Dust from India's Thar Desert Impacting Tibetan Plateau Glaciers

• 12 Oct 2023

A recent study highlights the significant impact of dust originating from India's Thar Desert on the glaciers of the Tibetan Plateau.

Key Points

• Dust's Impact on Glaciers: Dust settling on glacier surfaces reduces their albedo, which is the fraction of light reflected by the surface.
• This phenomenon increases the absorption of solar radiation, having significant consequences for glacier melting and, consequently, global climate change.
• Identifying Dust Sources: Accurate identification of the sources of glacial dust on the Tibetan Plateau is crucial for understanding glacial dynamics and regional atmospheric conditions.
• Prominent Dust Sources: The study revealed that glacial dust primarily originates from surface soils on the Tibetan Plateau, the Thar Desert in India, the Qaidam Basin, and the Taklimakan Desert in China.
• The Taklimakan Desert and Thar Desert were identified as the most significant dust sources.
• Regional Impact: The research highlighted that central and southern glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau are notably affected by dust from the Thar Desert and Taklimakan Desert.
• This influence is primarily due to the area's terrain and westerly winds.
• Thar Desert Contribution: Dust from the Thar Desert in India, lifted by updrafts from northwest India, is transported by westerly winds, playing a crucial role in impacting the southern glaciers of the Tibetan Plateau.
• Research's Implications: The study's findings have valuable implications for analyzing glacier characteristics and reconstructing climate data.