Geometric cells of the Causse Mejean (Lozere, France). Polygons, stone circles, ostioles. Heritage and contemporary
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26485/BP/1994/33/2Keywords:
frost processes, sorted polygons, boulder coverAbstract
French-language publication.
Original title: Les cellules geometriques du causse Mejean (Lozere, France). Polygones, cercles de pierres, ostioles. Heritage et actualisme
In the area of the Causse Mejean (44° latitude), between 950 and 1200 metres have been discovered equiforms like those which are characteristic of the mantle of waste subject to intensive frost action in arctic zones or highland environments. The following forms of patterned ground have been recognized: sorted polygons and circles with a border of stones surrounding finer material covered with vegetation (maximum diameter: 75 cm), small non-sorted circles and nets with a mineral central area. The first are fossil, while the second are active. In this context, the runoff may had an important activity and the erosion can be dangerous for sheep breeder on these bare highlands.
References
Cohen, M., 1984 - Dynamique saisonnière de la pelouse caussenarde pâturée. Thèse de 3e cycle - Univeristé Paris 7, 415 p.
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Jarry, F., 1983 - Rapport d'activité. D.E.A. Université Paris 7, 25 p.
Joly, F. et Dewolf, Y., 1985 - Une carte morphodynamique du causse Méjean à l'échelle du 1: 25 000e. Bull. Soc. Languedocienne de Géog., No 3-4, pp. 227-240.
