Glacier changes on the Nanga Parbat 1856-2020: A multi-source retrospective analysis

Area of Science:

• Glaciology
• Climate Change
• Himalayan Cryosphere Studies

Background:

• The Himalayan cryosphere is sensitive to climate change, impacting freshwater resources.
• Glaciers in the Upper Indus Basin (UIB) are crucial for regional water supply.
• Limited historical data hinders detailed long-term glacier monitoring in the region.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze and quantify glacier changes in the Nanga Parbat region between 1856 and 2020.
• To investigate individual glacier responses and influencing factors.
• To compare glacier changes in Nanga Parbat with other regions, like the Karakoram.

Main Methods:

• Utilized multi-temporal datasets including historical maps, terrestrial photographs, satellite imagery, and digital elevation models.
• Quantified changes in ice-covered area for 63 glaciers.
• Conducted detailed analysis of five glaciers in the Rupal Valley.

Main Results:

• A 7% decrease in ice-covered area for 63 glaciers was observed between 1934 and 2019.
• Individual glaciers in Rupal Valley displayed diverse response patterns to environmental changes.
• Factors such as avalanches, surge-type instabilities, and local topography significantly influenced glacier dynamics.

Conclusions:

• Combining diverse data sources provides robust insights into glacier changes.
• Nanga Parbat glacier changes show similarities to the stable ice mass observed in the Karakoram.
• Understanding localized glacier dynamics is crucial for predicting cryosphere response to climate change.