227-1 Cirque Morphology across the South Island of New Zealand

Session: Recent Advances in Glacial Geology, Geomorphology, and Chronology (Posters)

Presenting Author:

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Abstract:

Cirque morphology is variable, with characteristics such as length (L), width (W), height, elevation, and aspect often changing regionally. There is a lack of geometric data on cirques in New Zealand, and there have been no investigations of regional variability of cirques on the South Island. This study identifies differences in cirque morphology across 140 cirques in seven regions of the South Island of New Zealand based on morphometry. Cirque development (L and W), minimum elevation (Hmin), and aspect vary most between the study areas. These differences are qualitatively compared to regional variations in lithology, precipitation, and degree of paleoglaciation. Areas composed of more erosion-resistant rock are more well developed. Areas with greater annual precipitation have cirques forming at lower minimum elevations. Areas that experienced more extensive glaciation have wider variability in aspects. The literature gap on cirque morphology in New Zealand is minimised by completing this regional comparison. The resulting dataset can be used for future analysis of the impacts of lithology, glacial history, precipitation, and other factors on cirque development. This dataset may also contribute to future research on the use of cirque morphology as a paleoenvironmental indicator.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Program. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-6626

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