Altitudinal Zonation of Selected Geomorphological Phenomena in an Alpine Periglacial Area (Abisko, Northern Sweden)

ABSTRACT

It is common knowledge that an altitudinal zonation of geomorphological phenomena exists on a large scale, but will this theory also be applicable to a small alpine, periglacial area? A sample of data is obtained by qualitatively describing 286 squares of 500 × 500 m each in a study area of 700 km² near Abisko, northern Sweden. For each gridcell data on altitude, aspect, slope, geology and geomorphology are gathered. The representativeness of the sampled altitude, aspect and slope data is investigated for the entire study area, using a Geographical Information System and the Chisquared test. The altitudinal frequency distributions of geomorphological features are analysed through means and standard deviation values. Finally, groups of forms often occurring together (TWINSPAN groups) are described with respect to their altitudinal zonation. Specific forms and groups of process related forms show a distinct altitudinal zonation. Several phenomena show an altitudinal frequency distribution resembling the normal curve. This indicates that even in the investigated small area, some form occurrences might be directly related to climate variables.