Glacier-Atmosphere Interactions and Feedbacks in High-Mountain Regions - A Review

Abstract

Mountain glaciers are among the natural systems most vulnerable to climate change. However, their interactions with the atmosphere are complex and not fully understood. These interactions can trigger rapid adjustments and climate feedbacks that either amplify or attenuate atmospheric signals, influencing both glacier response and large-scale atmospheric circulation. Observing this functional coupling in nature is challenging because the key processes occur over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. However, recent advances in observational techniques and modeling have provided new insights into these interactions. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge on glacier-atmosphere interactions in high-mountain regions at different scales, and highlight recent advances in observational and numerical modeling. We also highlight important knowledge gaps and outline future research directions to improve the prediction of glacier change in a warming world.