From observation to protection a bibliometric analysis of aerosol-glacier interactions

Remote sensing has become a central approach for investigating interactions between atmospheric aerosols and glacier change under climate warming. Here, we apply bibliometric and science-mapping methods to systematically analyze global research on remote sensing of aerosol-glacier interactions from 1995 to 2024. Based on 523 publications, we identify rapid growth since 2013 and reveal a tripolar collaboration structure linking North America, Europe, and Asia. Thematic analyses show a clear evolution from early observational and retrieval studies toward process-oriented research emphasizing black carbon deposition, snow-ice energy balance, and regional glacier mass balance. Journal dual-map overlays and cluster dependency analysis further demonstrate that the field is supported by Earth sciences, physics-chemistry, and computational systems, with aerosol type and scientific assessment serving as key foundational clusters. Overall, this study outlines the knowledge structure and evolution of aerosol-glacier research, supporting interdisciplinary monitoring and protection strategies in a changing climate.