Application of an alpine geomorphological mapping system to an atlantic mountain environment: The Curavacas Massif (Cantabrian Range, Northwest Spain)

Abstract

A detailed geomorphological map is presented for the Curavacas Massif whose elevations range from 1,350 to 2,525 m.a.s.l. This map shows the presence and extension of structural, fluvial, glacial, periglacial, and anthropogenic landforms and deposits, as well as mass movements. Unlike most Spanish geomorphological maps, this follows the Institute of Geography of Lausanne University (IGUL) legend system, which was developed specifically for mapping alpine areas. This system focuses on landforms, processes and deposits minimizing lithologic information. The IGUL system proves to be useful for alpine areas, since relief is energetic enough for different morphogenetic agents to appear.

Geomorphology of the Hérens valley (Swiss Alps)

“…The legend has been used for detailed mapping (scale 1:10,000) for more than 20 years, especially in high-and mid-altitude mountain regions (Ondicol, 2009;Schoeneich, 1993;Schoeneich, Reynard, & Pierrehumbert, 1998). It was first developed for mapping by hand with colour pencils in the field.…”

“…According to the objectives, the focus can be placed on the morphogenesis of the landforms (morphogenetic maps; e.g. Ondicol, 2009) or on the process activity (morphodynamic maps; e.g. .…”

Mid‐ and large‐scale geodiversity calculation in fuentes carrionas (nw spain) and serra do cadeado (paraná, brazil): methodology and application for land management

“…). Beyond the glaciated areas (and progressively higher on the transition between the Last Glacial Maximum to the Holocene), periglacial conditions led to the formation of rock glaciers, blockslopes and blockfields, patterned soils and solifluction lobes (Ondicol ). During deglaciation slopes underwent a paraglacial phase, so mass movements, some of which are still active, began to develop.…”

Geomorphology of the Sierra del Aramo (Asturian Central Massif, Cantabrian Mountains, NW Spain)

“…The geomorphology of the Cantabrian Mountains (northern Spain) is being scientifically analyzed in recent decades from the coast to the high mountain (Ballesteros, Jiménez-Sánchez, García-Sansegundo, & Giralt, 2010;Castañón & Frochoso, 1994;Domínguez-Cuesta et al, 2019;Domínguez-Cuesta, Jiménez-Sánchez, & Berrezueta, 2007;Flor & Flor-Blanco, 2014;Flor, Flor-Blanco, Cedrún, Flores-Soriano, & Borghero, 2019;Jiménez, 1999;Jiménez-Sánchez et al, 2013;Menéndez-Duarte, Marquínez, Fernández-Menéndez, & Santos, 2007;Rodríguez-Rodríguez, Jiménez-Sánchez, Domínguez-Cuesta, & Aranburu, 2015;Ruiz Fernández & Poblete Piedrabuena, 2011;Serrano, González-Trueba, Pellitero, & Gómez-Lende, 2016;Serrano, González-Trueba, Pellitero, González-García, & Gómez-Lende, 2013) to reach an accurate understanding of the geomorphological dynamics (fluvial, coastal, periglacial, glacial) in relation to past and current global changes (Beato Bergua, Poblete Piedrabuena, & Marino Alfonso, 2019a;Slaymaker, Spencer, & Embleton-Hamann, 2009). The development of geomorphological mapping has contributed to show the relevance and richness of their landforms and processes (Alonso, 2014;García de Celis, 1997;González-Gutiérrez, 2002;González-Gutiérrez et al, 2010;González-Gutiérrez, Santos-González, Gómez-Villar, Redondo-Vega, & Prieto-Sarro, 2017;Pellitero, 2009Pellitero, , 2014Santos-González, 2011), especially in the Asturian sector affected by the Würm glaciation (Alonso, 2019;González-Trueba, 2007;González-Trueba, Serrano, & González, 2011;Rodríguez, 2009;…”