High-resolution TLS surveys

This system reveals the representativeness limitations of stake networks in geometrically complex glacier termini and quantifies unmonitored mass loss through high-resolution surveys.

Xue, Yuang · Shichang, Kang · He, Xiaobo · Wang, Shaoyong · Xu, Qiangqiang · Lele, Wei · Hong, Xiaofeng · Ding, Yongjian

Advances in Climate Change Research 2026

Specifications

Mass loss rate on Da Dongkemadi

{'zh': '-0.679', 'en': '-0.679'} m w.e. per year

Mass loss rate on Xiao Dongkemadi

{'zh': '-0.599', 'en': '-0.599'} m w.e. per year

Cumulative bias

{'zh': '1.88', 'en': '1.88'} m w.e.

Advantages

Quantifies stake network bias

TLS reveals spatially persistent ablation hotspots on the clean glacier surface that stake networks systematically underrepresent.

Captures divergent branch behavior

After 2021, thinning on Da Dongkemadi decelerated, whereas the steeper Xiao Dongkemadi accelerated, reaching an extreme in 2022/2023 when the ELA rose above the branch's maximum elevation.

Reduces monitoring artifacts

Periodic high-resolution geodetic surveys can compensate for sparse stake networks, thereby reducing monitoring artifacts.

Applications

• Glacier mass balance：Provides spatially continuous mass balance data beyond stakes, enabling cross-validation of traditional measurements.
• Geodetic monitoring：Uses high-resolution TLS to capture detailed elevation changes near glacier termini, compensating for sparse stake coverage.
• Climate change research：Provides more accurate glacier mass loss estimates, refining calculations of regional water contributions.
• Cryosphere science：Reveals ablation heterogeneity in complex glacier terminus terrain, deepening understanding of ice surface processes.