Glacial geomorphology of the Maidika region, Tibetan Plateau

Abstract

We present a glacial geomorphological map at a scale of 1:200,000 of the Maidika region in the southeastern part of the central Tibetan Plateau covering 13,600 km2. Based on the 90 m resolution SRTM elevation model, the 30 m resolution ASTER GDEM elevation model, and the Landsat ETM+ satellite imagery of 30/15 m resolution, we have mapped glacial valleys, marginal moraines, glacial lineations, and hummocky terrain. Glacial landforms occur frequently and indicate extensive past glaciation with alpine style valley glaciers as well as more extensive ice fields. Of particular interest is the presence of glacial lineation swarms, which is unusual for the Tibetan Plateau glacial landform record. Based on the distribution of glacial landforms, we present a generalized maximum glacial extent reconstruction covering 6045 km2 or 44% of the map.