Evaluation of periglacial landforms and formation of soil properties on the Mount Honaz, SW Türkiye

Abstract

The main aim of this study is to explain periglacial processes on the summits of Mount Honaz (2571 m a.s.l.), define periglacial landforms, and determine the relationships between morphometric features and topographic factors. Mud circles, stony earth circles, non sorted steps, and non sorted stripes were identified on the summits of Mount Honaz. Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) and linear regression analyses were performed by taking metric measurements from 125 periglacial landforms to describe their morphometric features (length, width, height) of periglacial landforms and explain the relationships between them and topographic factors (elevation, slope). To explain the relationships between periglacial landforms and soil properties, soil samples from 11 periglacial landforms were taken and analysed. Periglacial landforms, which continue to develop on the summits of Mount Honaz today, have been evaluated with present climate data. Analysis of soil samples indicates a notable impact of parent material on the genesis of periglacial landforms. The high ratio of organic matter in mud circle and non sorted step landforms and the high lime ratio in stony earth circle landforms prove a strong relationship between the formation mechanisms of landforms and the soil properties. Furthermore, it is consistent with the findings obtained from the analysis that severe periglacial processes and washing and scavenging events are experienced more on the northern slopes.