Geodetic mass balance of Abramov Glacier from 1975 to 2015

Abstract Multi-decadal mass loss estimates are available for few glaciers of Central Asia. On Abramov Glacier (Pamir-Alay, Kyrgyzstan), comprehensive long-term glaciological measurements have been carried out from 1968 to 1999 and re-initiated in 2011. A climatological interpretation this benchmark glacier Asia requires bridging the gap between historical renewed measurements. This is achieved here by computing geodetic balance 1975 2015 using previously unreleased Soviet aerial imagery Pléaides stereo-imagery. During 1975–2015, lost 2.2 km 2 (8.2%) its area. The mean annual thickness change was ? 0.43 ± 0.14 m a ?1 period corresponding volume 0.45 0.15 3 . average specific amounts 0.38 0.12 w e 1975–2015 lies within range mass-balance that were published disparate shorter time intervals since 1968. study covers much longer than earlier demonstrates capacity geodetically constrain at high spatial resolution historic Structure Motion techniques. Therefore, it could serve as future studies regional change.