ИСТИНА

Several mass balance studies indicate that glacier mass loss in certain areas of Central Asia is low compared to global average. However, the reasons for such a behaviour are still unresolved and uncertainties especially for the accumulation zones are high. In-situ measurements of mass balance and detailed observations from the accumulation zones may contribute to a better understanding of the relevant processes and allow for the detection of possible changes, which are currently not known. Here, we focus on two glaciers located in Kyrgyzstan: Gregoriev Ice cap located in the Inner Tien Shan and Abramov Glacier situated in the Pamir Alay. Abramov glacier is located close to regions of low glacier mass loss. On both glaciers, firn properties were investigated in the past. Additionally, mass balance measurements and meteorological data from nearby weather stations are available. During a recent field campaign, we drilled several shallow firn cores on Abramov glacier and Gregoriev ice cap. Furthermore, we installed thermistor chains and performed GPR measurements. Data from these recent campaigns are compared to historic data. First results indicate altered firn properties and changing processes within the accumulation area of both glaciers.