Periglacial features in Patriot Hills, Ellsworth Mountains, Antarctica

This work describes periglacial features identified at Patriot Hills, at the southernmost part of Ellsworth Mountains, Antarctica, during the 2008/2009 Brazilian Antarctic Expedition, and discusses their morphogenetic environment. Identified periglacial features were classified into: (a) rock glacier-like landform; (b) slightly creeping debris-mantled slopes; (c) steep debris-mantled slopes; and (d) rock falls. Results obtained from sediment sample analysis suggest activity and passive movement of a rock glacier-like landform, albeit minimal. Wind seems to play an important role in Patriot Hills local geomorphology. Periglacial features such as slightly creeping debris-mantled slope appear to have preferred slope orientation. They are commonly found onto slopes where the katabatic wind flows down. Slopewash and groundwater movement processes may be limited or non-existent since most snow disappears through sublimation