ESTIMATE OF THE VOLUME OF GROUND ICE IN THE TIEN SHAN MOUNTAINS
A.P. Gorbunov1, M.N. Zhelezniak2, E.V. Severskiy1
1Kazakhstan Alpine Permafrost Laboratory, Melnikov Permafrost Institute, SB RAS, P/O box 138, Glavpochtamt, Almaty, 050000, Kazakhstan
permafrost.08@mail.ru
2Melnikov Permafrost Institute, SB RAS, 36, Merzlotnaya str., Yakutsk, 677010, Russia
fe@mpi.ysn.ru
Keywords: Криогенная толща, подземные льды, ледники, каменные глетчеры, морены, Permafrost, ground ice, glacier, rock glacier, moraine
Abstract
The paper presents the estimates of evident ground ice contained in the permafrost of the Tien Shan Mountains based on the available geocryological maps of various scales. The maps represent patterns of permafrost distribution reflected in the regional structures depending on geocryological zonality. Using the data on the areal extent, thickness and ice content of permafrost, the volumes of permafrost and ground ice have been determined. It has been revealed that the largest volumes of ground ice occur in active rock glaciers and recent moraines. The volume of glaciers relative to that of ground ice has been ascertained to decrease signifi cantly due to the glacial degradation.
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