Morphometric characteristics of the glacial cirques in the Teke Peninsula, Southwestern Anatolia

The morphometric characteristics of the 31 glacial cirques found on Mount Sandıras, Mount Kara-dağ, Mount Akdağ and the Beydağları mountains on the Teke Peninsula are examined in terms ofto their sizes, altitudes, aspects and slope along with their location according to glacial valleys andtheir grade (developmental stages) in the context of morphometric parameters. The cirques formedat various altitudes depending on the equilibrium line altitude (ELA) of each mountain during theglaciation. They evolved in accordance with the preglacial topography, elevation and shadow effectand acquired different dimensions. Approximately 80% of the cirques formed in the N, NE and NWdirections, where there was less exposure to solar radiation and shadow effects."Cirques in the re -gion have an average floor elevation of 2450 m and they could develop at lower elevations in thenorth-facing slopes (e.g.,~1950 m)". Average values of ~ 650 m in length, ~ 500 m in width and ~0,30 km² in area are derived from the morphometric measurements of the cirques. It was seen thatthe length of the cirques was slightly longer than the width. However, the high circularity ratiomeans that the cirques are mainly round and similar to a circular shape. Cirques have been classifiedaccording to their position in glacial valleys, such as at the head of a glacial valley, on the slopes ofa glacial valley and isolated area from the glacial valleys and according to their form in plan suchas cirque troughs, simple, staircase and compound cirques. 24 of the cirques are in the 2nd and3rd grade of development, indicating intermediate growth. The development of the cirques in eachmountain has been different, and the cirques in Akdağ have been more evolved and have more cir-ques than those of the other mountains. The shadow effect and altitude on the development of thecirques were largely determinant, however the climatic conditions, in particular the amount of pre-cipitation, had a significant influence on the extent of the glaciation and the growth of the cirques.