Recession of Milam Glacier,Kumaun Himalaya,Observed via Lichenometric Dating of Moraines

Glaciers being very sensitive to climate change have been identified as one of the best indicators of climate change and evidences have proved that most of the Himalayan glaciers have receded with an increased rate during the recent past under the influence of global warming. Lichenometric study was carried out on the moraines of Milam glacier (located in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand) with the help of lichen species Dimelaena oreina having an average annual growth rate of 1.31 mm. The study revealed that Milam glacier has receded 1450 m in last 69.37 years with an average recession rate of 20.90 m/year. Since lichenometric studies are cost effective and ecofriendly in comparison to carbon dating, satellite and remote sensing based studies and also reliable, hence, it should be promoted in Himalaya which is an abode of glaciers.     

川西沙鲁里山第四纪冰川及与邻区之对比

沙鲁里山是研究第四纪冰川的最佳场所之一。可划分四个冰期,第一冰期为大陆冰盖,第二、三期及现代冰川为山岳冰川;整体反映第四纪地壳不断抬升,气候不断变暖,冰川不断向高山退缩的过程。     

Topographic controls on plateau icefield recession: insights from the Younger Dryas Monadhliath Icefield,Scotland

Plateau icefields are a common form of mountain ice mass, frequently found in mid‐latitude to high‐arctic regions and increasingly recognized in the Quaternary record. Their top‐heavy hypsometry makes them highly sensitive to changes in climate when the equilibriaum line altitude (ELA) lies above the plateau edge, allowing ice to expand significantly as regional ELAs decrease, and causing rapid recession as climate warms. With respect to future climate warming, it is important to understand the controls on plateau icefield response to climate change in order to better predict recession rates, with implications for water resources and sea‐level rise. Improving knowledge of the controls on glacier recession may also enable further palaeoclimatic information to be extracted from the Quaternary glacial record. We use the distribution of moraines to examine topographic controls on Younger Dryas icefield recession in Scotland. We find that overall valley morphology influences the style of recession, through microclimatic and geometric controls, with bed gradient affecting moraine spacing. Ice mass reconfiguration may occur as recession progresses because ice divide migration could alter the expected response based on hypsometric distribution. These results add to a growing body of research examining controls on glacier recession and offer a step towards unravelling non‐linear ice mass behaviour. Copyright © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mechanisms and Simulation of Accelerated Shrinkage of Continental Glaciers: A Case Study of Urumqi Glacier No. 1 in Eastern Tianshan, Central Asia

Similar to most mountain glaciers in the world, Urumqi Glacier No. 1 (UG1), the best observed glacier in China with continued glaciological and climatological monitoring records of longer than 50 years has experienced an accelerated recession during the past several decades. The purpose of this study is to investigate the acceleration of recession. By taking UG1 as an example, we analyze the generic mechanisms of acceleration of shrinkage of continental mountain glaciers. The results indicate that the accel...     

The ice sheet dynamics around Dakshin Gangotri glacier,Schirmacher Oasis,East Antarctica vis-à-vis topography and meteorological parameters

Recession of the snout of Dakshin Gangotri glacier in the western part of Schirmacher Oasis, East Antarctica has been recorded over two decades. However, the rate of retreat is not uniform and varies at different locations. The ice wall forming the western flank of the glacier has shown an average retreat of 17.07 m between 2001 and 2009 while the snout had gone back by 6.94 m (average) during the same period. Before 2001, the snout had shown a complete recession of 3.13 m (average). The snout occupies valley area receiving less amount of solar radiation as compared to the western wall, which is a vertical cliff receiving maximum amount of solar radiation. The notable difference in the rate of recession in different parts of the Dakshin Gangotri glacier overriding Schirmacher Oasis can be attributed to combined effect of natural factors, including meteorological parameters, ice sheet dynamics and geomorphology of that area.     

