The First Inventory of Rock Glaciers in the Zhetysu Alatau: The Aksu and Lepsy River Basins

While rock glaciers (RGs) are widespread in the Zhetysu Alatau mountain range of Tien Shan (Kazakhstan), they have not yet been systematically investigated. In this study, we present first glacier inventory region containing 256 with quantitative information about their locations, geomorphic parameters, and downslope velocities, as established using a method that combines SAR interferometry optical images from Google Earth. Our shows most RGs talus-derived (61%). The maximum velocity active (ARGs) was 252 mm yr−1. average lower height part 3036 m above sea level (ASL). largest area located between 2800 3400 ASL covered almost 86% total area. Most had northern (northern, northeastern, northwestern) orientation, which indicated important role solar insolation formation preservation.