Geomorphology of glaciated gorges in a granitic massif (Gredos range, Central Spain)

Abstract

A detailed geomorphological map on a 1:10,000 scale is presented for a high mountain area in Gredos range (Iberian Central System). Only few detailed geomorphological maps of the range are available despite the wide diversity of landforms. The map was created with the aid of aerial photographs, satellite images, and 3D images and verified with field surveys. The landforms resulting were classified using the IGUL (Institute of Geography, University of Lausanne) legend system combined with the legend proposed by Peña et al. (1997). As a result, 40 landforms distributed over an area of 40 km2 have been identified. The map shows the spatial distribution of different geomorphological processes that have modeled a wide variety of landforms. This variety of processes and landforms identified demonstrated that geomorphological cartography obtained by combining traditional image interpretation and GIS technology facilitates the production of geomorphological maps and the obtaining of valuable data for identify and understand surface processes and landforms.