Alatau Range Research Articles

ASSESSMENT OF ECOLOGICAL SAFETY OF PLANT RAW MATERIALS OF CULTIVATED MEDICINAL PLANT SPECIES IN THE FOOTHILL ZONE OF ZAILIYSKY ALATAU

In the field of plant biodiversity conservation, the primary task is to create collections of living plants that ensure the preservation of the gene pool and serve as a scientific basis for conducting comprehen-sive experimental research. The ecological conditions of the cultivated medicinal plant plot of the Main Botanical Garden (Almaty), located in the steppe zone of the Zailiysky Alatau range within the North Tien Shan Mountain province, can indirectly influence the processes of organogenesis and the chemical composition of plants through the pollution of the atmosphere, soil, and water. One manifestation of anthropogenic impacts on plants is the presence of heavy metals in them, especially lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg). Therefore, the issue of the ecological purity of medicinal plants is relevant, necessitating research to determine the content of heavy metals in the soil and plant raw materials. Soil and plant raw material samples were analyzed using generally accepted methods for chemical analysis of soils and plant raw materials. The article provides data on the morphogenetic properties of cultivated soils and plant raw materials of six cultivated medicinal plant species from the Lamiaceae family: Bet-onica betoniciflora, Leonurus turkestanicus, Salvia deserta, Mentha longifolia, Thymus marschallianus,Ziziphora clinopodioides regarding the content of toxic (Pb, Cd) and mineral (Zn, Cu) elements. It was found that the concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu) in the soils of the plot are within the maximum permissible concentrations (MPC), and in the studied samples of plant raw materials do not exceed the MPC for food plants and plant-based biologically active supplements

Anthracoidea obtusatae (Anthracoideaceae, Ustilaginales), a new smut fungus on Carex obtusata (Cyperaceae) from Central Asia

Anthracoidea species are highly host-specific smut fungi. Their host range is restricted to a single sedge species or sedge species belonging to the same or closely related sections. The species on Carex obtusata was referred to as Anthracoidea caryophylleae. However, the hosts of A. caryophylleae were reduced to carices in Carex sect. Mitratae, in its traditional circumscription. In the most recently proposed classification of Carex, C. obtusata has been placed within the Capitata Clade of C. subgen. Euthyceras. In order to clarify the taxonomic status of the Anthracoidea species on C. obtusata, we conducted a molecular study of specimens on C. obtusata and C. caryophyllea, using LSU rDNA sequences. It was found that the Anthracoidea species on C. obtusata is distinct from A. caryophylleae. A new species, Anthracoidea obtusatae on C. obtusata, is described and illustrated from Russia, based on a specimen from the Altay Mts. Its phylogenetic placement and affinities in Anthracoidea are analyzed. Anthracoidea obtusatae is distributed in Central Asia—the Northern Tian Shan Range (Zailiysky Alatau Range and Ketmen Ridge) and the Russian and Mongolian Altay Mts. A morphological examination of a specimen of Anthracoidea on C. obtusata from Canada found that its spore morphology did not match that of A. obtusatae. Additional collections and molecular study are required to clarify the taxonomic status of the North American Anthracoidea species on C. obtusata.

Accelerated Glacier Area Loss in the Zhetysu (Dzhungar) Alatau Range (Tien Shan) for the Period of 1956–2016

An updated glacier inventory is important for understanding the current glacier dynamics in the conditions of actual accelerating glacier retreat observed around the world. Here, we present a detailed analysis of the glaciation areas of the Zhetysu Alatau Range (Tien Shan) for 1956–2016 using well-established semiautomatic methods based on the band ratios. The total glacier area decreased by 49 ± 2.8% or by 399 ± 11.2 km2 from 813.6 ± 22.8 km2 to 414.6 ± 11.6 km2 during 1956–2016, while the number of glaciers increased from 985 to 813. Similar rates of area change characterized the periods 1956–2001, 2001–2012, 2012–2016, and 2001–2016: −296.2 ± 8.3 (−0.8% a−1), −63.7± 1.8 (−1.1% a−1), −39.1 ±1.1 (−2.2% a−1) and −102.8 ± 2.9 (−1.3% a−1) km2, respectively. The mean glacier size decreased from 0.57 km2 in 2001 to 0.51 km2 in 2016. Most glaciation areas of the Zhetysu Alatau faced north (north, northwest, and northeast), covered 390.35 ± 11 km2, and were located in altitudes between 3000 and 4000 m.a.s.l. With shrinkage rates of about −0.8% and −1.3% a−1 for the periods of 1956–2001 and 2001–2016, our results show that study area has the highest shrinkage rate compared to other glacierized areas of Central Asian mountains, including Altai, Pamir, and even the inner ranges of Tien Shan. It was found that a significant increase in temperature (0.12 °C/10 years) plays a main role in the state of glaciers.

