Spatiotemporal changes of typical glaciers and their responses to climate change in Xinjiang, Northwest China

Glaciers are highly sensitive to climate change and undergoing significant changes in mid-latitudes. In this study, we analyzed the spatiotemporal of typical glaciers their responses period 1990–2015 4 different mountainous sub-regions Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Northwest China: Bogda Peak Karlik Mountain Tianshan Mountains; Yinsugaiti Glacier sub-region Karakorum Youyi Altay Mountains. The standardized snow cover index (NDSI) correlation analysis were used reveal glacier area from 1990 2015. Glacial areas Peak, Mountain, Glacier, decreased by 57.7, 369.1, 170.4 km2, respectively. Analysis center gravity showed that quadrant moved towards origin. on south aspect was larger than north aspect, while other 3 those aspect. Increased precipitation inhibited retreat a certain extent. However, not increased precipitation. On seasonal time scale, mainly caused accumulated temperature wet season; an annual coefficient between average ?0.72 passed significance test at P<0.05 level sub-region. findings study can provide scientific basis for water resources management arid semi-arid regions China context global warming.