Advances in Earth Science

   

Simulation of Ice Thickness Distribution and Volume Change Estimation for Qiangtang No. 2 Glacier by Integrating the OGGM Model with Ground-Penetrating Radar Data

Cui Tianrui1,2, Liang Pengbin2*, Zhang Lele1, Tian Lide3,Gao Yongpeng3, Mu Jianxin4#br#   

  1. (1. College of Geographical Science, Qinghai Normal University, Xining 810008, China; 2. School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Qinghai Institute of Technology, Xining 810016, China;3. Institute of International Rivers and Eco-Security, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500,China; 4. Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science and Frozen Soil Engineering, Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China)
  • Published:2026-03-01
  • About author:Cui Tianrui, research areas include cryospheric dynamics and climate effects. E-mail: Trevglacier@163.com
  • Supported by:
    Project supported by the Top-notch Talent of the Qinghai Province ‘Kunlun Talent. High-end Innovation and Entrepreneurship Talent’ Program (Grant No. 2023-QLGKLYCZX-001).

Cui Tianrui, Liang Pengbin, Zhang Lele, Tian Lide, Gao Yongpeng, Mu Jianxin. Simulation of Ice Thickness Distribution and Volume Change Estimation for Qiangtang No. 2 Glacier by Integrating the OGGM Model with Ground-Penetrating Radar Data[J]. Advances in Earth Science, DOI: 10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2026.020.

Abstract: Glacier thickness is a fundamental parameter for evaluating glacier dynamics and predicting their future evolution under climate forcing. It is also a key indicator for determining regional water resource supply and maintaining ecosystem stability. As a core region of the Qinghai – Tibet Plateau and an important component of the “Asian Water Tower,” the Qiangtang Plateau plays a crucial role in regional hydrology and ecological security. Changes in glacier storage in this region have significant implications for water resource availability and environmental stability. In this study, we integrated Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) observations with the Open Global Glacier Model (OGGM) to reconstruct the spatial distribution of ice thickness for Qiangtang Glacier No. 2 and to estimate its total ice volume. Furthermore, future glacier evolution from 2020 to 2100 was projected using climate forcing data from three Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios of CMIP6. The GPR measurements revealed an average ice thickness of 107.1 m at the survey points, with a maximum thickness of 161.1 m at an elevation of 5 621.9 m. Building upon these observations, the OGGM simulation yielded an average glacier thickness of 87.7 m and an ice volume of approximately 0.331 km3. Comparative analysis showed a high correlation (0.9702) between the modeled and GPR-measured thicknesses, with a mean error of 3.2 m and a root mean square error of 18.52 m, indicating that OGGM performed with the highest accuracy among the models evaluated for this glacier. Future projections under the SSP1-2.6, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5 scenarios consistently indicate a sustained and pronounced retreat of the glacier. Mass thinning predominates through 2050, followed by significant area loss toward 2100. The SSP5-8.5 scenario shows the fastest decline, with the glacier effectively melting away by 2070. Under SSP3-7.0, retreat starts slowly but accelerates, resulting in losses of 97.9% in area and 98.7% in volume by 2100. Notably, even the low-forcing SSP1-2.6 scenario predicts a 73.3% area loss and a 96.7% volume reduction by 2100. The findings of this study provide a scientific basis for evaluating glacier water resource changes on the Qiangtang Plateau and contribute to improving the understanding of the evolution processes and climate responses of extreme-glaciers.
No related articles found!
Viewed
Full text


Abstract