Проблемы верхнего палеолита предгорий Северного Тянь-Шаня: новейшие открытия и дальнейшие перспективы

Introduction. This work is devoted to the assessment of the Upper Paleolithic sites of the Northern Tien Shan. Materials and methods. Plains and foothills of Kazakhstan occupies a large western part of Central Asia and stretches from the Caspian Sea in the west to the Altai Mountains in the east. There are many Paleolithic sites, the vast majority of which are open-air (surface) sites. Recently several multilayer Upper Paleolithic sites have been discovered in the Northern Tien Shan. Among them are the sites of Maibulak, Rakhat, Uzynagash 1–3, Saryzhazyk and some others. The sites have been studied intermittently since 2004. A new research phase began in 2018. Results and discussion. The sites are located in similar geomorphological conditions. The cultural layers of the sites are nested in loess-like loams covering the northern foothills of the Zailiysky Alatau Range. Most of the cultural layers are interpreted as habitation levels with preserved hearths, burn spots, charcoal spots, and storage pits. Accumulations of lithic artefacts and sometimes animal bone remains are tightly linked with those features of cultural layers. This is an interdisciplinary research. Conclusion. The chronology of these sites covers the Early Upper Paleolithic, the Middle Upper Palaeolithic and the beginning of the Late Upper Paleolithic. The development of the Northern Tien Shan Upper Paleolithic took place within the framework of a single cultural vector, characteristic for the western part of Eurasia. There are cultural horizons with Aurignation-like, Gravettian-like lithic industries, as well as a culture with geometric microliths (scalene triangles). At the same time, lithic industries show considerable originality. Further work is aimed at studying the classification, typology of lithic collections and their correlation with each other.

Preference for Porphyry: Petrographic Insights into Lithic Raw Material Procurement from Palaeolithic Kazakhstan

ABSTRACT Only a handful of stratified sites are known in loess, spring, and river contexts in the northern piedmonts of the Tian Shan, and the majority are dated to the Upper Palaeolithic. These sites have been studied from a geoarchaeological perspective; however, lithic procurement activities remain unknown. To address this deficiency, we present the results of the extensive field surveys aimed at locating prehistoric raw material sources in the Inner Asian Mountain Corridor of Kazakhstan. We also provide a detailed petrographic description of the lithologies exploited during the Palaeolithic of Kazakhstan. Based on the field survey results, combined with petrographic data, we conclude that the direct procurement strategy was the most common at the stratified sites. However, evidence of both direct and embedded procurement is found in the northern piedmonts of the Ili Alatau range at the site of Maibulaq. Additionally, we highlight the variation of chert lithologies within the larger Qaratau region, laying a foundation for future provenance studies.

Исследования криосферы в горах Иле Алатау

This article presents the stages of cryosphere studies in the Ile Alatau Range in XIX–XXI. Based on published official and literary data and oral reports, 3 main periods of research are described according to the socio-political conditions. The efforts of enthusiasts, followed by the period of regular measurements and observations, involvement of women in science. After the period of the USSR disintegration the systematic observations were continued with the expanded scientific contacts, use of new scientific equipment and methods of research.

An annotated checklist of the endemic Apiaceae of Kazakhstan

An annotated checklist of the endemic Apiaceae species of Kazakhstan includes synonyms, references, geographic distributions, ecological preferences and distribution maps for each species. The number of endemic Apiaceae species in Kazakhstan is reduced from 63 to 29 because of their localities discovered in neighboring countries or because of their placement into synonymy. Two new synonyms are proposed here, to include Dorema karataviense into D. sabulosum and Prangos arenaria into P. cachroides. The Karatau Range and its vicinities are the main center of endemism of the Apiaceae in Kazakhstan. Many endemics are also found in the Dzungarian Alatau Range and the Tarbagatai Range. Most of the endemics can be considered neoendemic species; their evolution took place in geographical isolation.

