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The Cairngorm Mountains

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Landscapes and Landforms of Scotland

Part of the book series: World Geomorphological Landscapes ((WGLC))

Abstract

The Cairngorm Mountains represent a classic landscape of selective linear glacial erosion formed in a largely granite massif. Relict, non-glacial landforms include palaeosurfaces with tors, weathered rock and broadly convex summits that have generally been little modified by glacial erosion. These features contrast sharply with glacial troughs and breached watersheds that are deeply incised into the massif. This remarkable geomorphological diversity is enhanced by the presence of cirques, periglacial landforms on the upper slopes and plateaux, ice-marginal deglacial landforms in the valleys and on the lower slopes, paraglacial reworking of debris slopes and glacial deposits, and dynamic river systems. The landforms and geomorphological processes of the Cairngorms provide the foundations for internationally important biodiversity and form a highly sensitive geo-ecological system maintained by the interactions of geology, geomorphology, soils, vegetation and climate.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9AL, Scotland, UK

    John E. Gordon

  2. NatureScot, Elmwood Campus, Carslogie Road, Cupar, KY15 4JB, Scotland, UK

    Vanessa Brazier

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  1. John E. Gordon
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Correspondence to John E. Gordon .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK

    Colin K. Ballantyne

  2. School of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK

    John E. Gordon

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Gordon, J.E., Brazier, V. (2021). The Cairngorm Mountains. In: Ballantyne, C.K., Gordon, J.E. (eds) Landscapes and Landforms of Scotland. World Geomorphological Landscapes. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-71246-4_18

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