Hierarchical cluster classification and analysis of cirques in Slovenian Alps

Klemen Cof; Uroš Stepišnik; Manja Žebre; Matej Lipar

doi:10.3986/AGS.14012

Authors

Klemen Cof University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Arts, Ljubljana, Slovenia https://orcid.org/0009-0003-7478-6050
Uroš Stepišnik University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Arts, Ljubljana, Slovenia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8475-8630
Manja Žebre Geological Survey of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6772-2866
Matej Lipar Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Ljubljana, Slovenia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4414-0147

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3986/AGS.14012

Keywords:

glacial geomorphology, cirques, hierarchical cluster analysis, analysis of variance, Slovenia, southeast European Alps

Abstract

This paper presents a morphometry-based classification of cirques in Slovenia in the southeast European Alps. The classification was performed using a hierarchical cluster analysis and verified using ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, Watson’s U² and Chi-square tests. 86 Slovenian cirques were categorized into five cirque types. Type 1, 2, 3 and 5 cirques indicate a formation by high-altitude (1800–2000 m) glaciers under varying conditions and on varied aspects (NNW, W, SE, E). Type 4 cirques indicate a formation by low-altitude (1500–1800 m) glaciers in areas of marginal glaciation on northeast aspects. This classification provides a rapid and consistent method of partitioning new cirque populations and offers a preliminary insight into the cirque population and palaeoclimate properties of Slovenia.

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