Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

• Samad Abdi ¹
• Mohammd Hossein Ramesht ²

¹ Master of Geography (Geomorphology)

² Professor of Geomorphology of Isfahan University

Abstract

Since climatic changes, especially those of the fourth quaternary period have always changed landforms, identifying and detecting traces of these changes is an important topic for geomorphologists. Natural glacier remains from this period are one of the most important evidences of climatic changes and evolutions.
The present article detects and identifies glacial traces in Buanat basin. While identifying and introducing glacial traces of the fourth quaternary period using the usual geomorphic methods, it reconstructs environmental conditions in the coldest glacial phase and investigates the previous water-ice balance in the area. In this regard, annual average temperature in the area under study was 9.6 °C colder and precipitation in lower altitudes was 1.2 to 1.8 more than today which prepared appropriate conditions for glacier activity. Moreover, geomorphic evidences like glacial cirque, glacial valleys, and hanging valleys in the area prove the presence of glacial traces in the basin.
Findings of the present study proves the presence of glacial traces in the basin and provides the basis for future soil and water studies and land use planning.

Keywords

• climatic changes
• permanent frost line
• glacial cirque
• glacial valleys
• and hanging valleys

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