The distribution characteristics of rock glaciers in the Gaizi River Basin, China

Due global warming, rock glaciers were increased after the glaciers retreated rapidly. Rock glaciers, as an important indicators of mountain permafrost, play a critical role in mountain hydrology. The Gaizi River Basin, located in Pamir plateau and even has the Muztag-Ata (7,509m) and Gongger (7,719m) massifs. Comprehensive studies on distribution characterizations of rock glaciers in this region are currently in the incipient stages. Using Chinese high spatial resolution GF-2 Satellite images and Google Earth, a total of 56 rock glaciers were identified. Their spatial distribution and relationship with local factors were studied. Following the guidelines of the International Permafrost Association, out of the 56 rock glaciers, 9 are glacier-connected, 16 are glacier-forefield connected, 19 are talus-connected, and 12 are debris-mantled slope-connected. The rock glaciers are situated at slopes of 12゜–37゜ and elevations between 3380 m and 5320 m a.s.l. and predominantly facing north, northwest, or northeast (54.5 %). The average annual precipitation ranges from 26 mm to 350 mm and annual air temperature of the rock glaciers ranges from -13.5 ^。C to 3.9 ^。C. The rock glaciers can be used to quantify water storages and investigate the extent of permafrost and therefore carry significance in study their response to climate change.