Glacial geomorphology of the Gaick, Central Grampians, Scotland

The Gaick is an enigmatic glaciated landscape in the Central Grampians, Scotland, dominated by an expansive dissected plateau. Previous studies have postulated widely differing interpretations of the glacial landforms and current understanding of the glacial events in this area is partly restricted by the absence of detailed glacial geomorphological mapping. To address this issue, we present a comprehensive 1: 46,000-scale glacial geomorphological map, covering an area of ∼520 km2. A combination of detailed field mapping and interpretation of aerial photographs and Digital Surface Models (DSMs) has revealed a variety of glacial, periglacial and fluvial landforms, including an abundance of moraines and meltwater channels within valleys. We also identify a glacial sediment landform assemblage, dissected glaciogenic material, that has not previously been reported in the Scottish Highlands. The geomorphological map provides the necessary foundation for elucidating the extent, dynamics and timing of former glaciation in the area.