Morphometric indicators of insular and marginal morainic uplands (based on LiDAR data) of the Last and pre-Last Glaciations, case of Lithuania

Abstract

The LiDAR-based digital elevation models of representative sample areas of morainic uplands of the Last (Weichselian) and pre-Last (Saalian) Glaciations in Lithuania were selected, and the terrain ruggedness index (TRI) and slope angles (SAs) were calculated. Former hypsometric studies of the topography in Lithuania were mainly dealing with the indication of maximum, minimum or average altitudes of relief derived from topographical maps. The SAs and TRI were calculated for the pattern areas (16 × 16 km) and their central smaller parts (5 × 5 km). In order to test how much morphometric parameters are dependent on the size of a sample area, smaller areas (located in the central parts of all five patterns) were analysed in a similar way, calculating SA and TRI values. The same order of the mean values of SAs was determined: the steepest slopes are characteristic of the Tauragnai, Plateliai and Vištytis patterns, and the gentlest slopes of the Varniai and Medininkai patterns. The steepest slopes and the highest TRI were determined for the marginal morainic uplands of the Last (Late Weichselian) Glaciation. The age of the insular Žemaičiai (Samogitian) Upland is under discussions so far. It was proposed by other researchers earlier that the core of the insular Žemaičiai Upland height formed during the Saalian Glaciation and this core is covered by a thin cover of Weichselian deposits. The morphometric parameters display that the highest maturity of the relief is characteristic of the southern slope of the insular Žemaičiai Upland and the Medininkai Upland of the Saalian age. This indicates a likely similar age of both uplands.