Estimation of annual and seasonal glaciological-based mass balance of Ladakh range in cold-arid Himalayan region – Case studies of Phuche and Khardung glaciers in 2014–2017

Abstract

The continuous estimation of glacier surface mass balance (MB) in the cold-arid trans-Himalayan region is crucial for understanding glacier-atmospheric interactions and managing future water resources. Therefore, it is essential to investigate glacier mass variability and its sensitivity to climate drivers. This study uses the direct glaciological surface MB measurements for the Phuche and Khardung glaciers from 2014 to 2017. The mean annual surface MB was observed to be −0.17 for the Phuche glacier and −0.63 m w.e. for the Khardung glacier. The maximum mass loss occurred in 2015/16 for both glaciers. The Phuche glacier experienced positive surface MB in 2014/15 and 2016/17, while the Khardung glacier exhibited negative surface MB throughout the study period. No equilibrium line altitude (ELA) or accumulation area ratio (AAR) was observed either glacier in 2015/16 period. However, the two-year average (2014/15 and 2016/17) ELA and AAR of the Phuche glacier were approximately 5480 m above sea level (asl) and 92%, respectively, while the Khardung glacier they were 5500 m asl and 13%. Results demonstrated that the timing of snowpack melt during the ablation periods significantly influenced glacier mass balance. Overall, the Khardung glacier experienced 3.7 times more mass loss than the Phuche glacier. This higher glacier melt may be attributed to changes in climatic variables and topographical variations.