Morphometric features of the cirques on Karadağ

The analysis of cirque morphometry is often aimed at understanding the processes and mechanisms responsible for cirque development and as a result, they have been used to obtain palaeoenvironmental information. This research evaluated the morphometric features of the cirques on Karadağ, SW Turkey. The controlling processes of the development of the cirques were asserted as a result of the evaluations. As a part of the Western Taurus Mountains, Karadağ is located in the 30 km north of the Fethiye. Karst and landforms form a general view of Karadağ's topography. There are two valleys facing north and cirques developed in different aspects. The terminal moraines of the isolated cirques highly maintain their primary forms. Also, the hummocky moraines on Acemioğlan Plateau are another evidence of the Pleistocene glaciations on Karadağ. Orthophotos that taken by the UAV (Unmanned Air Vehicle) are the main data source in this study. High resolution models of the cirques were created by processing these photographs. Morphometric features were calculated on these data. Cirque floor altitudes obtained from the results of morphometric analysis show consistency with the equilibrium line altitude of Karadağ (2080 m). Also, morphometric features of cirques such as size, aspect and gradient were evaluated. However, there is no common ground between morphometric features of cirques and cirque development. On the contrary, it is shown that each cirque has distinctive features.