Collapse Funnels on the Bolshoy Azau Glacier (as of 2025)

I. I. Lavrentiev; A. A. Abramov; T. D. Kiseleva

doi:10.7868/S2412376526010143

Collapse Funnels on the Bolshoy Azau Glacier (as of 2025)

I. I. Lavrentiev, A. A. Abramov, T. D. Kiseleva

https://doi.org/10.7868/S2412376526010143

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Abstract

This study analyzes the evolution of funnel-shaped depressions on the surface of the Bolshoy Azau Glacier on the Elbrus. The formation of these features is attributed to deformation of the ice body above subglacial cavities, driven by the ongoing degradation of the glacier. Systematic monitoring began in 2022; by 2025 one of the depressions had deepened to the glacier bed. The paper presents results of ground-penetrating radar survey and morphometric analyses of digital elevation models derived from aerial photogrammetry, satellite imagery, and UAV data.

Keywords

Elbrus, glacier, Bolshoy Azau, degradation, funnel, radio-echo sounding, morphometry,

About the Authors

I. I. Lavrentiev

Institute of Geography, Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation
Moscow

A. A. Abramov

Institute of Geography, Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation
Moscow

T. D. Kiseleva

Institute of Geography, Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation
Moscow

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Supplementary files

For citation: Lavrentiev I.I., Abramov A.A., Kiseleva T.D. Collapse Funnels on the Bolshoy Azau Glacier (as of 2025). Ice and Snow. 2026;66(1):203-208. https://doi.org/10.7868/S2412376526010143

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ISSN 2076-6734 (Print)
ISSN 2412-3765 (Online)

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