Morphometric analysis of cirques in central Siberia's western Putorana Plateau: a proxy for palaeoclimate

A detailed morphometric analysis of 200 cirques on the western Putorana Plateau, central Siberia, reveals that the region experienced mountain glaciation during cold stages of the Late Pleistocene. The study found that these cirques, with mean dimensions of 936 m in length and 1000 m in width, exhibit near-circularity and a wider-than-deep form, indicating significant headwall erosion and a mature glacial landscape shaped by prolonged erosion. Reconstructed glaciers suggest a total ice volume of 10.6 km³, with equilibrium-line altitudes ranging from 593 to 1372 m above sea level (a.s.l.), median values of 818–826 m a.s.l., and summer temperatures of 0.3 to −0.4 °C. The research also estimated palaeoprecipitation values of 875–1036 mm per year, indicating sufficient moisture for cirque-style glaciation. These findings provide the first quantitative reconstruction of cirque glaciers in this region, offering new constraints on former glacier extent and palaeoclimatic conditions.

Oien, R. P., & Lee, E. (2026). Morphometric analysis of cirques in central Siberia’s western Putorana Plateau: a proxy for palaeoclimate. Boreas. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/bor.70086