Inherited periglacial geomorphology of a basalt hill in the Sudetes, Central Europe: Insights from LiDAR‐aided landform mapping

Abstract

AbstractThis paper presents the results of mapping inherited cold‐climate landforms and deposits at the Muchów Hills site in the Sudetes, Central Europe (51°N). Bedrock supporting the upper slopes is basalt, with well‐developed columnar jointing, and local relief is of the order of 100 m, whereas the middle and lower slopes are underlain by glacigenic deposits. Characteristic cold‐climate landforms include rock cliffs, talus aprons, mid‐slope benches, solifluction sheets and lobes, and are integrated into sediment transport systems linking bedrock elevations with the adjacent plain. Ground identification of these features may be ambiguous, but the interpretation of high‐resolution LiDAR Digital Terrain Modeling data helped to provide a comprehensive spatial picture. Reasons for partial remodeling of inherited periglacial landforms in the Muchów Hills include biogeomorphological activity throughout the Holocene, mainly tree uprooting and resultant regolith mixing.