Spatial distribution of the debris layer on glaciers of the Tuomuer Peak, western Tian Shan

Abstract

This article, based on the field work took place on the zone of Tuomuer (托木尔) Peak, western Tian Shan (天山) during the period May 2008 to September 2009, obtained the spatial distribution of debris layer on the reference glaciers (Glacier No. 72, Glacier No. 74, Tuomuer Glacier) by detailed measurements of debris thickness and ablation rates on glacier and further by Spot-5 (5 m, 2005) high-resolution satellitic image applying remote sensing and geographic information systems approach to research the spatial distribution of debris layer on the zone of Tuomuer Peak. Specifically, the results indicate a sharp in ablation with debris cover thickness increasing from 0–4 cm followed by a decrease in ablation with debris thickness increasing beyond 4 cm for the glaciers No. 72 and No. 74. Spatial distributions of debris layer on the three reference glaciers have the same characteristics, the overall distribution from the vertical, the maximum thickness of debris in the glacier terminal, and the thickness of debris is constantly thinning since the end of the glacier increases with altitude. For the overall distribution from the horizontal, the regular pattern of debris thickness from both sides to the middle is diminishing. The debris on the zone of Tuomuer Peak mostly covered the glacier tongue and is mainly distributed below the altitude of 4 000 m; the area of debris covered approximate accounted for 14.9% on the entire glacier area in this region. Spatial distribution of debris layer on the zone of Tuomuer Peak is mainly affected by the elevation of the glacier terminal, followed by the slopes orientation, the sizes, and so on.

Keywords

Glacier No. 72 / Glacier No. 74 / Tuomuer Glacier / debris covered / distribution characteristics

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