Methods of study of mountain glaciers end moraines

Abstract

The study of composition and texture of different moraines has been directed to determine sedimentary environments and geomorphological processes in the glaciated areas of the Central Caucasus. Various analytical methods were used, including grain-size distribution, lithology, pebble morphology and till fabric analysis. Samples were taken from superglacial and basal debris, end moraine ridges and till horizons. Quantitative parameters were established for different glacial environments and till accumulation processes. The local participation of superglacial debris was noticed in some end moraines, but the most part of these moraines had been created due to glacial abrasion and plucking. Our investigations point to considerable erosion of mountains by temperate glaciers.