Tatos Pathway glacier (Rize Turkey)

Due to its latitude, the geographic region of Turkey did not experience episodes of heavy glaciations during the Pleistocene Epoch. Historically though, the mountainous landscapes in Turkey have been covered with a remarkably high rate of glaciers due in most part to the Taurus Mountains in the south, the high volcanic inland mountains, and especially the higher elevations in the eastern region of the North Anatolian Mountains. Because of the climatic conditions of the post-glacial period a majority of these glaciers have largely disappeared. The glaciers which remain are protected by unique climate conditions present in some regions, and for the most part have become circus glaciers. Nowadays, the North Anatolian Mountains are home to a remarkable glacial topography and a significant number of glaciers. Two of the highest peaks in the region are Kaçkar (3932 m) and Verçenik (3709 m) and the glaciated areas in these mountains have been the focus of multiple investigations. Conversely, Tatos Mountain, which lies between the Kaçkar and Verçenik peaks, has received relatively less research attention. Field studies conducted during 2014 and 2015 have revealed though that there remains a need for further detailed research to be conducted regarding the glaciations on Tatos Mountain.