Monitoring the Surface Elevation Changes of a Monsoon Temperate Glacier with Repeated UAV Surveys, Mainri Mountains, China

Due to the deep valleys, steep mountains and influence of Indian monsoon on Mainri Mountains (Yunnan Province, China), it is difficult estimate glacier change from microwave optical remote sensing. To bridge gap between low-quality space-borne sensing scarce in situ measurements, airborne sensing, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), may provide a remarkable opportunity monitor with high-quality tools. determine temperate change, three UAV surveys were conducted Melang Glacier November 2019, April 2020 2020. Then, surface elevation changes estimated orthophotos DSMs. High accumulation high ablation (+10.5 m −13.5 m) observed period period, mean −3.0 surveyed area 2019 The avalanche, debris cover, ice cliffs proglacial lake resulted heterogeneous pattern changes. Given that more sensitive temperature, have experienced substantial recession mass loss past few decades. This study provides appropriate approach for monitoring Mountains.