Spatial variability of recent glacier area changes in the Tien Shan Mountains, Central Asia, using Corona (~ 1970), Landsat (~ 2000), and ALOS (~ 2007) satellite data

摘要: Abstract Geographic variability of the recent changes glacier coverage in Tien Shan Mountains, Central Asia, is assessed using Corona KH-4B satellite photographs for 1968–1971, Landsat 7 ETM+data 1999–2002, and ALOS/PRISM AVNIR data 2006–2008. The four mountain regions investigated (Pskem, Ili-Kungoy, At-Bashy, SE-Fergana) cover several distributed glacierized areas Mountain system, a region that affected by highly variable local precipitation regimes. Over 30 years between ~ 1970 ~ 2000, area decreased 19% Pskem region, 12% Ili-Kungoy At-Bashy 9% SE-Fergana region. In last 7 years (~ 2000 to ~ 2007), shrank 5% 4% 0% Glacier behavior has varied markedly these regions. most dramatic shrinkage occurred outer ranges Mountains. Recent loss resulted from rising summer temperatures. Regional differences glacier-area related climate conditions, altitudinal distribution areas, relative proportion glaciers different size classes. observed accelerated expected have two impacts on more populated ranges: 1) water shortages during 2) increased threat hazards such as lake outburst floods (GLOFs) ice avalanches.