Applying the AABR method to reconstruct equilibrium-line altitudes from the last glacial maximum in the Cantabrian Mountains (SW Europe)

• Published in: Palaeogeography, palaeoclimatology, palaeoecology Vol. 387; pp. 185 - 199
• Main Authors: Santos-González, Javier, Redondo-Vega, José María, González-Gutiérrez, Rosa Blanca, Gómez-Villar, Amelia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.10.2013
• Subjects: AABR method; Cantabrian Mountains; Equilibrium line altitude; Glacial geomorphology; ANE, Spain; Spain, Cantabrian Mts; Spain; AABR method; Equilibrium line altitude; Glacial geomorphology; Cantabrian Mountains
• ISSN: 0031-0182; 1872-616X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.palaeo.2013.07.025

Several glaciers developed in the Cantabrian Mountains (NW Spain) during the last glacial maximum (LGM). In the last 15years, several studies of glacial geomorphology have increased the knowledge about the limits of the glaciation, but little data are available about many valleys, especially on the northern slope, due to extensive postglacial erosion. In this study, we apply the AABR method to reconstruct palaeo-equilibrium-line altitudes (ELAs) in eleven palaeo-glaciers that are considered to be representative of the different areas of the range. To reduce the ambiguity in the palaeo-ELA values caused by local factors, we analysed medium and large glaciers (4.7 to 65.5km2) except for the Sil complex glacier, which was the largest glacier in northwestern Spain (445km2). The palaeo-ELAs during the local LGM ranged between 1000 and 2000m and had a similar pattern to the present-day winter precipitation and summer temperatures. •We reconstruct eleven medium and large palaeo-glaciers in the Cantabrian Mountains.•Application of the AABR method show that palaeo-ELA varies from 1000 to 2000 m.•Regional variations in the ELA were generally more important than local differences.•Present-day precipitation and temperatures are related to the palaeo-ELAs.•Topographic conditions explain size differences between glaciers in the same area.