ABSTRACT
‘Geomorphology … has for its objects of study the geometrical features of the earth’s terrain … within clearly definable … spatial and temporal scales and in terms of the processes …’ (Chorley 1978: 1). Richard Chorley has led geomorphology to focus on the interactions between process and form, and on the functional study of dynamic environments. One of the most dynamic environments, in terms of erosion rates, is provided by glaciated mountains. Their high relief and the concentration of ice flow along valleys lead to rapid basal sliding, and thus provide excellent conditions for glacial erosion. In rock basins and breached divides, glaciated mountains show the most convincing demonstration of deep erosion by glaciers. Even where glaciers do not survive, mass movements, snow avalanches and energetic streams provide a continuing dynamism which is a heritage of the slopes produced by glaciation. Nevertheless, it has not been easy to relate particular forms to particular processes, or to provide quantitative explanations for variations in landform size and shape. Our excuse for this may be the longer timescales required to study variations of glaciers, together with the greater difficulty of observing the glacier bed compared with the river bed.
