A long-term mass-balance reconstruction (1974–2021) and a decadal in situ mass-balance record (2011–2021) of Rikha Samba Glacier, central Himalaya

Abstract Despite their importance for regional water resource planning and as indicators of climate change, records in situ glacier mass balance remain short spatially sparse the Himalaya. Here, we present an updated series mass-balance measurements from Rikha Samba Glacier, Nepal, between 2011 2021. The is −0.39 ± 0.32 m w.e. this period. We use energy-mass model to extend annual back 1974. forced using daily meteorological variables ERA5-Land reanalysis data that linearly bias-corrected observations automatic weather station situated near terminus. modeled consistent with measured 2011–2021 previous glaciological geodetic estimates. results indicate a −0.56 0.27 −1 over reconstruction period 1974–2021, which comparable losses experienced by other Himalayan glaciers during time. An assessment sensitivity forcing suggests change temperature ±1 K has stronger effect on calculated compared ±20% either precipitation, or relative humidity, solar radiation.