Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Geomorphology, cilt.504, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
This study investigates the morphogenetic evolution and morphometric characteristics of glacial cirques in the Aras Mountains, located in the south of Lesser Caucasus and the eastern sector of the Eastern Anatolian High Plateau. As a distinctive transitional zone between the Lesser Caucasus, the Southeastern Taurus Mountains, and the Eastern Black Sea Mountains, this region provides critical evidence for paleoglacier reconstruction. Mount Kandil (3214 m a.s.l.; 23 cirques), located to the west of the Aras Mountains, and Mount Zor (3225 m a.s.l.; 21 cirques) to the east represent typical Alpine-type palaeoglaciated massifs characterized by extensive cirque development. The Aras Mountains are entirely composed of volcanic rocks, and their WNW–ESE oriented structural alignment positions Mount Kandil as the first orographic barrier exposed to moisture-bearing westerly air masses. In contrast, Mount Zor lies within the rain shadow of Mount Kandil with relatively lower precipitation. Furthermore, Mount Kandil exhibits a plateau-like morphology conducive to enhanced snow accumulation, whereas Mount Zor is characterized by steep slopes and a conical topography that limits snow retention. These local climatic and topographic contrasts are distinctly reflected in the morphology of cirques. Morphometric parameters were extracted for 44 cirques using the ACME2 toolbox, of which 11 key variables were subjected to comprehensive statistical analyses. The results show that there are differences in cirque morphometries between Kandil and Zor mountains. This study provides robust evidence that westerly wind systems and lithological controls represent dominant factors shaping the geomorphic texture of cirques across the EAHP. The findings indicate that cirque morphogenesis in the EAHP shares strong similarities with mid-latitude cirque development dynamics.