Abstract
The geomorphological map was produced using aerial photos, Landsat satellite images, and field checking as the necessary precursor for an improved understanding of the glacial history of the region. The map reveals the main characteristics of the glacial geomorphology. This paper presents a new approach for preparing the geomorphological map of active rock glaciers in the Zagros Mountains, SW of Iran, covering an area of 421 km2. The outcome of the mapping and fieldworks proved reliability of the geomorphological map of the region based on aerial photos in determination of the precise location of the glaciers. Subsequently, Landsat 7 and Landsat 8 images taken in 1999–2013 were analyzed using the cross-correlation technique to derive the surface kinematics. The “COSI-Corr” software was also employed for measurement of the displacement velocity of the active rock glaciers. The results show that the rock glaciers in Oshtorankooh are active and displaced maximally in July, i.e., the warmest month of the year in the region. While the highest displacement velocity between 1999 and 2002 was only about 2 cm/year, which increased to 12 cm/day in 2013. The ground surface temperature (GST) observations analyzed using MODIS data show a temperature increase of 0.6 °C over this time period.
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Acknowledgments
The first author would like to acknowledge Prof. Francisco Gutierrez from the University of Zaragoza for providing the opportunity of a visiting period. Jesus Guerrero from the University of Zaragoza is highly appreciated for his constructive and helpful comments regarding a detailed mapping. Another thank you to Dr. Shahin Homaeigohar from the University of Kiel for his precious editorial comments.
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Ghadimi, M., Moghimi, E., Sahebi, M.R. et al. A new approach for preparing the geomorphological map based on the active rock glaciers in southwestern Iran. Arab J Geosci 8, 9693–9698 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-015-1922-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-015-1922-4