What are staircase corries and how do they form?

Hi Oliva, Great question!

Staircase corries are also known as staircase cirques, this is when there are more than two cirques, where one is sat above another.

Staircase cirques form with the same process as a stand alone cirque, beginning with a small hollow which overtime expands due to both physical and chemical weathering. You can learn more about cirque formation here. This means that if there are a series of hollows in a suitable valley, over time staircase cirques may form.

I hope this helps!

Laura

About

I am Laura Boyall, a PhD student in the Department of Geography at Royal Holloway University of London. My PhD research focuses on reconstructing past climate using different statistical methods and computer models to help us understand more about the predictability of the climate system.

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