Amazonian Biomass Burning Enhances Tropical Andean Glaciers Melting

摘要: The melting of tropical glaciers provides water resources to millions people, involving social, ecological and economic demands. At present, these reservoirs are threatened by the accelerating rates mass loss associated with modern climate changes related greenhouse gas emissions ultimately land use/cover change. Until now, effects change on Andean South America through biomass burning activities have not been investigated. In this study, we quantitatively examine hypothesis that regional is a contributor observed glacier loss, taking into account role Amazonian burning. We demonstrated here, for first time, glaciers, massive contribution black carbon emitted from in Amazon Basin does exist. This favorable due its positioning respect fire hot spots predominant wind direction during transition dry wet seasons (Aug-Sep-Oct), when most events occur. investigated Bolivian Zongo Glacier albedo impurities snow, including surface deposition potential increasing annual melting. showed magnitude impact depends dust content snow. When high concentration present (e.g. 100 ppm dust), absorbs radiation otherwise would be absorbed BC. Our estimations point factor 3.3 ± 0.8% carbon, 5.0 ± 1.0% presence low 10 dust). For 2010 hydrological year, reported an increase runoff corresponding 4.5% discharge seasonal peak season, which consistent our predictions.