The recent evolution of Liligo glacier, Karakoram, Pakistan,and its present quiescent phase

Abstract

Abstract Liligo glacier, in the central eastern Karakoram, Pakistan, is a small, south-to-north-flowing glacier situated in a transverse valley on the left (south) side of Baltoro glacier. New processing of satellite imagery enables a better quantification of terminus oscillations over the past 30 years. From the beginning of the 1970s to the beginning of the 21st century, Liligo glacier advanced about 2 km (60ma –1 ). The progress was characterized by a significant evolution of terminus morphology, similar to that observed on the same glacier during the advance event near the beginning of the 20th century, and to those of many other Karakoram glaciers. This suggests indications of a surge-type mechanism. Field observations performed in 2004 indicated there was probably no confluence at that time between Liligo and Baltoro glaciers and that a quiescent phase had started in the early years of the 21st century.