The eastern limit of ‘Kunlun-Pamir-Karakoram Anomaly’ reflected by changes in glacier area and surface elevation

Abstract Under global warming, many glaciers worldwide are receding. However, recent studies have suggested the extension of Karakoram Anomaly, a region anomalous glacier mass gain, into western Kunlun and eastern Pamir mountains. limit this anomaly in Mountains is unclear. This study, using changes area surface elevation, estimates Kunlun-Pamir-Karakoram at ~85°E. Over past 50 years, west 85°E decreased from 8401 to 7945 km 2 rate −0.12 ± 0.07% −1 , showed reduction retreat through time recently gained mass, with elevation 0.15 0.35 m over period 2000–2013. Glaciers east experienced greater rates change (−61 12 −0.43 0.13% ) accelerated loss years −0.51 0.18 between 2000 2013. These patterns consistent regional increases summer temperature slight cooling Mountains.