Analysis of digital elevation data for the Scottish Highlands and recognition of pre-Quaternary elevated surfaces

Philip S. Ringrose, Piotr Migoń

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    12 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Remnants of elevated palaeosurfaces in the Scottish Highlands, proposed in numerous earlier studies, have been re-evaluated using digital elevation data from the Ordnance Survey. Histograms of elevation frequency, for areas 5, 10 and 20 km2, displays multi-modal distributions which can be interpreted in terms of plateau and base-level components. The effects of glaciation, lithology and faulting can be inferred from patterns in the elevation distribution. The histogram modes reveal a series of elevated surfaces which broadly confirm previous, qualitative models of inclined Tertiary palaeosurfaces, but indicate a much more complex pattern. Many of the elevated surfaces are seen to be inclined towards two major faults, the Great Glen Fault and the Ericht-Laidon Fault. However, the highest surfaces may have crossed these fault zones uninterrupted. A model in which an episode of tectonic reactivation imposes a major change on pre-Quarternary geomorphological evolution in this area is proposed.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)25-35
    Number of pages11
    JournalGeological Society Special Publications
    Issue number120
    Publication statusPublished - 1997

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