On October 13, an international conference on climate change and water conservation was held in Dushanbe. Swiss researchers Thomas Sachs and Evan Miles presented the results of their expedition to the Pamirs. One of their key achievements was the extraction of a unique ice core from the glacier, which is now stored by the Ice Memory Foundation for future preservation.

 

First core sample from Pamir glaciers: what does this mean for science?

One of the most important results was the extraction of an ice core (ice sample, – ed.) from the Pamir Glacier, which was donated to the Ice Memory Foundation under the direction of Professor Thomas Stocker.

This core, which contains records of the region’s climate over millennia, will become an important tool for studying the impact of changes in the cryosphere on the climate and ecosystems of Central Asia.

Thomas Stocker emphasized the importance of this research. “Studying glaciers and their data is crucial for global understanding of climate change,” he noted.

“We plan to store these samples in specially equipped laboratories for detailed analysis,” Stoker added.

 

How did scientists measure glaciers in the Pamirs?

Scientists paid special attention to measuring ice volume in the Pamirs. Unlike traditional glacier length measurements, the researchers were able to estimate ice volume, providing a more complete picture of the state of the region’s cryosphere. 

To do this, scientists had to use helicopters, since many glaciers are located at altitudes of over 5,000 meters. 

During the expedition, eight glaciers were measured, which made it possible to create an accurate map of their condition and understand how they are changing in the context of global warming.

“We not only measured the length of the glaciers but also their volume. This allows us to more accurately estimate how much ice remains in the region,” noted Evan Miles.

 

Glacier depth helps us understand past and future climates 

One of the key stages of the work is measuring the temperature inside glaciers, which is important for understanding the thermodynamics of ice and its impact on climate. Research in this area will help scientists more accurately predict how temperature changes affect ice structure and behavior.

The most important stage of the work was drilling to a depth of over 100 meters, which allowed the extraction of an ice core dating back over 1,000 years. This core will be analyzed in laboratories, and scientists hope to obtain unique data on the past climate, which will help predict future changes.

 

Through snow and cold

Working in such extreme conditions was challenging. Temperatures reached minus 15 degrees Celsius, and the high mountainous terrain required special training. 

“The weather, the cold, and the logistical difficulties—these were real challenges. However, we were able to overcome them thanks to teamwork and international cooperation,” said Thomas Sachs. 

Delivering equipment and gear to altitudes above 5,000 meters was a significant challenge for the team. But transporting ice from the peaks of the Pamirs to Dushanbe posed a particular challenge.

Nevertheless, scientists are confident that the data obtained will be extremely useful for understanding climate change in Central Asia. 

 

Continuing research in the Pamirs: what happens next?

The expedition will continue and conclude in 2026. In the future, scientists plan to conduct additional drilling and collect new data to better understand how climate change is affecting the glaciers of the Pamirs and Central Asia as a whole.

“We’ll be working in this region for another two years. This will give us the opportunity to collect even more data and understand how climate change is affecting the region’s ecosystems,” noted Thomas Sachs.

 

The significance of the expedition for Central Asia 

or Tajikistan and other Central Asian countries, where glaciers play a key role in providing water resources, these studies are of particular importance.

The Pamir glaciers are a source of fresh water for many countries in the region, and their degradation could impact water supplies and lead to environmental disasters.

The data obtained will help in developing strategies for adaptation to climate change, as well as in creating early warning systems for natural disasters such as floods and the collapse of glacial lakes.

These studies are important not only for Tajikistan, but for the entire region, as they will help understand how the climate is changing in the highlands of Central Asia.

 

The Glacier Research Center is the research organizer. 

The event was organized by the State Scientific Institution “Center for Glacier Studies” of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan with the support of international organizations.

As Nazrialo Sheralizoda, Director of the Glacier Research Center, noted, the cryosphere plays a critical role in providing water resources to Central Asia, including Tajikistan.

“Glaciers are the primary source of fresh water for many countries in the region, especially in summer. However, with climate change, glaciers are becoming not only a source of water but also a potential source of natural disasters, such as floods, mudflows, and the collapse of glacial lakes.” 

“Global climate change is already causing significant changes in the mountainous regions of Central Asia, and Tajikistan is no exception. The region’s glaciers, particularly in the high Pamirs, are experiencing significant degradation, which directly impacts water supplies and increases the risk of natural disasters,” noted Nazrialo Sheralizoda. 

Google machine translated

https://www.asiaplustj.info/ru/news/tajikistan/security/20251016/zachem-lyod-s-pamira-otpravili-v-evropu