Response of glacier area variation to climate change in the Kaidu-Kongque river basin,Southern Tianshan Mountains during the last 20 years

Glaciers are crucial water resources for arid inland rivers in Northwest China. In recent decades, glaciers are largely experiencing shrinkage under the climate-warming scenario, thereby exerting tremendous influences on regional water resources. The primary role of understudying watershed scale glacier changes under changing climatic conditions is to ensure sustainable utilization of regional water resources, to prevent and mitigate glacier-related disasters. This study maps the current (2020) distribution of glacier boundaries across the Kaidu-Kongque river basin, south slope of Tianshan Mountains, and monitors the spatial evolution of glaciers over five time periods from 2000–2020 through thresholded band ratios approach, using 25 Landsat images at 30 m resolution. In addition, this study attempts to understand the role of climate characteristics for variable response of glacier area. The results show that the total area of glaciers was 398.21 km² in 2020. The glaciers retreated by about 1.17 km²/a (0.26%/a) from 2000 to 2020. The glaciers were reducing at a significantly rapid rate between 2000 and 2005, a slow rate from 2005 to 2015, and an accelerated rate during 2015–2020. The meteorological data shows slight increasing trends of mean annual temperature (0.02°C/a) and annual precipitation (2.07 mm/a). The correlation analysis demonstrates that the role of temperature presents more significant correlation with glacier recession than precipitation. There is a temporal hysteresis in the response of glacier change to climate change. Increasing trend of temperature in summer proves to be the driving force behind the Kaidu-Kongque basin glacier recession during the recent 20 years.© 2021 China Geology Editorial Office.     

新疆冰川近期变化及其对水资源的影响研究

新疆的冰川水资源居全国第一,在新疆水资源构成和河川径流调节方面占有重要地位。最近30多年来,随着气温升高,冰川出现了剧烈的消融退缩,冰川融水径流量普遍增加,并对气温的依赖性增强。文章基于最新冰川观测研究资料,阐述新疆冰川的近期变化,分析对水资源的影响。研究表明,所研究的1800条冰川,在过去26～44年间,总面积缩小了11.7％,平均每条冰川缩小0.243km2,末端退缩速率5.8m/a。冰川在不同区域的缩小比率为8.8％～34.2％,单条冰川的平均缩小量为0.092～0.415km²,末端平均后退量为 3.5～10.5m/a。由于新疆各流域中冰川的分布、变化特征,以及融水所占河川径流的比例不同,因此,未来气候变化对新疆各个区域水资源的影响程度和表现形式是不同的。分析表明,在塔里木河流域,冰川水资源具有举足轻重的作用,但是,一旦冰川消融殆尽,对该地区将产生灾难性影响,现今该区冰川消融正盛,估计在今后30～50年,只要保持升温,冰川融水量仍会维持。未来20～40年,天山北麓水系中,1km²左右的小冰川趋于消失,大于5km²冰川消融强烈,因此,以小冰川居多的河流受冰川变化的影响较大。东疆盆地水系中的冰川数量少,并处在加速消融状态,河川径流对冰川的依赖性强,冰川的变化已经对水资源量及年内分配产生影响,水资源已经处在不断恶化之中。对于伊犁河与额尔齐斯河流域,未来冰川变化对水资源的影响在数量上可能有限,但会大大削弱冰川融水径流的调节功能。而气候变化对积雪水资源的影响和可能造成的后果应该予以特别关注。     

Colonization delay of Rhizocarpon geographicum: Study from the Gangotri glacier,northwestern Himalaya

Lichenometric application used mainly for the dating of moraines, involves the calibration of growth rate curve with the inclusion of colonization delay of a specific type of lichen. In the present study, the colonization delay of Rhizocarpon geographicum species of lichen found on the boulders of granite and gneisses in the Gangotri glacier environment has been interpreted. It has been concluded that the colonization delay for the said species is different for both the rock-types. It is about 78 years for granite and between 50 and 78 years for the gneisses. The study will help to establish the absolute ages of the various terminal moraines of the Gangotri glacier, which in turn will help to ascertain the recession history of the glacier.     

