This dataset provides a nearly complete glacier mass change dataset from 2000 years ago, covering approximately 70% of the total glacier area in the study area. This comprehensive glacier inventory provides valuable insights into the spatial heterogeneity of glacier changes in the region. Grid based products, combined with published achievements, have constructed a quality balance record of nearly 50 years, which can be used for parameter calibration in hydrological and energy balance simulations, and to evaluate the contribution of mountain glacier melting to sea level rise.
From the 1970s to 2000, the overall mass balance value of the eastern Qinghai Tibet Plateau Tagla Prala region was -0.30 ± 0.12. Small glaciers exhibit the most significant negative mass changes. The glacier mass balance shows a significant latitude gradient, indicating that the mass loss in the southern region increases.
Compared to early topographic map products, this dataset achieves a more comprehensive analysis of glacier mass balance uncertainty by incorporating stable regional data, addressing the uncertainty of altitude measurement heteroscedasticity, and considering the previously overlooked uncertainty of long-range correlation in altitude measurement. In depth analysis reveals that the generation process of contour lines and the increase in uncertainty in steep slope areas are the main driving factors for quality budget uncertainty. These findings emphasize the need for rigorous assessment and mitigation of these sources of uncertainty when interpreting glacier mass balance estimates, especially in complex terrain areas.
1. A total of 718 historical topographic maps were used, including 142 maps with a scale of 1:50000 and 576 maps with a scale of 1:100000;
2. Adopt SRTM digital elevation model with a resolution of about 30 meters (unfilled cavity version);
3. KH-9 image;
4. ICESat-2 data.
Using a digital elevation model (DEM) derived from large-scale topographic maps based on aerial photogrammetry in the 1970s and 1980s, and comparing it with the Space Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) DEM, a comprehensive picture of glacier mass changes in the region is presented.
By systematically comparing the deduction results of Topo and KH-9 data, the accuracy level of this product is comparable to or even better than KH-9. But both have reliability issues in high-altitude areas. Nevertheless, the estimated overall mass balance based on Topo digital elevation model data remains consistent with the KH-9 results.
This work is licensed under
CC BY 4.0 (Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License).
10.11888/Cryos.tpdc.272884.
