Influence of Meteorological Conditions on Artificial Ice Reservoir (Icestupa) Evolution

Since 2014, mountain communities in Ladakh, India have been constructing dozens of Artificial Ice Reservoirs (AIRs) by spraying water through fountain systems every winter. The meltwater from these structures is crucial to meet irrigation demands during spring. However, there a large variability associated with this supply due the local weather influences at chosen location. This study compared ice volume evolution an AIR built two others Guttannen, Switzerland using surface energy balance model. Model input consisted meteorological data conjunction discharge rate (mass AIR). calibration and validation were completed area measurements taken several drone surveys. model was successful estimating observed root mean square error within 18 % maximum for all AIRs. location Ladakh had four times larger Guttannen site. corresponding losses AIRs more than three-quarters total high wastewater. Drier colder locations relatively cloud-free regions are expected produce long-lasting higher volumes. promising result dry regions, where technology could provide affordable sustainable strategy mitigate climate change induced stress.