Tajikistan’s Yakarcha Glacier Rapidly Shrinking, New Study Finds

The Yakarcha Glacier, located on the Gissar Ridge in the upper reaches of the Varzob River in Tajikistan, has retreated by 3.5 to 4 meters over the past two years, according to findings from a recent international scientific expedition.

The research was conducted by the Glacier Research Center of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, in collaboration with Switzerland’s University of Fribourg, The Caspian Post informs via Tajik media.

During the expedition, scientists observed significant degradation of the glacier, describing it as being in a state of active melting. Particularly troubling was the near absence of permanent snow cover in the glacier’s accumulation zone - an area that traditionally stores snow and firn, which are crucial for maintaining the glacier's mass balance.

Experts emphasize that seasonal snow cover is essential for preserving glaciers and sustaining water resources across Central Asia. To monitor ongoing changes, researchers installed ablation stakes on the glacier surface to measure melt rates, and a thermistor was placed 15 meters deep to assess internal temperature dynamics. This data will be vital for analyzing the long-term impact of climate change on glacial structure.

In parallel, hydrological studies were conducted in the Maikhura River, which originates from the glacier. Preliminary results show that rising average air temperatures are accelerating glacier melt across the region, posing serious risks to ecosystems, agriculture, and freshwater supplies.

The study of the Yakarcha Glacier is part of a series of glaciological expeditions carried out under the GEF-UNDP-UNESCO-supported project. Research teams also examined the Zulmart Glacier in the Eastern Pamirs, Glacier No. 457 in the Gunt River basin, and the Nusai Glacier in the Obikhingov (Obikhingou) River basin.

These interdisciplinary expeditions included young researchers and women scientists, reflecting Tajikistan’s growing scientific capacity in glaciology and climate science. The teams conducted measurements of ablation and snow accumulation, recorded glacier runoff, installed smart monitoring equipment, and gathered meteorological data.

The findings from these expeditions will contribute to a deeper understanding of glacier dynamics in the face of global warming and inform regional adaptation strategies. As glaciers in Tajikistan continue shrinking, scientists stress the urgency of international cooperation, climate-resilient water management, and investment in environmental research to protect the region’s most vital natural resources.