Periglacial deposits in northern Portugal and its implications for current erosion processes.

Abstract

Periglacial deposits in northern Portugal and its implications for current erosion processes. Summary The morphogenetic processes of the Quaternary recent affect, undoubtedly, the current dynamics of slopes. Among the factors that most influenced the evolution of the relief of Portugal during the late Quaternary is incontestable that the cold and the processes associated with it had a very important role in modeling the forms of relief. In this paper, we will try to summarize the importance that the cold had on the evolution of slopes, inferred through the vestiges that have come down to our day, which morpho-climatic conditions in which they occur, and also what processes if they were associated with. Finally, it will try to demonstrate that there is a direct relationship between the current slope morphodynamics in northern Portugal, and the fact that present themselves to regularized surface formations inherited from the cooler periods. This regularization of the slopes by glacial, periglacial and tardiglacial deposits is, beyond doubt, the factor that most northern Portugal contributes to arousal of ravines and mass movements. The characteristics of the surface formations can determine the depth, the type of movement and also the speed of it.