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The impact of a gold mine on Sary-Tor glacier in Central Asia
The surface mass balance of a glacier is critical in determining its long-term evolution. This thesis will explore the effect that the activities of a gold-mine operating next to a glacier has on the glacier mass balance. The area of interest is located in Kyrgyzstan and the project will make use of both numerical modelling and data collected in situ.
Keywords: glaciology, glacier mass balance
The surface mass balance of a glacier is critical in the long-term evolution of a glacier, as it reflects the difference between the total sum of the accumulation (mass gain) and the ablation (mass loss). It is typically expressed in metres of water equivalent per year. When the surface mass balance is positive, the glacier has gained mass over the year, while a negative balance indicates a nett mass loss. One of the crucial elements in mass balance modelling is the albedo, being the reflectance of the surface. The albedo of the surface of a glacier can change over time because of natural and anthropogenic factors. The aim of this MSc is to analyse whether the Kumtor gold mine in Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia, might influence the mass balance of the surrounding glaciers. The hypothesis is that the mine, which extended last years in the direction of the glacier, produces dust which lowers the reflectance of the glacier surface and increases the melting rate. Taking this into account might be crucial in mass balance modelling.
The surface mass balance of a glacier is critical in the long-term evolution of a glacier, as it reflects the difference between the total sum of the accumulation (mass gain) and the ablation (mass loss). It is typically expressed in metres of water equivalent per year. When the surface mass balance is positive, the glacier has gained mass over the year, while a negative balance indicates a nett mass loss. One of the crucial elements in mass balance modelling is the albedo, being the reflectance of the surface. The albedo of the surface of a glacier can change over time because of natural and anthropogenic factors. The aim of this MSc is to analyse whether the Kumtor gold mine in Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia, might influence the mass balance of the surrounding glaciers. The hypothesis is that the mine, which extended last years in the direction of the glacier, produces dust which lowers the reflectance of the glacier surface and increases the melting rate. Taking this into account might be crucial in mass balance modelling.
In this MSc thesis you will apply a mass balance model for two glaciers in Kyrgyzstan (Central Asia), Bordu and Sary-Tor, between 2013 and 2024. You will make use of an (existing) mass balance model, drone data, satellite data (albedo) and temperature and precipitation measurements in the vicinity of the glaciers. The main goal is to analyse the (potential) role of the nearby Kumtor gold mine on the glacier’s mass balance. The preliminary steps of the thesis are:
- Getting familiar with the surface mass balance model
- Collecting all data (satellite, drone, meteorological)
- Model runs and evaluation
- Sensitivity analysis and role of dust
- Prognostic simulations taking into account the influence of the gold mine
In this MSc thesis you will apply a mass balance model for two glaciers in Kyrgyzstan (Central Asia), Bordu and Sary-Tor, between 2013 and 2024. You will make use of an (existing) mass balance model, drone data, satellite data (albedo) and temperature and precipitation measurements in the vicinity of the glaciers. The main goal is to analyse the (potential) role of the nearby Kumtor gold mine on the glacier’s mass balance. The preliminary steps of the thesis are: - Getting familiar with the surface mass balance model - Collecting all data (satellite, drone, meteorological) - Model runs and evaluation - Sensitivity analysis and role of dust - Prognostic simulations taking into account the influence of the gold mine
For further information please contact Dr. Lander van Tricht (vantricht@vaw.baug.ethz.ch) or Prof. Dr. Daniel Farinotti (daniel.farinotti@ethz.ch)
For further information please contact Dr. Lander van Tricht (vantricht@vaw.baug.ethz.ch) or Prof. Dr. Daniel Farinotti (daniel.farinotti@ethz.ch)