Vegetation Fire Emissions Exacerbate Glacier Melting on the Third Pole

Vegetation fires release a large fraction of light-absorbing components, which can contribute to the melting of snowpack and alpine glaciers. However, the relationship between variability in fire emissions and alpine glacier melting on the Third Pole (TP) remains poorly understood. This study provides evidence that carbon emissions from windward vegetation fires play a crucial role in comprehending glacier melting on the TP, particularly during the months of intense vegetation fires from March to May for monsoon-dominated glaciers and from June to October for westerlies-dominated glaciers. Furthermore, robust positive correlations (with p < 0.05) have been observed since 1997 across the TP between variations in glacier melting and fire carbon emissions during both annual periods and those intense fire months. In addition to climate warming, intensified fire carbon emissions could potentially accelerate the melting and mass loss of TP glaciers, especially during those traditionally nonmelting months. An urgent reassessment of the impact of fire carbon emissions on changes in TP glaciers is necessary, given that meltwater during traditionally nonmelting months can reshape freshwater resource supply patterns, and the projected increased wildfire risk in high mountainous regions in a rapidly warming climate.