Spatiotemporal heterogeneity of snow cover in the central and western Karakoram Mountains based on a refined MODIS product during 2002–2018

Climate warming has a significant impact on the water cycle, especially in regions where supply is dominated by snow and glacier meltwater. In this study, spatiotemporal changes of snowpack Yarkant River Basin (YRB) west Upper Indus (WUIB), associated with Karakoram Mountains, were examined using Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) daily cloud-free cover product. A sensitivity analysis was carried out to explore climatic effects changes. From 2002 2018, overall slight (but non-significant) decreasing increasing trends extent observed basins, which occupy northern southern slopes central western respectively. both low-altitude areas experienced decrease extent, while high-altitude an increase. Significant elevation dependences found for percentage (SCP), covered days (SCD) melting dates (SCMD), inverse dependence onset (SCOD). Most study area showed trend SCD, delayed SCOD, advanced SCMD rate <2 d/a. An increased SCD at 5000–6000 m a.s.l. YRB 3000–4000 WUIB, attributed SCMD. Parts eastern Pamir lengthened against background temperature. This precipitation accumulation season, might be related Anomaly. Moreover, SCOD positively sensitive air temperature but negatively precipitation. Similarly, had positive precipitation, negative season snowmelt season.