Temporal variations in supraglacial debris distribution on Baltoro Glacier, Karakoram between 2001 and 2012

摘要: Distribution of supraglacial debris in a glacier system varies spatially and temporally due to differing rates input, transport deposition. Supraglacial distribution governs the thickness layer, an important control on amount ablation that occurs under such layer. Characterising layer is therefore key calculating across surface. The spatial pattern Baltoro Glacier has previously been calculated for one discrete point time (2004) using satellite thermal data empirically based relationship between surface temperature identified field. Here, same was applied two further datasets (2001, 2012) calculate three points over 11-year period 2004, 2012). Surface velocity sediment flux were also calculated, as well change periods. Using these outputs, alongside geomorphological maps produced 2001, 2004 2012, spatiotemporal changes sub-decadal timescale investigated. Sediment remained constant throughout period. greatest occurred along medial moraines, locations mass movement deposition areas interaction tributary glaciers main tongue. study confirms occurrence timescales, independent variation velocity. Instead, are primarily attributed frequency magnitude events decadal with climate, regional uplift erosion expected inputs centurial millennial timescales. Inclusion variations distributed energy balance models would increase accuracy ablation, leading more accurate simulation through time, greater precision quantification response debris-covered climatic change.