Ploughing blocks with special reference to north-west England
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26485/BP/1972/21/13Keywords:
frost-controlled movement, block morphology, block movement, causes of movementAbstract
The downslope movement of blocks can occur under widely differing conditions. Should this movement be frost-controlled and on grassy terrain, it will often give rise to ploughing blocks. If well-formed, these have a mound downslope of the block and depression to its rear. The creation and positioning ofsuch niicrofeatures is the result of a block's ability to move faster than the ground which surrounds it. Differences in the nature of mounds and depressions make it possible to recognise several varieties of ploughing blocks.
Areas experiencing a ,,mild", periglacial climate seem most likely to favour the development of ploughing blocks. Hence, such features are of value in defining the present lower boundary of morphologically-significant frost action in upland areas. To date, they have been observed chiefly in the mountains of Europe.
Most ploughing blocks appear to be currently developing. Thus, 5 examples studied on the Moor House Reserve (northern Pennines, England) all moved during the period 1965-9. Frost is the principal cause of movement, assisted by gravity, temperature fluctuations above 0°C., and water (often from melting snow).
In view of their significance, ploughing blocks have been unjustly neglected. They merit the degree of attention given in the past to features such as ice wedges and stone polygons.
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