Relationship between Dynamics of Modern Glaciers of the Mt. Munkhkhairkhan (Mongolian Altai) and Climate
Otgonbayar Demberel,
Bayarmaa Munkhbat,
Batsuren Dorjsuren,
Terry V. Callaghan,
Bilguun Tsogoo,
Valery A. Zemtsov,
Otgontuya Shaarav,
Erdenechimeg Gongor,
Zolbayar Jargalsaikhan,
Nemekhbayar Ganhuyag,
Aldynay O. Khovalyg,
Sergey N. Kirpotin
Affiliations
Otgonbayar Demberel
Department of Geography and Geology, Branch School of National University of Mongolia, Khovd 164300, Mongolia
Bayarmaa Munkhbat
Department of Geography and Geology, Branch School of National University of Mongolia, Khovd 164300, Mongolia
Batsuren Dorjsuren
Department of Environment and Forest Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, National University of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar 210646, Mongolia
Terry V. Callaghan
School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
Bilguun Tsogoo
Department of Environment and Forest Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, National University of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar 210646, Mongolia
Valery A. Zemtsov
Department of Hydrology, Geology and Geography Faculty, Tomsk State University, Lenina Pr., 36, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
Otgontuya Shaarav
Department of Environment and Forest Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, National University of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar 210646, Mongolia
Erdenechimeg Gongor
Department of Medical Chemistry, Mongolian National University of Medical Science, Ulaanbaatar 14210, Mongolia
Zolbayar Jargalsaikhan
Department of Environment and Forest Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, National University of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar 210646, Mongolia
Nemekhbayar Ganhuyag
Department of Environment and Forest Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, National University of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar 210646, Mongolia
Aldynay O. Khovalyg
Research Organization Department, Tuvan State University 36, Lenina Street, 667000 Kyzyl, Russia
Sergey N. Kirpotin
Bio-Clim-Land Center of Excellence, Tomsk State University, Lenina Pr., 36, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
Mt. Munkhkhairkhan is the most crucial region for understanding climate and glaciation changes in Mongolia. This study investigated the relationship between glacial area changes and the climate elements of Mt. Munkhkhairkhan in the Mongolian-Altai Mountains using a remote sensing approach, in-situ observations, the Mann–Kendall (MK) test, Innovative Trend Analysis Method (ITAM), Sen’s slope estimator test, and statistical analysis. The study results showed that for the last 30 years, the annual average air temperature of Mt. Munkhkhairkhan has been slightly increasing. Total annual precipitation (mainly snow) in the mountain area decreased from 1990 to 2000, but since 2000, a significant increase in precipitation levels has appeared. For the last 30 years, the glacial area has decreased by 32% to 11.7 km2. Multiple regression results showed a strong correlation between Temperature, Precipitation, and Glaciers (Multiple R = 0.69, R2 = 0.48). Ruther indicated that Temperature (t = −2.332, p = 0.036) and Precipitation (t = −3.212, p = 0.007) were significant predictors in the model. Air temperature and precipitation explained 48 percent of the change in the glacier area, and R = 0.69 is a strong correlation. The glaciers and snow area in the study area have changed due to climate warming and precipitation changes and are located in arid and semi-arid regions of Central Asia. This study of Mt. Munkhairkhan shows that climate change significantly impacts glaciers and snow.
