Spatial distribution of mountain permafrost in northern Tien Shan, Central Asia

Abstract

To clarify the current state of mountain permafrost, we researched the distribution, classification, and movement of rock glaciers as an indicator of mountain permafrost in the Kyrgyz Ala-Too Range using field survey, GIS/RS techniques and aerial photograph interpretation. At the examined site, MAAT is -4.62 and MAGST is -1.47 on rock glacier (3500 m asl.) showing environment of mountain permafrost. The distribution of rock glaciers shows the discontinuous permafrost zones are located above 2800 m a.s.l. on the north part and above 3200 m on the south part of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too Range.