Gravitational Seismodislocations in Mountainous regions of Southeastern Kazakhstan

Data on rock falls and landslides caused by strong earthquakes in the Zhetysu Alatau, Ile Alatau, Kungei Alatau and Teriskei Alatau mountain ranges on the territory of Southeastern Kazakhstan are presented. The study revealed more than 60 large seismogenic rock falls and landslides, the volume of 25 of them varies from 10 to 100 mil. m3, and the volume of the four largest exceeds 100 mil. m3. The volume of the largest rock fall in the valley of the Ulken Almaty river in the Ile Alatau mountain range is estimated at 380 mil. m3. The highest density of seismogenic landslides was recorded in the low-mountain zone of the northern slope of the Ile Alatau range where the magnitude 9 earthquake of 1887 caused a massive formation of landslides with the volume totaling more than 400 mil. m3 and a density of 1/5 km2. The proportion of landslide-affected areas is estimated at 5% of the area of their occurrence. In the mid- and high-mountain zones of Zhetysu, Ile and Kungei Alatau, the density of seismogenic rock falls varies from 1/100 to 1/50 km2, and the proportion of rock fall-affected areas varies from 1 to 1.5%. It is found that seismogenic rock falls have dammed 26 lakes, and the volume of nine such lakes exceeds 10 mil. m3. The largest rock fall-affected lakes is Upper Zhasylkol in the valley of the Aganakty river in Zhetysu Alatau with the volume of 44 mil. m3. Data from earthquake catalog were used to compile the map for the recurrence frequency of earthquakes of magnitude higher than 6, capable of causing seismogenic rock falls and landslides. It is found that during the last 130 years, in Ile and Kungei Alatau such earthquakes recurred four times. It is established that earthquakes with maximum magnitude 9 are possible in the mountainous regions of Southeastern Kazakhstan.

Calibration of snow avalanche mathematical models using the data of real avalanches in the Ile (Zailiyskiy) Alatau Range

The calibration of the dry friction and turbulent friction coefficients is necessary for computer simulation of avalanches. The method of back calculation based on data on actual avalanches is used for this purpose. The article presents the results of the calibration of the Eglit’s and RAMMS models for Ile Alatau range condi‑ tions. The range is located in Kazakhstan. The data on six avalanches in the same avalanche site were used. Five avalanches were dry, and one avalanche was wet. Avalanches volume varied from 2000 to 12000 m3. Maximum speed avalanches were between 15 and 30 m/s, the flow height – from 3 to 10 m. Series of back calculations with different values of the friction coefficients was made to obtain the calibrated coeffi‑ cients. The calibrated coefficients were chosen under condition of the best fit with real avalanches. The cal‑ ibrated coefficients were following. For the Eglit’s model for dry avalanches of the volume 2000–5000 m3 μ = 0.46÷0.48, k = 0.005–0.006, and the volume 8000–12000 m3 μ = 0.38÷0.42, k = 0.002÷0.003. For RAMMS model for dry avalanches of the volume of 2000–5000 m3 μ (dry friction coefficient) = 0.35÷0.4, ξ (viscous friction coefficient) = 1500÷2000 m/s2, and the volume 8,000–12,000 m3 μ = 0.3÷0.35, ξ = 2000÷3000 m/s2. For wet avalanches of the volume 12,000 m3 μ = 0.35, ξ = 1500 m/s2. The work on the calibration will be con‑ tinued to obtain the friction coefficients for the Eglit’s and RAMMS models. The additional data on real ava‑ lanches will be needed for this purpose.

Spatial‑temporal variability of water balance components in the North area of the Zailiisky Alatau Range

Analysis of changes in WB components (precipitation, evaporation, glacier runoff, dynamical water resources) on the Northern slope of the Zailiisky Alatau was performed for the 1946–2005 time divided into two periods: 1946–1975 and 1976–2005. The territory under investigation included basins of the following rivers: Bolshaya Almatinka, Malaya Almatinka, Talgar, Turgen, Issyk, Chemolgan, Kaskelen, Kargalinka, Prohodnaya, and Uzunkargaly. Their total area down to the closing gauge points amounts to 2644 km2. Summarized glacier areas in these basins and annual runoff were equal, respectively, to: 306.6 km2 and 39.05 km3in 1946–1975, and 253.0 km2 and 38.35 km3 in 1975–2005. In 1946–2005, typical features of regional glaciation dynamics were increasing area of the moraine cover on glaciers and reducing area of bare ice that results in decreasing of the glacial runoff volume, all other factors being the same. The method to calculate the WB components consists of the following constituents: model of seasonal runoff from melted snow and ice in the areas of accumulation and ablation of glaciers; complex of formulas to calculate precipitation, air temperature and humidity, intensity of ice melting under the moraine, bare ice and evaporation within the height intervals corresponding to the main types of surfaces on the glaciers. On the basis of our method, we could reconstruct for the 1876–2015 period long‑term series of data on a runoff, separately annual values and sums for the vegetation periods. They can be used for regional scientific and applied analyses of the river stream discharges. The data on runoff in the Malaya Almatinka River basin and observational data on the meteorological station Almaty (Hydrometeorological Observatory) had been quantitatively substantiated as the representative information for modeling and calculation of water resources on the Northern slope of the Zailiisky Alatau Range.

