Glaciation, snow cover and runoff formation in the Gunt River basin analyzed using the remote sensing data.

In our study, we focused on the Panj River basin, located in the Eastern Pamirs, a region characterized by extreme climatic conditions, low air temperatures, minimal precipitation, extensive permafrost, seasonal snow cover and graciarization. The Panj River, one of Tajikistan's primary rivers, is a left tributary of the Amu Darya, formed by the confluence of the Vakhandarya and Pamir rivers. Its estuary lies in southeastern Tajikistan.

In Panj river, the seasonal snow reserves significantly influence the timing of snow and glacier melt and determines water availability in the region. In years with minimal snow accumulation, snow cover melts out by early July, with glacier melt beginning shortly thereafter. In contrast, during average snowy years, snow cover melts in the latter half of July, followed by glacial melt approximately 10 days later. During dry winters and low-water years, glacial runoff partially compensates for reduced river flow during the flood season.

To study the runoff formation and temporal contribution to Gunt River, we employed both observational methods (e.g., topographic maps and catalogs) as well as digital techniques using remote sensing data from Landsat and MODIS satellite programs. The MODSNOW-Tool program, which analyzes MODIS snow cover area data and can be used for hydrological forecasting purposes, was used in determining snow cover melt and the onset of glacier melt dates. This enabled precise calculations of snow and glacial runoff in the Gunt River Basin. Additionally, MODIS snow cover data was utilized to forecast water availability during the flood season, providing critical early warnings to water management organizations and emergency services across Central Asia and beyond.

With this presentation we would like to demonstrate achieved results and potentially disseminate scientific outcome to be used by other research communities or decision makers.