Country-Wide Rock Glacier Inventory of Turkey

Rock glaciers are distinct landforms in the high mountain regions of Turkey. However, they have received only limited research attention and a comprehensive inventory covering all of Turkey is lacking so far. To bridge this gap, this study aims to analyze the geographical distribution, spatial clusters, morphometric characteristics and typologies of rock glaciers in Turkey.

We first identified areas suitable for the potential existence of rock glaciers using elevation (SRTM DEM 30m) and permafrost distribution (global permafrost model) filters. Subsequently, rock glaciers were detected and mapped manually, using high-resolution optical remote sensing data and following the standards of the International Permafrost Association (IPA). The mapping process was conducted on Google Earth Pro software at a fixed eye altitude of 1 km, utilizing 30 cm high-resolution satellite imagery (Maxar Technologies and Airbus CNES). The mapping methodology was determined based on factors such as morphological features typical for rock glaciers (e.g., front, lateral margins, compressional features), slope changes, talus deposits, color differences, and vegetation. Each mapped rock glacier was described by a number of qualitative and quantitative characteristics, including ID, region, location, elevation, area, length, aspect, slope, catchment area, and lithology,

The results indicate the presence of 732 rock glaciers in the Southeastern, Central, and Western Taurus Mountains, the Eastern Black Sea Mountains, the Eastern Anatolian Mountains, as well as some of the volcanic mountains. These rock glaciers are generally located at elevations of 2800–3000 m a.s.l., with their upper limits reaching up to a maximum of 3550 m a.s.l., while relict forms can descend to as low as 1660 m a.s.l.. Additionally, their lengths can exceed 1500 meters, while surface areas vary from 0.01 km² up to 1.56 km². The total area of mapped rock glaciers is 77,4 km². Our preliminary geomorphological assessments suggest the presence of active, inactive, and relict forms.

Ongoing work involves the application of the cross-correlation methods using historical aerial imagery to examine surface movements and deformation dynamics of selected rock glaciers. Furthermore, the mapped rock glaciers provide insights into the current state of permafrost distribution in Turkey. In this context, identified relict rock glaciers will allow inferences about paleo-permafrost boundaries. These findings will not only reveal spatial patterns and characteristics of rock glaciers but also offer insights into their dynamics in relation to local geological, topographical and climatic conditions as well as environmental processes.