A chronology of the Little Ice Age in the tropical Andes of Bolivia (16°S) and its implications for climate reconstruction

Dating moraines by lichenometry enabled us to reconstruct glacier recession in the Bolivian Andes since the Little Ice Age maximum. On the 15 proglacial margins studied, we identified a system of ten principal moraines that marks the successive positions of glaciers over the last four centuries. Moraines were dated by performing statistical analysis of lichen measurements based on the extreme values theory. Like glaciers in many mid-latitude mountain areas, Bolivian glaciers reached their maximal extent during the second half of the 17th century. This glacier maximum coincides with the Maunder minimum of solar irradiance. By reconstructing the equilibrium-line altitude and changes in mass-balance, we think the glacier maximum may be due to a 20 to 30% increase in precipitation and a 1.1 to 1.2 °C decrease in temperature compared with present conditions. In the early 18th century, glaciers started to retreat at varying rates until the late 19th to early 20th century; this trend was generally associated with decreasing accumulation rates. By contrast, glacier recession in the 20th century was mainly the consequence of an increase in temperature and humidity. These results are consistent with observations made in the study region based on other proxies.     

祁连山西段小冰期以来的冰川变化研究

根据航空摄影相片、地形图、遥感影像数据,分析了祁连山西段自小冰期至1990年的冰川变化,得出该地区在小冰期至1956年间冰川面积减小幅度为16.9%,冰川储量减少了14.1%;1956-1990年间冰川仍以退缩为主,此时段冰川面积和储量减小量占1956年时相应量的10.3%和9.3%.分析认为冰川退缩主要与1956-1966年时段气温偏高、降水偏少有关,而且该流域区对应于1956-1966年间强负物质平衡的冰川退缩可能出现于1960年代中期至1970年代中期.     

Uranium-Series Ages of Travertines and Timing of the Last Glaciation in the Northern Yellowstone Area, Wyoming-Montana

Uranium-series age determinations by mass spectrometric methods were done for travertines and associated carbonate veins related to clastic deposits of the last glaciation (Pinedale) in the northern Yellowstone area. Dramatic variations in the hydrologic head are inferred from variations in the elevation of travertine deposition with time and are consistent with the expected hydrologic effects of glaciation. We determine the following chronology of the Pinedale Glaciation, with the key assumption that travertine deposits (and associated carbonate veins) perched high above present thermal springs were deposited when glaciers filled the valley below these perched deposits: (1) the early Pinedale outlet glacier advanced well downvalley between 47,000 and 34,000 yr B.P.; (2) the outlet glacier receded to an interstadial position between 34,000 and 30,000 yr B.P.; (3) an extensive Pinedale ice advance occurred between 30,000 and 22,500 yr B.P.; (4) a major recession occurred between 22,500 and 19,500 yr B.P.; (5) a minor readvance (Deckard Flats) culminated after 19,500 yr B.P.; and (6) recession from the Deckard Flats position was completed before 15,500 yr B.P. This chronology is consistent with the general trend of climatic changes in the northern hemisphere as revealed by recent high-resolution ice-core records from the Greenland ice sheet.     

Timing and extent of early marine oxygen isotope stage 2 alpine glaciation in Skagit Valley, Washington

Twenty-two new radiocarbon ages from Skagit valley provide a detailed chronology of alpine glaciation during the Evans Creek stade of the Fraser Glaciation (early marine oxygen isotope stage (MIS) 2) in the Cascade Range, Washington State. Sediments at sites near Concrete, Washington, record two advances of the Baker valley glacier between ca. 30.3 and 19.5 cal ka BP, with an intervening period of glacier recession about 24.9 cal ka BP. The Baker valley glacier dammed lower Skagit valley, creating glacial Lake Concrete, which discharged around the ice dam along Finney Creek, or south into the Sauk valley. Sediments along the shores of Ross Lake in upper Skagit valley accumulated in glacial Lake Skymo after ca. 28.7 cal ka BP behind a glacier flowing out of Big Beaver valley. Horizontally laminated silt and bedded sand and gravel up to 20 m thick record as much as 8000 yr of deposition in these glacially dammed lakes. The data indicate that alpine glaciers in Skagit valley were far less extensive than previously thought. Alpine glaciers remained in advanced positions for much of the Evans Creek stade, which may have ended as early as 20.8 cal ka BP.     

