Geomorphological map of Alto Vez palaeoglacier, Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês, Portugal

Abstract

The Alto Vez is a palaeoglacial highland (1100-1250 m altitude) within the low-lying Serra da Peneda (1416 m), part of Peneda-Gerês National Park. Glacial inherited landforms and megalithic monuments dominate the landscape. We present a detailed geomorphological map (1:14 000 scale) of the Alto Vez icefield based on remote sensing data and systematic field surveys. Despite acknowledged palaeoclimatic significance, the spatial distribution and interpretation of glacial landforms of the area remain poorly understood. Our mapping identifies erosional and depositional landforms from glacial, periglacial, and fluvial processes, highlighting the geomorphological richness of the area. A detailed geomorphological map emerges as fundamental to support future geochronological studies for the understanding of the glacial environment and the geoconservation of these unique landforms of Peneda-Gerês National Park.