172
Climatic Geomorphology
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Figure 8.1. Block diagram showing sorted polygons on subhorizontal slopes that change into sorted
stripes with the increase in the slope angle (Sharpe, 1938, in Holmes, 1965, Figure 283).
The size of the circles ranges from 0.5 to 3 m. Those with no sorting have a bulging and
vegetation-free central part with cracks. The circles commonly have a high proportion of
fine material and in cross section show structures that indicate uplift in the central areas.
The sorted circles have a rim with stones surrounding the inner part composed of finegrained material. The planar stones tend to rest on edge with the major faces oriented
vertically (Furrer, 1968). Both the sorted and nonsorted circles may occur isolated
(Figure 8.2) or grouped (Figure 8.3). The most important processes attributed to the
Figure 8.2. Relict-elongated sorted circle in the bottom of a funnel-shaped doline. The clasts of the
margin are smaller than those situated in the central part. Nonsorted steps may be also observed on the
slopes, Sierra de Javalambre, Teruel Province, Spain.