Spatial Distribution and Geomorphological Characteristics of Glacial and Periglacial Landforms in the Mescit-Dumlu Mountains

Yıl 2025, Sayı: 15, 100 - 125, 15.10.2025

Serdar Yeşilyurt

https://doi.org/10.46453/jader.1768588

Öz

The Mescit and Dumlu mountains are a volcanic massif located between the Erzurum Plain and the Çoruh Valley. Positioned within a transitional zone between Eastern Anatolia and the Eastern Black Sea region, this mountainous area exhibits considerable diversity in glacial and periglacial landforms. Through field observations, UAV-based photogrammetry, and GIS analyses, a total glaciated area of 256 km², more than 60 glacial cirques, distinct U-shaped valleys, and moraine assemblages divided into two main morphostratigraphic groups were mapped. Hypsometric analysis indicates that extensive plateau surfaces and low-gradient valley floors within the 2500–3000 m elevation range enhanced both the areal extent and thickness of glaciers. Paleo–equilibrium line altitude (pELA) values calculated using AAR, AABR, and MELM methods show that the ELA during past glaciations ranged between 2800 and 2900 m, whereas the current ELA, at approximately 3700 m, reflects significant climatic change.
Morphological differences among moraines point to at least two distinct glaciation phases: rounded, block-poor older moraines likely predate the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), whereas sharp-crested, block-rich younger moraines are attributed to the LGM and/or the Late Glacial period. Periglacial processes are active both within former glaciated areas and in today’s high mountain zones. Stone-banked and turf-banked solifluction lobes, shallow ice-cemented rock glaciers, thufurs, relict palsas, and patterned ground reflect the region’s high sensitivity to freeze–thaw cycles.
The results demonstrate that the volcanic lithology, extensive plateau surfaces, and topographic features of the Mescit–Dumlu Mountains make them one of Türkiye’s most significant glacial–periglacial environments. By documenting the spatial relationships of Quaternary glaciation phases, paleo–periglacial processes, and modern periglacial dynamics, this study provides valuable contributions to regional geomorphology. Future cosmogenic dating and microclimatic measurements will play a critical role in refining the glaciation history of this area.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Solifluction , Palsa , Thufur , ELA , Permafrost

Mescit - Dumlu Dağlarında Glasyal ve Periglasyal Yerşekillerinin Dağılışı ve Jeomorfolojik Özellikleri

Öz

Mescit ve Dumlu dağları, Erzurum Ovası ile Çoruh Vadisi arasında konumlanan volkanik bir kütledir. Doğu Anadolu ile Doğu Karadeniz arasında geçiş kuşağında yer alan bu dağlık alan, glasyal ve periglasyal oluşumlar açısından büyük çeşitlilik göstermektedir. Arazi gözlemleri, İHA tabanlı fotogrametri ve CBS analizleri ile toplam 256 km²’lik buzullaşma alanı, 60’tan fazla buzul sirki, U profilli tekne vadiler ve morfostratigrafik olarak iki ana gruba ayrılan moren toplulukları haritalanmıştır. Hipsografik analizler, özellikle 2500–3000 m yükselti aralığında geniş plato yüzeyleri ve düşük eğimli vadi tabanlarının, buzulların yayılış alanını ve kalınlığını artırdığını göstermektedir. AAR, AABR ve MELM yöntemleriyle hesaplanan paleo denge hattı yüksekliği (pELA) değerleri, paleobuzulların kalıcı kar sınırının 2800–2900 m aralığında olduğunu ortaya koymuş; güncel sınırın yaklaşık 3700 m’de olması ise iklimdeki belirgin değişimlere işaret etmiştir.
Morenlerin morfolojik farklılıkları, en az iki ayrı buzullaşma evresine işaret etmektedir: Yuvarlatılmış ve volkanik kaya blokları bakımından fakir yaşlı morenler muhtemelen Son Buzul Maksimumu öncesine; keskin sırtlı, bloklu genç morenler ise SBM ve/veya Geç Buzul Dönemi’ne aittir. Periglasyal süreçler, hem paleobuzul alanlarında hem de bu alanlar dışındaki yüksek kesimlerde etkindir. Taş yığını ve çim yığını soliflüksiyon lobları, sığ buz çimentolu kaya buzulları, tufur, relikt palsa ve desenli zeminler, bölgenin donma–çözülme döngülerine yüksek duyarlılığını yansıtmaktadır.
Sonuçlar, Mescit–Dumlu Dağları’nın volkanik litolojisi, geniş plato yüzeyleri ve topoğrafik özellikleriyle Türkiye’nin önemli glasyal–periglasyal alanlarından biri olduğunu göstermektedir. Çalışma, Kuvaterner buzullaşma evrelerinin, paleo–periglasyal süreçlerin ve güncel periglasyal süreçlerin mekânsal ilişkilerini belgeleyerek bölgesel jeomorfolojiye özgün katkılar sunmaktadır. Gelecekte yapılacak kozmojenik yaşlandırma ve mikroklimatik ölçümler, bu alanın buzullaşma tarihçesinin kesinleştirilmesinde kritik rol oynayacaktır.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Soliflüksiyon , Palsa , Tufur , ELA , permafrost

Kaynakça

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