Glacier Mass Loss Doubles in Easternmost Tian Shan Since 1972

Journal of Glaciology, Sept 23

Glacier mass loss has doubled in the Tian Shan mountains of eastern Central Asia, known as the region’s “Water Towers”.  This accelerated mass loss, in the glacierized Karlik range of the Tian Shan, between 2000-2015 as compared to 1972-2000 is associated with “dramatic” regional warming; and directly impacts water resources and economies throughout Central Asia and western China.  In particular, the Tarim River Basin of China, which supports one of the world’s largest sources of cotton, is entirely fed by ice and snow melt, mostly from the Tian Shan.

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-glaciology/article/doubling-of-glacier-mass-loss-in-the-karlik-range-easternmost-tien-shan-between-the-periods-19722000-and-20002015/41530EB023E6F6B34EF3EF0A617D9B11

Compiled by Amy Imdieke.

By Emily Jacobson, Science Writing Intern; Amy Imdieke, Global Outreach Director; and Pam Pearson, Director of ICCI.
Published Oct. 2, 2020      Updated Jul. 12, 2022 3:22 pm