The Influence of Glacial Erosion and Rock Structure on Corries in Scotland

Abstract

Corries are taken as an example of a glaciated landform. The preliminary aim is to find a simple curve to describe the general shape of the corrie longitudinal profile. These curves are useful to separate true corries from other mountain hollows. Types of deviations from the ideal curves can be pinpointed and analysed. Several types of curve are investigated. The previously used arc of a circle is generally unsatisfactory. A logarithmic curve which fits 81% of the corrie sample is a simpler means of comparison. The great similarity between corries must be due to the effect of glacial flow patterns, but variations within the prescribed morphological limitations are clearly related to structure. Its influence on the backwall foot area and the floor is discussed. In both, glacial processes and structure are linked in a complex manner. Reverse slopes are developed only where rock structures permit. ‘Schrundline’ corries also appear to be related to a special combination of joints. This particular type of corrie is comparatively rare, as are many text-book land-forms.