Response of Glacier and Lake Dynamics in Four Inland Basins to Climate Change at the Transition Zone between the Karakorum And Himalayas.

Inland glacier and lake dynamics on the Tibetan Plateau (TP) and its surroundings over recent decades are good indicators of climate change and have a significant impact on the local water supply and ecosystem. The glacier and lake changes in Karakoram are quite different from those of the Himalayas. The mechanisms of the complex and regionally heterogeneous behavior of the glacier and lake changes between the Karakorum and Himalayas are poorly understood. Based on satellite images and meteorological data of Shiquanhe, Hetian, and Yutian stations, we demonstrate that the overall retreat of glaciers and increase of lake area at the transition zone between the Karakoram and Himalayas (TKH) have occurred since 1968 in response to a significant global climate change. Glacial areas in the Songmuxi Co basin, Zepu Co basin, Mang Co basin and Unnamed Co decreased by -1.98 ± 0.02 km2, -5.39 ± 0.02 km2, -0.01 ± 0.02 km2, and -0.12 ± 0.02 km2 during the study period, corresponding to losses of -1.42%, -2.86%, -1.54%, and -1.57%, respectively. The lake area of the Songmuxi Co, Zepu Co, Mang Co and Unnamed Co increased by 7.57 ± 0.02 km2, 8.53 ± 0.02 km2, 1.35 ± 0.02 km2, and 0.53 ± 0.02 km2, corresponding to growths of 30.22%, 7.55%, 11.39%, and 8.05%, respectively. Increases in temperature was the main reason for glacier retreat, whereas decreases in potential evapotranspiration of lakes, increases in precipitation, and increases in melt water from glaciers and frozen soil all contributed to lake area expansion

Data used for this study.

<p>a indicates glacier and lake extraction</p><p>b indicates glacier extraction</p><p>c indicates lake extraction</p><p>and d indicates reference data.</p><p>Data used for this study.</p

Variations in the MAT, AP and APE at the three stations from 1968 to 2013.

<p>a, b, c was MAT variations. d, e, f was AP variations. g, h, i was APE variations.</p

Location of the study area: (a) The location of the study area within the TP and the meteorological stations. Dashed line shows the average monsoon margin, which may fluctuate with the seasons and year. (b) Distribution of glaciers and lakes in the four basins.

<p>Location of the study area: (a) The location of the study area within the TP and the meteorological stations. Dashed line shows the average monsoon margin, which may fluctuate with the seasons and year. (b) Distribution of glaciers and lakes in the four basins.</p