Fossil Glacial Cirques or Cirque Problematica at Lower Levels in Northern and Central Sweden

ABSTRACT

Some single observations of low-lying cirques are published from central and northern Sweden (Agrell 1977, Vilborg 1977). If they are true cirques they give important information about the growing phases of the Quaternary glaciations. More examples are to be expected. In this paper the new topographic maps are used for identification of possible cirques. A lot of specimens are mapped and discussed as to form, size, altitude of the cirque-bearing hill, aspect and regional distribution. A comparison is made with the better preserved cirques of the Swedish Caledonides. It is concluded that the mapped forms may be true glacial cirques but other origins, notably erosion by ice sheets, are not definitely excluded.