Modeling the form, distribution and paleoclimatic implications of former glaciers in the Teke Peninsula (Eastern Mediterranean, Turkey)

Abstract

The Western Taurus Mountains on the Teke Peninsula, Southwestern Turkey, saw substantial glaciation in the late Quaternary period. Accurate reconstructions of former glacier extent in this relatively marginal area of glaciation are important for establishing the paleoclimate in the Eastern Mediterranean Basin. From west to east, the mountains of Sandıras, Karadağ, Akdağ (Kaş), and Beydağları preserve clear evidence of cirques and moraines, representing glacial valley land systems. This study used calculation tools for Glacier Reconstruction, (GlaRe) and Equilibrium Line Altitude (ELA), with glacier outlines based on the geomorphological evidence and Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), to determine the distribution and ELAs of former glaciers and to estimate paleotemperature and paleo-precipitation during the maximum ice extent. The results are analyzed at three scales: for each glacier, between glaciers and between mountain ranges. While the glaciation was at its peak, we estimate that glaciers covered a total area of 26.4 km2 (1.28 ± 0.08 km2 on Sandıras Mountain, 3.86 ± 0.23 km2 on Karadağ, 16.17 ± 0.970 km2 on Akdağ (Kaş), and 5.09 ± 0.30 km2 in Beydağları): the longest glacier was in Akdağ (Kaş) with a length of 5787 m. Average paleo-ELA (pELA) was calculated as 2077 m a.s.l in Sandıras, 2097 m a.s.l in Karadağ, 2565 m a.s.l in Akdağ (Kaş), and 2468 m a.s.l in Beydağları. Glacier modeling estimated that the maximum ice thickness in Akdağ was 240 m ± 14, and the average thickness 75 ± 4 m. Among these mountains, Karadağ had the lowest elevation to which glaciers descended (1760 ± 16 m a.s.l). Topographic analyses revealed that glaciers formed in the four mountains mostly in the North-facing localities with highest slope values of 18 to 30°. During the maximum glaciation period air temperature depression has been estimated as 8 to 9° Celsius; That required a precipitation increase of some 40 to 60 % compared to present, to produce the former glaciers mapped in the Teke Peninsula.