Holocene geomorphic activity in the Scottish Highlands

Though the effects of glaciation remain dominant in the Scottish Highlands, a rich variety of processes have resulted in modification of mountain landscapes during the Holocene. On upper slopes and plateaux, frost action has weathered bedrock and resulted in the formation of active sorted patterned ground and solifluction features. Strong winds have eroded soil and vegetation cover, exposing extensive deflation surfaces and in places depositing aeolian sediment on lee slopes. Glacially‐steepened mountain sides have been modified by rock‐slope failure, rockfall, debris flow and snow avalanches, and valley floors have been affected by terrace development and alluvial‐fan formation. However, many Holocene talus slopes, debris cones and alluvial fans are now relict; their development may be attributable to paraglacial sedimentation in the early Holocene. Most rock‐slope failures also appear to have been triggered in the early Holocene, probably by seismic activity caused by differential glacio‐isostatic uplift of crustal blocks. Abundant evidence for accelerated erosion over the past few centuries (stripping of soil cover from exposed plateaux, enhanced solifluction, increased debris‐flow activity and erosion of relict Holocene landforms) may reflect climatic deterioration or human interference through burning or overgrazing of vegetation.