Distribution and characteristics of rock glaciers in the Balkan Peninsula
Brigitte Magori, Petru Urdea, Alexandru Onaca, Florina Ardelean
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.