A reconstruction of the pleistocene glacial maximum in the Zijovo range (Prokletije mountains, Montenegro)

Abstract

The Zijovo Range belongs to the Prokletije Mountains of Montenegro and is located in the extreme southeast, on the border with Albania. Glacial processes were intensively active in this range during the Pleistocene. This is indicated by erosive and accumulative glacial features of relief that have been preserved due to the favorable geologic structure. The glacial maximum in the Zijovo Range is characterized by a unique glacier on the entire area of the range. Preglacial relief prevented the formation of a typical icecap glacier. Due to drainage of the central glacial mass in the direction of the preglacial valleys, there was a transection glacier in the central, northern, and northwestern parts, and an icefield glacier in the eastern and southeastern parts of the Zijovo Range. These glaciers covered an area of 180 km during the glacial maximum.