Pleistocene Mountain Glaciation in Ethiopia

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Author: Hastenrath, Stefan
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1977
• Subjects: Earth-Surface Processes; Journal of Glaciology
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000021389; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000021389

Abstract During a field survey in High Semyen, northern Ethiopia, two moraine complexes were mapped, the lower one extending down to around 3 750 m. Glacial morphology is best developed in the north-western and western quadrants. Moraines are deeply weathered and carry abundant vegetation. For Mounts Badda, Cilalo, Cacca and Enguolo in southern Ethiopia, possible moraines are inferred from air photographs; there are indications for more pronounced glaciation in the western quadrant, and moraines seem to extend further down than in High Semyen. Highest moraines at Mount Elgon in northern Kenya/ Uganda were found to below 3 600 m. Major moraine complexes in the mountains of Ethiopia and East Africa suggest some spatial correlation in elevation and appearance, but absolute dates are absent.