Abstract
Surge-type glaciers in the Himalayas have been extensively documented, however, understanding of the mechanisms behind glacier surges remain limited. Herein, based on multi-source remote sensing data, we systematically investigated the characteristics and subglacial processes of the unnamed glacier at Abi Gamin Peak in central Himalayas. Our approach integrated optical stereo photogrammetry, feature tracking, visual interpretation, and glacier velocity decomposition. Our study reveals that the glacier surge was initiated in August 2019 and lasted for less than six months, with rapid acceleration and deceleration phases. During the surge, the glacier transported approximately 0.233 km3 of mass from higher to lower elevations, leading to a thickness increase of >70 m at the glacier terminus. The glacier terminus advanced by >800 m, accompanied by significant expansion of the crevasses. Furthermore, we quantitatively revealed the evolution of basal stresses, strain rates, and sliding velocities during the surge, indirectly characterising the influence of water on it. We contend that the surge in this glacier was primarily driven by subglacial sliding induced by glacier surface meltwater. Significant changes in regional climate serve as external factors that perturb the glacial dynamic equilibrium. The observed characteristics of the unnamed glacier at Abi Gamin Peak indicate that its surge was controlled by a hydrological switch. Notably, our work contributes to an enhanced understanding of glacier surge mechanisms in High Mountain Asia.
Published Version
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