Distribution and characteristics of rock glaciers in the Balkan Peninsula

ABSTRACT

Little information exists regarding the geomorphologic characteristics, spatial distribution and genesis and activity of rock glaciers in the Balkan Peninsula. A total of 224 rock glaciers were identified in four major mountainous regions (Dinaric Alps, Rila and Pirin, North Macedonia, Pindus and Parnassus), covering a total of 16.74 km². Most of the rock glaciers are considered relict and have fronts between 1412 and 2645 m. In the Balkan Peninsula, rock glaciers are not uniformly distributed, but rather concentrate in several mountain ranges (e.g. Pirin, Rila, Prokletije and Śar). Climate, elevation, aspect and lithology are the key factors controlling rock glaciers’ distribution in the study area. The vast majority of the rock glaciers (73%) are concentrated in the northern quadrant. Statistical analysis revealed that the size of the rock glaciers can be explained to a certain degree by the characteristics of the contributing area (e.g. its extent and elevation range), climate, aspect, altitude and slope. In Pirin Mountains the density of the rock glaciers and the mean specific area are considerably higher than in the other mountain ranges. Based on palaeoclimate reconstructions and climatological records we infer that at least three generations of rock glaciers developed in the Balkan Peninsula. It is hypothesized that above the 0°C isotherm of mean annual air temperature in the Rila and Pirin Mountains, intact rock glaciers may survive to present-day climatic conditions.

KEYWORDS:

• Rock glaciers
• inventory
• remote sensing
• permafrost
• Balkan Peninsula

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by a grant of Ministery of Research and Innovation, CNCS – UEFISCDI, project number PN-III-P1-1.1-PD-2016-0172, within PNCDI III.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes on contributors

Brigitte Magori is a PhD student at the West University of Timișoara (Romania). She has expertise in GIS and statistical analyses, spatial modeling and geomorphological field work. Her research interests focus on periglacial landforms.

Petru Urdea is a senior research scientist and geomorphologist at the West University of Timișoara (Romania). His research interests focus on mountain geomorphology, glaciology, natural hazards and earth surface processes in cold climate environments.

Alexandru Onaca works as a lecturer and researcher at the West University of Timișoara (Romania) and has a long-standing experience in permafrost mapping and monitoring in mountain areas. His recent scientific activity focuses on geomorphic processes and permafrost mapping in high mountains.

Florina Ardelean is a lecturer and researcher at the West University of Timișoara. Her research interests are releted to GIS/remote sensing applications in glacial and periglacial geomorphology and natural hazards in mountain environments.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by a grant of Ministery of Research and Innovation, CNCS – UEFISCDI, project number PN-III-P1-1.1-PD-2016-0172, within PNCDI III.