Evolution of the Paleozoic granitoid magmatism in the Kuznetsk Alatau: new geochemical and U-Pb (SHRIMP-II) isotope data

A U-Pb isotope analysis has revealed zircons, dated at ~510-490 and ~430-400 Ma, in granitoid intrusions on the eastern slope of the Kuznetsk Alatau Range (Batenev Ridge). This suggests two stages of the regional granitoid magmatism: Middle-Late Cambrian and Silurian-Early Devonian. The ages of two zircon grains from the rocks of the Tigertysh pluton are ~1.9 and ~2.6 Ga; they suggest the involvement of fragments of the Paleoproterozoic continental crust in magma generation. The granitoids, independently of their age, are mostly products of rocks of the calc-alkalic (K2O/Na2O ≈ 0.5-1.7) series. In the proportions of alumina, calcium, and alkalies most of them correspond to I-type granites (A/CNK≤1.1) with reduced Fe/(Fe + Mg) values and contents of HFSE, including REE (ΣREE ≈ 100–300 ppm). The trace-element patterns of the rocks point to the possible participation of both IAB and OIB in magma genesis. Presumably, the influence of the within-plate component increased as a result of the superposition of plume on accretion-collisional structures, and their melting might have favored the preservation of geochemical features of subduction magmatism in the granitoids. The isotopic inhomogeneity (εNd(T) = 2.3-4.8, (87Sr/86Sr)T ≈ 0.7036-0.7051) of the granitoid complexes suggests the heterogeneous composition of the material sources, which consisted of the matter of moderately depleted (PREMA) and enriched (EM) lithospheric mantle and crustal substrate, mixed in different proportions. Some products of the regional alkali-basic magmatism are coeval with the Cambrian granitoids of the Kuznetsk Alatau and are similar to them in isotope composition. This magmatism confirms the interaction of plume with the active continental margin at the Caledonian stage of evolution of the Central Asian Fold Belt.

Vegetaion of the southern range of Junggar Alatau mountains

The Junggar Alatau mountain system stretches in the latitudinal direction at 450 km between N 44 and 46°. It consists of mainly two parallel,high mountain ranges: the northern and southern. Vegetation occupies anintermediate position between the Northern Tien Shan and the Altai mountains. Vegetation of the southern range has features of typical Central Asianmountain systems (Cerasus tianschanica, Bothriochloa ischaemum, Krascheninnikovia ceratoides, Kochia prostrata) as well as some typical Siberianspecies (Abies sibirica, Trollius altaicus, Atragene sibirica). The regularitiesof altitudinal zonality of vegetation in the southern range of Junggar Alataumountains are studied. The following belts are identified: piedmont deserts;mountain steppe with sub-belts of desert and meadow steppes; forest-meadow belt; subalpine meadows, steppes and elfin woods; cryophytic (alpine)meadows and steppes. Forest-meadow belt is presented by fragments on theslopes of northern exposure. Small-lived and coniferous-deciduous forestsgrow only in the river valleys. Sub-belt of typical steppe is not found dueto aridity of the southern range and plowing foothill plains. Characteristicsof main types of vegetation are done for each altitudinal belt. According toecological-physiognomic classification, in the Junggar Alatau range there are5 vegetation types: arboreal, shrubby, dwarf semi shrub, meadow, steppe.Key words: ecology, vegetation, flora, species, Jungar Alatau, altitudinal zoning, kriofit.

