorphology 95(1-2), 27-47.