Block Fields in the Khibiny Mts.

Abstract

Vast areas in the Khibiny Mountains are covered with a thick mantle of coarse, angular rock fragments, forming various types of block fields with similar structure and genesis. These include block fields on plateaus, festoon-like block fields and streams on mountain-sides, and block covers at the foot of slopes. The author concludes that most of the block fields in the Khibiny Mountains are relict forms, currently showing no signs of movement and often overgrown with vegetation. The study attributes their formation to frost-heaving. The presence of fossil soils underlying the block fields indicates that they are of allochthonous origin. While most forms are stagnant, the author notes that some debris and pebble covers are still active. The research suggests that the block fields are relict forms of Holocene landforms.