Glacial lakes in the Horgos river basin and their outbreak risk assessment

The river Khorgos (in Kazakhstan – Korgas) is a boundary river between Kazakhstan and China. Its basin is located in the central part of southern slope of Dzhungarskiy (Zhetysu) Alatau range. According to agreement between Kazakhstan and China at the boundary transition of Khorgos in the floodplain of the river Khorgos the large Center of Frontier Cooperation is erected. Estimation of safety of the mentioned object including connection with possible glacial lakes outbursts has the importance of political-economical value. Nowadays development of glacial lakes in the overhead part of Khorgos river basin has reached apogee. As a roof we can mention the maximum of total glacial lakes area (1,7 million m² in 41 lakes) and emptied kettles of former glacial lakes. Six lakes reached highly dangerous outburst stage: the volume of lakes reached some million m³, maximum depth up to 30–40 m. Focal ground filtration of the water from lakes takes place. Development of glacial lakes in Khorgos river basin will continue, and these lakes give and will give real danger for the Center of Frontier Cooperation in case of outburst of naturally dammed lake Kazankol with the similar mechanism of Issyk lake outburst, occurred in 1963 in ZailijskiyAlatau (Ile Alatau).

Present-day changes of mountain glaciers on the southern slope of the Dzhungarian Alatau range

Glacierization of southern slope of the Dzhungarian (Zhetysu) Alatau range was estimated by means of data obtained by operational satellite Landsat 7 surveys on August 19 and September 2011 (sensors ETM+) with the use of digital relief models (ASTER GDEM). Analysis of these materials by means of computer programs ENVI, ERDAS Imagine, MapInfo, and ArcGIS made it possible to obtain a spatial information of glacier systems of the territory under investigation and to define morphological characteristics of glaciers, present-day moraine complexes, glacier lakes as well as other elements of glacial monitoring at the survey moments. To estimate changes of the glacierization the data from previous Inventories of this glacier system as of 1956 and 1972 (P.A. Cherkasov), 1990 and 2000 (authors of this article) were used. 30 glaciers being now located on the Chine territory but included into the Inventories of 1956 and 1972 (because the boundaries were changed after 1990) were included into new Inventory. As of 2011, 500 glaciers with total area of their open parts 120.12 km 2 were registered in Southern Dzhungaria. 124 glaciers (57% of total number) cover area less 0.1 km 2 each, and their total area is equal to 9.01 km 2 (8% of total area of the glacierization).Total area of the moraines reached 105.6 km 2 . Volume of open ice calculated by formulas was estimated 4.6 km 3 . According to calculations, the firn line altitude of the glaciers on the southern slope was equal to 3685 m. As compared to 1956 (3645 m) this line lifted by 40 m. 190 glacier lakes with total area 6.0 km 2 were found on this territory, among them 19 lakes were classified as especially dangerous for outbursting (their total area – 2.5 km 2 ). For the last 55 years the glacierization area in the Southern Dzhungaria was reduced by 47.4% or, on the average, by 0.86% in every year. It should be noted that for the several last years, the rate of degradation decreased almost twice as compared to earlier years. The tendencies revealed were used to predict future changes of the glaciarization area on southern slope of the Dzhungarian Alatau range by the end of current century. According to this prediction, if the climatic conditions will not change, glaciers of this region will possibly be existing, however, their area will amount not more than 24% of the glacierization area of 1956.

Revision of the Aphid genus Avicennina Narzikulov, 1957 (Homoptera, Aphididae)

In the course of examination of material of the genus Avicennina Narzikulov, 1957 in the collection of the Institute of Zoology of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Almaty), A. turkestanica Akhmedov, 1994, previously known from the Alai Range, Uzbekistan was recorded for the first time for the fauna of Kazakhstan. Avicennina almatina sp. n. from cow-parsnip (Heracleum dissectum) is described as a new species from South-Eastern Kazakhstan (the Zailiyskiy Alatau Range). A new synonymy is established: Avicennina sogdiana Narzikulov, 1957 = A. spiraecola Akhmedov, 1994, syn. n. Keys to apterous and alate seasonal morphs of Avicennina are provided.

