Slow Retreat of the Abramov Glacier
The Abramov Glacier in the Pamir-Alai mountains is one of the most picturesque and well-studied glaciers in the world. From 1967 to the 1990s, various very interesting studies were conducted on it. We are conducting our research in collaboration with the Central Asian Institute of Applied Earth Research. According to our observations, the melting of this glacier is occurring more slowly than in the Tian Shan mountains. However, opinions on this matter are divided. Based on satellite images, some researchers believe that the size of the glacier is not changing. We are conducting on-site research using methods developed by Soviet scientists.
The thickness of the Abramov Glacier ranges from 200 to 300 meters, making it a large glacier.
Its area, based on the deciphering of satellite and aerial images, topographic maps, published data, and field measurements, has decreased by 13.8% from 1850 to 2013. The average rate of area reduction over the entire period considered is about 0.02 km²/year. During the same period, the length of the glacier has decreased by 2950 m, with an average rate of about 18 m/year.
The thickness of the Abramov Glacier decreases by half a meter annually, considering the period since the 1970s.
The nature of the glacier is harsh. Even in summer, it snows. However, it is beautiful here in July-August when the alpine meadows are in bloom! Next to the eternal snows are "lawns" of delicate plants. This time is a paradise for marmots. Everywhere there is a grassy cover, their burrows are visible. During this time, the animals are fattening up to wait for the next summer in hibernation.
In the warm season, the glacier is always home to a "avalanche factory." Almost every day it produces dozens and hundreds of tons of ice and snow. After a "cannon shot" - the ice that has accumulated at the edge of the cliff cracks - the ice and snow mass crashes down with a roar from a two-hundred-meter rock ledge.
In October, blizzards and hurricanes already rage on the glacier.
