Skip to main content

Morphometry in Glacial Geomorphology

  • Conference paper
Glacial Geomorphology

Abstract

Morphometry consists of the measurement of form either from maps or in the field. It provides quantitative data that can then be analyzed to establish significant aspects of the morpology of the features investigated. As geomorphology is concerned with the understanding of the shape of features, morphometry provides essential material on which to base a valid analysis. From morphometric measurements it is possible to obtain the mean dimensions of specific features and to obtain a quantitative range within which they exist. The features in one area can be compared and contrasted with those in another area, providing often valuable clues as the the cause of differences in dimensions. In this contribution some examples of morphometric analysis on glacial geomorphology will be examined to illustrate the value of this method of study.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Andrews, J.T., Barry, R.G. and Drapier, L. 1970. an inventory of the present and past glacierization of Home Bay and Okoa Bay, east Baffin island, N.W.T., Canada, some climatic and paleoclimatic considerations: J. Glaciol. 9: 337–362.

    Google Scholar 

  • Andrews, J.T. and Dugdale, R.E. 1971. Quaternary history of north Cumberland Peninsula, Baffin Island, N.W.T. Part V. Factors affecting corrie glaciation in Okoa Bay: Quaternary Research 1, 552–561.

    Google Scholar 

  • Andrews, J.T. 1972. Glacier power, mass balances, velocities and erosion potential: Zeit. fur Geomorph. N.F. Supplement Bd. 13, 1–17.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clayton, K.M. 1965. Glacial erosion in the Finger Lakes Region (New York State, U.S.A.) Zeit. fur Geomorph. N.F. 9 (1) 50–62.

    Google Scholar 

  • Doornkamp, J.C. and King, C.A.M. 1971. Numerical analysis in Geomorphology: Arnold, London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Embleton, C. and King, C.A.M. 1968. Glacial and periglacia/geomorphology: Arnold, London, 608 p.

    Google Scholar 

  • Evans, I.S. 1969. The geomorphology and morphometry of glacial and nival areas: In Water, Earth and Man. R.J. Chorley, ed. 369–380, Methuen, London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Graf, W.L. 1970. The geomorphology of the glacial valley cross section: Arct. and Alp. Res. 2 303–312.

    Google Scholar 

  • Graf, W.L. 1971. Quaternary analysis of Pinedale landforms, Beartooth Mountains, Montana and Wyoming. Arct. and Alp. 3 (3) 253–261.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haynes, V.M. 1972. The relationship between the drainage areas and sizes of outlet troughs of the Sukkertoppen Ice Cap, West Greenland. Geog. Ann. A 54 (2) 66–75.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • King, C.A.M. 1970. Feedback relationships in geomorphology: Geog. Ann. A 52 (34) 147–159.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lewis, W.V., ed. 1960. Norwegian cirque glaciers: R.G.S. Res. Ser. 4 104 p.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller J.W. 1972. Variations in New York drumlins: Ann. Assoc. Amer. Geogs. 62 (3) 417–23.

    Google Scholar 

  • Robinson, G., Peterson, J.A. and Anderson, P.M. 1971. Trend surface analysis of corrie altitude in Scotland: Scot. Geog. Mag. 87 (2) 142–146.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Seddon, B. 1957. Late glacial cwm glaciation in Wales: J. Glaciol. 3 (22) 94–99.

    Google Scholar 

  • Svensson, H. 1959. Is the cross section of a glacial valley a parabola ? J. Glaciol. 3 362–63.

    Google Scholar 

  • Unwin, D.J. 1973. The distribution and orientation of corries in northern Snowdonia, Wales: Trans. Inst. Brit. Geog. 58 85–98.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1982 Donald R. Coates

About this paper

Cite this paper

King, C.A.M. (1982). Morphometry in Glacial Geomorphology. In: Coates, D.R. (eds) Glacial Geomorphology. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-6491-7_5

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-6491-7_5

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-011-6493-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-011-6491-7

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics