Characteristics and altitudinal distribution of periglacial decay phenomena in the massif of rondane, central norway

Abstract

The orwegian massif of ondane is part of the candes ountains and is subject to polar, oceanic and continental influences. Because of its climatic context and its quartzitic structure, the massif has one of the thickest functional periglacial belts in urope (1200 m). This belt is not fixed considering its translation in altitude since the end of the ittle ce ge. This mobility is continuing and involves periglacial decay dynamics which are revealed by numerous and various periglacial forms in the field. Because of their frequency in the massif and also their sensitivity to climate fluctuations, earth patches and small non‐sorted circles have a diagnostic value for current periglacial climate fluctuations. The major aim of this study is to propose several indicators of this periglacial decay and to highlight its consequences on periglacial belt mobility because these landforms enable the delimitation of a critical belt of decay in the massif.

Key words:

• periglacial decay
• altitudinal distribution
• high mountain
• Norway

Acknowledgements

The associate editor and our referees are warmly thanked for their helpful comments.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Riwan Kerguillec

Riwan Kerguillec, Institut de Géographie et d'Aménagement Régional de l'Université de Nantes, Campus du Tertre, BP 81 227, 44312 Nantes cedex 3, France.

E‐mail: [email protected]