Monitoring climate dynamics and cryospheric changes in Ugam Chatkal National Park, Uzbekistan: a remote sensing and GIS-based analysis

Ugam-Chatkal National Park, a vital ecological region in Uzbekistan, is undergoing significant climate-driven changes, particularly affecting its cryosphere and seasonal snow cover. These changes pose serious environmental challenges, impacting water resources, biodiversity, and ecosystem stability. This study employs remote sensing and GIS techniques to analyze the mean annual temperature dynamics, glacier melting intensity, and Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI) variations from 2000 to 2024. ERA5 reanalysis data was utilized to assess temperature trends and glacier melt intensity, while Landsat-8 imagery was employed for NDSI calculations, providing insights into seasonal snow cover fluctuations. The results reveal a noticeable warming trend, with a corresponding increase in glacier retreat and a decline in snow-covered areas. Notably, glaciers in the northern parts of Ugam-Chatkal have melted significantly over the past four years, with melting intensity increasing considerably each year. This accelerated glacier retreat directly correlates with rising temperatures and declining snow cover, emphasizing the vulnerability of the region’s high-altitude ecosystems. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of Google Earth Engine (GEE) as a powerful platform for large-scale environmental analysis, enabling rapid processing of multi-temporal satellite data. The use of GEE significantly reduces processing time, making it an efficient tool for climate impact assessments. These findings highlight the urgent need for enhanced conservation strategies and sustainable management approaches to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on Central Asia’s high-mountain ecosystems. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of climate-induced cryospheric changes and provides valuable insights for policymakers and environmental conservation initiatives.

Перевод пока недоступен