Comparability of cirque size and shape measures between regions and between researchers.

Abstract

When comparably defined, cirque size and shape vary moderately but significantly between regions. For nine spatial divisions in three countries, differences in vertical dimensions (height range, amplitude, wall height) are greater than those in horizontal dimensions. Problems of data quality, especially contour interval and reliability, affect mainly comparisons of slope gradients between countries. Problems are more apparent from graphical displays of complete distributions than from means and extremes. A broader set of data from several authors shows greater variability, especially in mean values, for which there are several possible explanations. “As maps and air photos of glaciated areas become increasingly available it should be possible to develop glacial morphometry to provide many valuable data in studying the processes that created the forms of both glacial erosion and glacial deposition.” C.A.M. King 1974, p. 162.