Characterization of Three Surges of the Kyagar Glacier, Karakoram

Glaciers experience periodic variations in flow velocity called surges, each of which influences the glacier’s characteristics and occurrence downstream disasters (e.g., ice-dammed lake outburst floods). The Karakoram region contains many surging glaciers, yet there are few comprehensive studies multiple surge cycles. In this work, Landsat, topographic map, Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), TerraSAR-X/TanDEM-X, ITS_LIVE, Sentinel-1 glacier data were used to systematically analyze Kyagar Glacier since 1970s. Three events identified, with active phases 1975–1978, 1995–1997, 2014–2016. timing these surges was similar, a cycle 19–20 years, an phase 3–4 quiescent 16–17 years. During phase, large amount ice accumulates lower part accumulation zone, terminal tongue thins significantly. According most recent event (2014–2016), accelerated suddenly reached maximum 2 ± 0.08 m d−1. Then, thickened sharply, reservoir zone thinned by 12 0.2 m, receiving 28 m. may have entered after July 2016. causes material transfer from upstream downstream, forming dam creating conditions for glacial flood (GLOF). At termination subglacial drainage channel became effective, triggering GLOF. For period ablation intensifies GLOF repeats constantly. One caused 7–8 GLOFs, then continuous reduction elevation. Eventually, disappeared, no longer continued before next glacier-surging event.