Climate change induces rapid growth of dead ice in Asian glaciers

Advances in Climate Change Research 2026 Open access

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Authors: Qiong Wang, Xin Wang, Keqin Duan, Shiyin Liu, Yongsheng Yin, Qiao Liu, Jinping He, Yong Zhang, Junfeng Wei, Zongli Jiang
DOI: 10.1016/j.accre.2026.06.008
Cited by: 0
References: 21

Abstract

Abstract Dead ice in High Mountain Asia (HMA) varies responsive to dramatic glacier loss, profoundly impacting alpine water cycle patterns. We find significant dead ice increase over this century, additional area exceeds 3,000 km2, with mass 44.3 ± 2.0 ~ 64.1 ± 5.2 Gt. Debris coverage dominates dead ice spatial pattern. Dead ice expansion would significantly alter spatio-temporal patterns of glacier ablation and impact water supply sustainability in World's Water Towers.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Cryospheric studies and observations Arctic and Antarctic ice dynamics Climate change and permafrost

Publication details

Journal / source
Advances in Climate Change Research
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
17
Issue
6
Pages
1277–1286
Publication date
23 June 2026
Language
EN