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International researchers, including those from Graz University of Technology, have advanced the technique for monitoring glaciers in High Mountn Asia. By utilizing satellite radar data, they've determined the seasonal growth or shrinkage patterns of specific glaciers across Central Asia and the Himalayas. Contrary to previous assumptions, their findings challenge the conventional understanding that certn regions predominantly experience winter accumulation.
Glaciers exhibit dynamic behavior throughout the year: periods of mass increase due to snowfall alternate with times of loss as they melt away. Scientists classify these changes into so-called accumulation regimes based on when growth occurs - winter or summer months dep on regional precipitation and temperature patterns. The new method enables more reliable classification than ever before thanks to radar measurements from European Sentinel-1 satellites.
These satellites scan Earth's surface via radar every 12 days, providing high-resolution data crucial for understanding seasonal variations in glacier mass balance. Backscatter values change deping on the radar signal's interaction with rock, ice, firn a snow layer that undergoes compaction and melting, wet or freshly fallen snow. This information allows researchers to reconstruct snow conditions on glaciers over several years.
For instance, it was once assumed that major precipitation events occurred in summer for some glaciers in the eastern Pamir Mountns-thus driving seasonal mass growth. The radar analysis now reveals that the ice actually grows during winter months, contradicting earlier assumptions.
The research team led by Tobias Bolch from TU Graz's Institute of Geodesy used this method to improve forecasts regarding glacier mass balance and future meltwater runoff-the latter being essential for predicting climate change impacts.
Contact for Scientific Information:
Univ.-Prof. Dr.rer.nat.habil. Tobias BOLCH
TU Graz Institute of Geodesy Phone: +43 316 873 6848 [email protected]
For more information:
https:www.tugraz.atenresearchfields-of-expertisesustnable-systemsovervi... This project is part of the Field of Expertise Sustnable Systems, a key focus area at TU Graz.
https:dragon5.esa.int
This research highlights the pivotal role of radar data in understanding glacier dynamics and their response to climate change, offering valuable insights into future water resources management and environmental policy-making.
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Seasonal Glacier Changes in High Mountain Asia Satellite Radar Data for Glaciers Monitoring New Method Identifying Accumulation Regimes Winter Growth Patterns Overestimated? Improved Glacier Mass Balance Forecasting Climate Change Impact on Meltwater Runoff