Periglacial geomorphology of Mount Honaz (Denizli)

The aim of this study is to investigate the periglacial processes and landforms in the peak section of Honaz Mountain, the highest mass of the Aegean Region. Periglacial processes and periglacial landforms that occur as a result of these processes occur in areas where cold climatic conditions and permafrost are effective but glaciers cannot develop. Honaz Mountain with an elevation of 2571 m remained below the average of 200 m below the permanent snowline in Late Pleistocene (126-11.7 ka). Therefore, Honaz Mountain was not glacial. However, the site was severely affected by the periglacial processes observed in the glacial environment. The periglacial processes, which are still active, have shaped the peaks of the site to a great extent. Within the scope of the study, the peaks section of Honaz Mountain was investigated for the first time in detail and the mechanisms of the formation of periglacial landforms were classified and mapped. The development of periglacial landforms was explained by morphometric methods by revealing the presence of circles, stone clusters, garlands, sorted stripes, congelifraction slope, with congeliturbate debris within the boundaries of the periglacial region on mass. In order to explain the effect of climate factor on periglacial landforms, it was tried to reveal the climate trends of the field. Mann-Kendall Test, Mann-Kendall Rank Correlation Test, Sen's Slope Test analyzes were performed to evaluate the climatic processes from past to present. Annual freezing-thaw activity, physical weathering, snow cover and slope factors are the most important factors in landforms formation. The landforms formed on mass; circles, stone clusters, garlands, sorted stripes and congelifraction slope are continue to develop under current climatic conditions. However congeliturbate debris occurred in the past climatic conditions and are still inactive.