**4. Mapping Discrete Debris Accumulations**

Despite remote sensing techniques, direct field observation is still important when process recognition remains a problem. In this paper it is suggested that care must be used when interpreting landforms, especially when related to their past climatic history. This is especially important where rates of process are assumed and where similar landforms might be produced by different processes ('equifinality' or 'form-convergence').

Weathered rock debris accumulations, whether directly deposited from a glacier or by some creep or flow mechanism, frequently have distinct forms, to which names are given – although the origins may be disputed. Such discrete debris accumulations can be mapped. To interpret these forms, especially to make inferences about environmental conditions, observations have to be placed within the context of imperfect knowledge of behaviour and response to past environmental conditions or events. This paper suggests that caution and more precise glacio-geomorphological investigations are required. Selected examples illustrate such problems from present day analogues and from ice-free areas.

The geological literature has many examples of differing or changed opinions about features – in the widest sense. For example, in the present context, Wilson (2004) now views certain rock glaciers in Donegal (Ireland) as (paraglacial) rock slope failures. This changes the paleo-environmental interpretation from being related to permafrost to one where permafrost (nor glacier) were involved.

A change in climate leading to glacier mass balance change and a glacier leaving an interpretable and dated trace (such as a moraine) is useful in a regional as well as temporal manner. Shakesby and co-authors (Shakesby, 1997; Shakesby & Matthews, 1993; Shakesby et al., 1987) have discussed problem related to protalus ramparts. There are different responses according to glacier size as well as the mode of precipitation input (winter storms, summer

Fig. 1. The basic controls on glaciers and their responses in the geological record; from Whalley (2009) after Andrews (1975) and Meier (1965). The boxed sequence is embedded

Despite remote sensing techniques, direct field observation is still important when process recognition remains a problem. In this paper it is suggested that care must be used when interpreting landforms, especially when related to their past climatic history. This is especially important where rates of process are assumed and where similar landforms might

Weathered rock debris accumulations, whether directly deposited from a glacier or by some creep or flow mechanism, frequently have distinct forms, to which names are given – although the origins may be disputed. Such discrete debris accumulations can be mapped. To interpret these forms, especially to make inferences about environmental conditions, observations have to be placed within the context of imperfect knowledge of behaviour and response to past environmental conditions or events. This paper suggests that caution and more precise glacio-geomorphological investigations are required. Selected examples

The geological literature has many examples of differing or changed opinions about features – in the widest sense. For example, in the present context, Wilson (2004) now views certain rock glaciers in Donegal (Ireland) as (paraglacial) rock slope failures. This changes the paleo-environmental interpretation from being related to permafrost to one where

A change in climate leading to glacier mass balance change and a glacier leaving an interpretable and dated trace (such as a moraine) is useful in a regional as well as temporal manner. Shakesby and co-authors (Shakesby, 1997; Shakesby & Matthews, 1993; Shakesby et al., 1987) have discussed problem related to protalus ramparts. There are different responses according to glacier size as well as the mode of precipitation input (winter storms, summer

within domains that ultimately affect the geological record.

be produced by different processes ('equifinality' or 'form-convergence').

illustrate such problems from present day analogues and from ice-free areas.

**4. Mapping Discrete Debris Accumulations** 

permafrost (nor glacier) were involved.

monsoon) and the effects of continentality as suggested above. For example, Harrison et al. (1998) suggested that a small glacier existed in the lee of the Exmoor plateau. This was based on their interpretation of a small moraine or protalus rampart at the foot of a small valley head (combe/corrie/cirque). Indeed, the use of the term 'moraine' or 'protalus lobe' may well indicate differences of interpretation. Some of these, perhaps indistinct, features, tend to be problems of interpretation rather than mapping. Certain debris accumulations in the English Lake District (Sissons, 1980) present problems of climatic interpretation, especially when it is not clear what the features represent in terms of debris and ice input. Similarly, Harrison et al. (2008) have discussed features that have generally been called 'rock glaciers' and their environmental significance. More precise matching of formation processes and mechanisms to environmental conditions will help to improve modelling of ice mass extents and volumes and associated climatic environments (Gollege & Hubbard, 2005; Hubbard, 1999).
