MASS BALANCE MODELING OF THE BARKRAK GLACIER

The article is devoted to the study of the mass balance dynamics of the Barkrak Glacier, located in the Western Tien Shan mountain system. To determine annual and seasonal balances, evaluate the relationship between field observation results and modeling outcomes, and assess their impact on regional water resources, a combination of direct glaciological measurements and a degree-day model was employed. The results revealed a persistent negative mass balance of the glacier. These findings confirm that changes in glacier mass balance in the region are primarily associated with variations in air temperature. The study demonstrates the importance of establishing field observations and applying modeling approaches for glacier monitoring in data-scarce conditions, and emphasizes the necessity of incorporating glacier research into water resource management policies in Uzbekistan.