Assessing Snow and Firn Dynamics in Georgian Glaciers Using Local Data and Modeling

Mountain glaciers play a crucial role in regulating water resources and are highly sensitive to climatic shifts. In this study, we applied and tailored the snow-firn dynamics model by Banfi and De Michele (2021) to analyze the snowpack and firn characteristics of Georgian glaciers. Meteorological data from a station (Shovi) near the Buba Glacier, located in the Racha region of Georgia in the Caucasus, were utilized. The model integrates snow and firn processes through mass balance, densification, and melt dynamics, allowing for detailed simulations of seasonal and interannual variability. By incorporating site-specific variables such as precipitation, temperature, snow cover, and wind speed, we simulated snow accumulation, firn densification, and melt processes. The model's performance was evaluated under local conditions, demonstrating its capability to replicate
seasonal variations in snow retention and density distribution. Using the Python programming language, our analysis highlights the critical role of wind-driven erosion and seasonal temperature thresholds in shaping snow-firn transitions. These findings offer valuable insights into the dynamics of Georgian glaciers, particularly in this highly active region characterized by numerous glaciers, substantial precipitation, and glacier-related
disasters. This work contributes to advancing glacier monitoring and informing regional climate impact assessments.