The Influence Of Climate Changes On Glaciers

Glaciers are very sensitive to climate change, as even minor climate changes may cause changes in glacier physical parameters [1]. However, debris cover on a glacier’s surface influences the glacier terminus dynamics and thereby modifies the glacier`s response to climate change [2]. Experimental and short-period (ablation season) studies concluded that a thick debris cover reduces glacier ablation because less heat energy is transferred through the debris to the underlying glacier ice, whereas a thin debris layer increases glacier melt underneath because the debris absorbs more solar energy due to its lower albedo than the glacier ice surface [3]-[8]. Therefore, mapping and monitoring debris-covered glaciers` change can be useful for assessing