Abstract
AbstractDespite a number of studies reporting glacier extent changes and their response to climate change over the eastern Tien Shan, glacier mass-balance changes over multiple decades are still not well reconstructed. Here, glacier mass budgets on the Karlik Range, easternmost Tien Shan during the time spans of 1972–2000 and 2000–2015 are quantified using digital elevation models reconstructed from topographic maps, SRTM X-band radar data and ASTER images. The results exhibit significant glacier mass loss in the Karlik Range for the two time spans, with a mean mass loss of −0.19 ± 0.08 m w.e. a−1 for the 1972–2000 period and −0.45 ± 0.17 m w.e. a−1 for the 2000–2015 period. The doubling of mass loss over the latter period suggests an acceleration of glacier mass loss in the early 21st century. The accelerated mass loss is associated with regional warming whereas the decline in annual precipitation is not significant.
Highlights
As one of the largest mountain systems of high mountain Asia, Tien Shan (39–46° N, 69–95° E) stretches ∼2500 km from west-southwest to east-northeast
For the entire study area, the mean glacier elevation change is estimated to be −0.22 ± 0.08 m a−1 from 1972 to 2000, and −0.52 ± 0.20 m a−1 for the 2000–2015 period (Table 3), which results in annual mass loss rates of 0.19 ± 0.08 m w.e. a−1 over 1972–2000 and 0.45 ± 0.17 m w.e. a−1 over 2000–2015
The digital elevation models (DEMs) differencing for the three time spans 1972–2000, 2000–2015 and 1972–2015 shows spatially and temporally heterogeneous change in glacier surface elevation in the Karlik Range (Figs 2 and 3)
Summary
As one of the largest mountain systems of high mountain Asia, Tien Shan (39–46° N, 69–95° E) stretches ∼2500 km from west-southwest to east-northeast It holds one of the highest concentrations of glaciers at the middle and low latitudes of the world, and is known as ‘central Asian Water Tower’. In response to climatic warming in recent decades, these glaciers are experiencing wide-ranging mass loss, which affects the downstream seasonal runoff, and increases the risk of proglacial lake outbursts (e.g. Watson and others, 2019). These issues have widespread concerns among the public and policy-makers. Quantitative estimation of glacier mass changes is of vital importance for water management, disaster risk reduction and making policy on the adaptation of environmental change and local development
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