冰川消融对气候变化的响应——以乌鲁木齐河源1号冰川为例

目前气候变暖导致的冰川退缩,引起了广泛关注.以新疆天山乌鲁木齐河源1号冰川为例,根据1959年以来的观测资料,研究了冰川消融对气候变化的响应.结果表明:近50 a来冰川在表面粒雪特征、成冰带、冰川温度、面积、厚度及末端位置等方面发生了显著变化,而这些变化均与气温的升高有着密切的联系;冰川的退缩自20世纪80年代后,尤其是近10 a来出现了加速趋势.其原因除夏季气温升高外,还有两个重要因素,一是冰川温度升高造成冷储的减少,二是冰川表面反射率下降导致辐射能量接收的增强.冰川物质平衡在1986年之前由气温和降水共同决定,之后主要受气温控制.     

亚洲高山区全新世中期气候及其影响下的冰川模拟

本文利用一个1 km分辨率冰盖模式和11个PMIP4全球气候模式,研究了全新世中期亚洲高山区气候和冰川的变化特征。多模式集合平均结果显示,(1)全新世中期亚洲高山区年平均温度较工业革命前期降低了约0.7 ℃,夏季气温升高约0.7 ℃,冬季气温降低约1.8 ℃,全新世中期年平均降水略微增加(0.5%),但夏季和冬季降水分别增加和减少了约16%;(2)全新世中期亚洲高山区冰川较工业革命前期整体显著退缩,面积减少了约13%,体积减小了约8%。在区域尺度上,全新世中期亚洲高山区北部冰川的面积(体积)减少了约58%(47%),西部冰川的面积(体积)减少了约26%(25%),而南部冰川的面积(体积)增加了约20%(39%);(3)全新世中期夏季升温主导亚洲高山区北部和西部冰川的退缩,而降水增多是亚洲高山区南部冰川扩张的首要控制因子。本研究有助于加深理解全新世中期亚洲高山区冰川的变化格局和驱动因子。     

Surge dynamics of Aavatsmarkbreen,Svalbard, inferred from the geomorphological record

This study investigated the surge dynamics of Aavatsmarkbreen, a glacier in Svalbard and its geomorphological impact based on remote sensing data and field observations. The main objective was to analyse and classify subglacial and supraglacial landforms in the context of glacial deformation and basal sliding over a thin layer of thawed, water‐saturated deposits. The study also focused on the geomorphological evidence of surge‐related sub‐ and supraglacial crevassing and glacier front fracturing. From 2006 to 2013, the average recession of Aavatsmarkbreen was 363 m (52 m a⁻¹). A subsequent surge during 2013–2015 resulted in a substantial advance of the glacier front of over 1 km and an increase in its surface area of more than 2 km². The surface of Aavatsmarkbreen was severely fractured. Significant ice‐flow acceleration was noted whereby the highest surface velocity reached 4.9 m day⁻¹. The ephemeral water‐escape structures and mini‐flutings on the fine‐grained till surface that formed during the surge are indicative of high subglacial pore‐water pressure and enhanced basal sliding. Two genetic types of clast pavements occur in the marginal zone of Aavatsmarkbreen. The results of this study will help to constrain glaciological and geomorphological processes involved in surge phenomena. Understanding the scale and effects of these processes provides insight into the behaviour of fast‐flowing glaciers and ice streams and reveals their relationships with external factors.     

