ESTIMATION OF THE VOLUME OF GROUND ICE IN THE TIEN SHAN MOUNTAINS
A.P. Gorbunov1, M.N. Zhelezniak2, E.V. Severskiy1
1 Kazakhstan Alpine Permafrost Laboratory, Melnikov Permafrost Institute, SB RAS, P/O box 138, Glavpochtamt, Almaty, 050000, Kazakhstan; permafrost.08@mail.ru
2 Melnikov Permafrost Institute, SB RAS, 36, Merzlotnaya str., Yakutsk, 677010, Russia; fe@mpi.ysn.ru
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. In 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 significantly due to glacial degradation.
Permafrost, ground ice, glacier, rock glacier, moraine