Late Holocene Debris Flows and Valley Floor Development in The Northern Zailiiskiy Alatau, Tien Shan Mountains, Kazakhstan

ABSTRACTThis study uses geomorphological, dendrochronological, and archival research to investigate the pattern, chronology, and sedimentology of debris-flow deposits in two reaches of the Zailiiskiy Alatau range of the Tien Shan mountains, Kazakhstan. Steep and narrow low-order tributary valleys in this environment promote rapid coarse sediment transfer to trunk streams and, in wider trunk valley reaches, locally result in development of debris-flow assemblages and terraced sequences of coarse-grained fluvial sediments. Since the mid-19th century the region has experienced 23 documented large-scale debris flows, including 14 in the study area, and these coincide with a period of climate warming. The majority of recorded events are attributed to the failure of moraine-dammed lakes, while the remainder were triggered by intense summer rainstorms. Landform-sediment assemblages investigated here have extended the documentary record by identifying at least 6 major debris-flow assemblages dating respectively from sometime before the early 17th century, ca. 1607–1633, ca. 1702–1728, ca. 1725–1751, ca. 1769–1795, and the mid–late 18th century. The geomorphological record of debris flows spanning the 17th to 19th centuries indicates therefore that high-magnitude events occurred also during the cooler climatic conditions of the Little Ice Age, although it is suggested that these events may have coincided with short-lived phases of glacier retreat. Debris flows in this environment may be considered as an important component of the paraglacial response to glacier recession, and this has clear implications for future patterns of valley floor development and its interaction with human activity.

The thermal environment of blocky materials in the mountains of Central Asia

AbstractGeothermal investigations in the Transili Alatau Range (Northern Tien Shan) during 1974–87 reveal a significant difference between the thermal regime of coarse blocky materials and adjacent fine‐grained soils. Mean annual temperatures inside the coarse debris are 2.5–4.0°C cooler than mean annual air temperatures (MAATs). In such conditions, permafrost may develop within coarse debris even under a positive mean annual air temperature. In the Transili Alatau Range, the process of perennially freezing is possible at altitudes of 1800–1900 m ASL where the MAA T is about 4°C. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The calibration of an avalanche mathematical model using field data

Abstract. The experience of calibrating Eglit’s avalanche model using data about the avalanche travel distance lengths and velocity data from the Zailiyskiy Alatau range (Kazakhstan) is discussed. Empirical equations are proposed that describe the dependence of the friction coefficients on the avalanche volume and type.

Permafrost changes in the northern Tien Shan during the Holocene

The evolution of permafrost within the northern Tien Shan during the Holocene is described. It is based on the interpretation of a temperature curve obtained from a deep borehole in the Zhusalykezen mountain pass (3336 m ASL), located in the Zailiysky Alatau Range. This curve indicates a zone where the temperature falls as the depth increases. Such an anomaly reflects past thermal conditions in the high mountains. At present, permafrost is absent on the southern slope where the borehole was drilled. Analysis of the temperature curve indicates that warming and cooling took place during the Holocene. Maximum warming occurred about 7000–10,000 years ago when the ground temperature rose by approximately 0.5–1.5 °C. Maximum cooling was recorded in the last millennium, the ground temperature being lower than today by 1.0–1.5 °C. These fluctuations are corroborated by relict permafrost and palaeocryogenic structures © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Ice flow and mass continuity of Shumsky Glacier in the Djungarski Alatau Range of Kazakhstan, Central Asia

The glaciological monitoring program on the Shumsky Glacier in the Djungarski Alatau Range of southeastern Kazakhstan has included measurements of horizontal surface ice flow velocity, net balance, and emergence velocity at a network of more than 200 stakes during 1967–1991, as well as mappings of the ice surface topography by double‐theodolite triangulation and determination of ice thickness and of bedrock topography by radio echo sounding in 1984. These observations are here evaluated together to deduce the long‐term average dynamic behavior of Shumsky Glacier. The glacier extends between 3100 and 4400 m with a total area of 3 km2 and length of nearly 4 km. Maximum surface velocity is 20 m yr−1 and maximum volume flux 9 × 105 m3 yr−1, located near the equilibrium line altitude around 3680 m. The ice‐volume‐equivalent net balance is +0.5 m yr−1 in the average over the accumulation area, changing to about −1.5 m yr−1 near the terminus. The submergent flow in the accumulation area changes to emergence of 1 m yr−1 in the lower glacier. The rate of ice thinning is less than 0.1 m yr−1 in the middle glacier, increases to 2.5 m yr−1 near the terminus, and averages 0.12 m yr−1 for the glacier as whole. In fact, the Shumsky glacier differs little from equilibrium, being in a more favorable location that the other glaciers of the Djungarski Alatau. However, trends toward slower ice flow, more negative net balance, and faster rate of ice thinning indicate response to a progressively adverse climatic environment.