Progressive glacial retreat in the Southern Altiplano (Uturuncu volcano, 22°S) between 65 and 14 ka constrained by cosmogenic He dating

This work presents the first reconstruction of late Pleistocene glacier fluctuations on Uturuncu volcano, in the Southern Tropical Andes. Cosmogenic ³He dating of glacial landforms provides constraints on ancient glacier position between 65 and 14 ka. Despite important scatter in the exposure ages on the oldest moraines, probably resulting from pre-exposure, these ³He data constrain the timing of the moraine deposits and subsequent glacier recessions: the Uturuncu glacier may have reached its maximum extent much before the global LGM, maybe as early as 65 ka, with an equilibrium line altitude (ELA) at 5280 m. Then, the glacier remained close to its maximum position, with a main stillstand identified around 40 ka, and another one between 35 and 17 ka, followed by a limited recession at 17 ka. Then, another glacial stillstand is identified upstream during the late glacial period, probably between 16 and 14 ka, with an ELA standing at 5350 m. This stillstand is synchronous with the paleolake Tauca highstand. This result indicates that this regionally wet and cold episode, during the Heinrich 1 event, also impacted the Southern Altiplano. The ELA rose above 5450 m after 14 ka, synchronously with the Bolling–Allerod.     

Topographic controls on glacier sediment–landform associations around the temperate North Patagonian Icefield

Glacier sediment–landform associations are commonly used as interpretive and predictive tools to reconstruct the nature of past glacial events. Here we provide a regional-scale study of the sediments and landforms around the temperate North Patagonian Icefield, an area with outlet glaciers that terminate in the full range of environments possible in a temperate glacier setting (land-terminating, lake-terminating and tidewater-terminating). We present a regional-scale geomorphological map and sedimentological data collected at 11 outlet glaciers of the icefield. Key sediments and landforms include large tracts of ice-scoured bedrock, extensive sandar, terminal moraines, ice-contact glaciofluvial landforms and evidence of paraglacial slope adjustment following glacier recession. The sediments and landforms developed around the North Patagonian Icefield contrast with those previously identified at other temperate outlet glaciers in Iceland and Alaska, and we argue that this is largely a result of topographic controls on glacier terminal environment (e.g. local relief, topography and geomorphological setting).     

Late Weichselian deglaciation in the Oslofjord area, south Norway

The older 'moraine lines' outside the Ra Moraine in the outer Oslofjord area have been correlated with events in Bohuslän, Sweden. Recent radiocarbon datings in the vicinity of the Ra Moraine and a radiocarbon dated sea-level curve for the Ski area show that the Ra Moraine was formed during the Early Younger Dryas, whereas the Ski Moraine was formed at the end of the Younger Dryas chronozone. An equidistant shoreline diagram together with a large number of marine limit observations have been used to establish the position of the glacier front during Late Younger Dryas and Early Preboreal chronozones. Reconnaissance mapping indicates a fairly regular recession with many short stops during the Bølling, Older Dryas and Allerød chronozones; at least two readvances to the Ra Moraine before 10,600 years B.P.; a rapid recession during the Middle Younger Dryas and a number of ice-front oscillations at the end of the Younger Dryas chronozone.     

Radiocarbon Age Constraints on Rates of Advance and Retreat of the Puget Lobe of the Cordilleran Ice Sheet during the Last Glaciation

Calibrated radiocarbon dates of organic matter below and above till of the last (Fraser) glaciation provide limiting ages that constrain the chronology and duration of the last advance–retreat cycle of the Puget Lobe in the central and southeastern Puget Lowland. Seven dates for wood near the top of a thick proglacial delta have a weighted mean age of 17,420 ± 90 cal yr B.P., which is the closest limiting age for arrival of the glacier near the latitude of Seattle. A time–distance curve constructed along a flowline extending south from southwestern British Columbia to the central Puget Lowland implies an average glacier advance rate of ca. 135 m/yr. The glacier terminus reached its southernmost limit ca. 16,950 yr ago and likely remained there for ca. 100 yr. In the vicinity of Seattle, where the glacier reached a maximum thickness of 1000 m, ice covered the landscape for ca. 1020 yr. Postglacial dates constraining the timing of ice retreat in the central lowland are as old as 16,420 cal yr B.P. and show that the terminus had retreated to the northern limit of the lowland within three to four centuries after the glacial maximum. The average rate of retreat was about twice the rate of advance and was enhanced by rapid calving recession along flowline sectors where the glacier front crossed deep proglacial lakes.