History of Alibek Glacier based on Earth remote sensing images, bioindication and cosmogenic isopotes (14С and 10Be)

Abstract

In this article we present the reconstruction of fluctuations of Alibek valley glacier situated in the Teberda valley, Western Caucasus. The former positions of glacier of the past 120 years were reconstructed basing on the old photographs of 1904, 1921, remote sensing data of 1955, 1987, 2007, 2008 and 2012, plans created in 20th century. Since the middle of 20th century Alibek Glacier decreased by 650 m in length and by 0,67 km2 in area and its tongue has risen by 110 m.

Keywords

• caucasus
• dendrochronology
• earth remote sensing
• glacier fluctuations
• lichenometry