Relatively little research has been undertaken on the use of digital
elevation models to recognize the spatially variable glacial imprint of
a landscape. Using theoretical topographies and a landscape evolution
model, we investigate to what extent the hypsometric analysis of digital
elevation models may be used to recognize the glacial signature of
mountain ranges. A new morphometric parameter, which we term the
hypsokyrtome (from the Greek: ipsos = elevation, kyrtoma = curvature),
is derived from the gradient of the hypsometric curve. The efficacy of
the hypsometric integral and hypsokyrtome is tested through the study of
the Ben Ohau Range, New Zealand, whose glacial imprint has been
described previously. With a numerical model we further test the
geomorphic parameters in describing the morphologies of regions subject
to diverse climatic and tectonic conditions. The hypsokyrtome is highly
sensitive to glacial erosion, and the maps produced provide insights
into the spatial distribution of glacial erosion. We use SRTM data and
focus on two alternative geomorphic settings: the European Alps and the
Apennines. The former has been affected by both fluvial and glacial
erosion while the latter mainly exhibits a fluvially dominated
morphology. The correlation between elevations with increased glacial
erosion and Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) equilibrium line altitudes (ELAs)
suggests the prevalence of a ``glacial buzz saw'' in the Alps,
indicating that climate may put a limit on alpine topography.