The Sawir Mountains, an independent mountain system between Tianshan and Altai Mountains, are experiencing accelerated glacier retreat due to global warming, which poses challenges for water resource management and disaster prevention in this area. Therefore, understanding the changes in the Sawir Mountain glaciers and their impact on water resources is crucial for the rational utilization of regional water resources and ecological environment construction. 

A research team led by Prof. WANG Puyu from the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) analyzed data from three model calibration strategies, to accurately determine the glacier mass balance in the Sawir Mountains, providing updated insights into the contribution of glacial meltwater runoff to regional water resources.   

The related findings were published in Science of the Total Environment on Jun. 8.   

The research team used a combination of model simulations, satellite remote sensing technology and field observations, to systematically analyze the variation of glacier albedo and its relationship with glacier ablation in the Sawir Mountains, and successfully reconstructed the glacier mass balance sequence in this area. 

The results showed that the albedo of the Sawir Mountains glacier decreased significantly at a rate of 0.015 per year from 2000 to 2020, which means that the glacier’s ability to absorb solar radiation has increased, thus accelerating the process of glacial melting.  

Meanwhile, three model calibration strategies showed the annual mass balance of glaciers in this area is -1.01 meters water equivalent, indicating that the glaciers are experiencing continuous material loss.   

Additionally, the study revealed the significant contribution of glacier meltwater to regional river runoff. During the same period, the annual glacial meltwater runoff in the Sawir Mountains reached 22×10⁶ m³, accounting for about 25.81% of the total river runoff.  

“This study not only provides important data support for understanding the changes of the Sawir Mountain glaciers, but also provides scientific basis for regional water resources management and ecological environmental protection,” said Prof. WANG.   

Contact:    

WANG Puyu    

E-mail: wangpuyu@lzb.ac.cn