Insights into a remote cryosphere: a multi-method approach to assess permafrost occurrence at the Qugaqie basin, western Nyainqêntanglha Range, Tibetan Plateau

Abstract. Permafrost as a climate-sensitive parameter and its occurrence distribution play an important role in the observation of global warming. However, field-based permafrost data information on subsurface ice content large area southern mountainous Tibetan Plateau (TP) are very sparse. Existing models based boreholes remote sensing approaches suggest probabilities for most mountain ranges. Field to validate generally lacking because access regions extreme altitudes is limited. The study provides geomorphological geophysical field from north-orientated high-altitude catchment western Nyainqêntanglha Range. A multi-method approach combines (A) mapping, (B) electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) identify (C) interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) analysis derive multi-annual creeping rates. combination resulting allows assessment lower range 5350 5500 m above sea level (a.s.l.) Qugaqie basin. Periglacial landforms such rock glaciers protalus ramparts located periglacial zone 5300–5600 a.s.l. altitudinal landform supported by ERT detecting ice-rich glacier at lenses around (5450 a.s.l.). highest multiannual rates up 150 mm yr?1 typically observed these glaciers. This closes gap unknown state features potential high-elevated basin Range (Tibetan Plateau).