Monitoring of Current changes of Glaciers and Glacierets in the Kuznetsky Alatau (According to Field Studies in August 2025)

Abstract

The results of field studies of glaciers in the Kuznetsky Alatau Mountains conducted in 2025 are presented. The dynamics of glaciers and the thermal regime of the mountain permafrost zone were studied. Digital elevation models and orthophotos were obtained for 16 glaciers and glacierets. Current trends in glacier degradation were identified, including area reduction, fragmentation (№ 79), and the complete disappearance of small glaciers (“Malysh”), while cirque glaciers № 85, 86, and 87 remain relatively stable. The monitoring network of ground thermal state was expanded using temperature loggers installed near the Nenastnaya weather station and in the upper parts of the ridges. The data obtained provides the basis for a new digital inventory of glaciers and for quantitative analysis of their degradation in the context of regional climate change.