Ice surface-elevation change and velocity of Qingbingtan glacier No.72 in the Tomor region, Tianshan Mountains, central Asia

摘要: Glaciers in the Tomor region of Tianshan Mountains preserve vital water resources. However, these glaciers suffer from strong mass losses recent years because global warming. From 2008 to 2009, a large-scale scientific expedition has been carried out this region. As an individual reference glacier, tongue area Qingbingtan glacier No. 72 was measured by high precise Real Time Kinematic-Global Position System (RTK-GPS). In paper, changes No.72 studied based on topographic map, remote sensing image and survey during 2008#x2013;2009 field campaign. Results indicated that ice surface-elevation changed - 0.22 +/- 0.14 m a(-1) 1964 2008. The estimated loss volume 0.014 0.009 km(3), which represented similar 20 % decrease equivalent average annual balance -0.20 0.12 for 1964-2008. Terminus retreated 1852 m, approximately 41 a(-1), with reduction 1.533 km(2) (0.034 a(-1)) 2009. Furthermore, velocity reached 70 a(-1). Comparing other monitored eastern Mountains, experienced more intensive shrinkage, resulted combined effects climate change dynamic, providing evidence response climatic