The distribution of small periglacial landforms (steps and lobes) in the summit area of Mt. Hakusan was analyzed with GIS in order to discuss the characteristics of their distributions in relation to geomorphic factors that include wind-blown sites and nivation hollows. A total of thirty-three sites were recognized as the steps and lobes distributed sites. The area of the sites ranges from 258m
2 to 31,720m
2, and the average area is 3,914m
2. A large number of steps and lobes distributed sites are vegetated on their riser surface. About 85% of them are developed within the nivation hollows.
The steps and lobes are well developed between 2,400m and 2,500m a. s. l., and tend to be distributed on both the south facing slopes where drifting snow is accumulated by the winter prevailing wind and the slopes ranged from ten to twenty degrees. It is possibly recognized that well developed steps and lobes are distributed within the nivation hollows which have long duration period of snow cover.
View full abstract