Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-3460
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-3460
26 Aug 2025
 | 26 Aug 2025

Brief Communication: Sensitivity analysis of peak water to ice thickness and temperature: A case study in the Western Kunlun Mountains of the Tibetan plateau

Lucille Gimenes, Romain Millan, Nicolas Champollion, and Jordi Bolibar

Abstract. This study investigates the sensitivity of peak water timing in the western Kunlun Mountains of the Tibetan Plateau. Using the Open Global Glacier Model, we analyze how variations in inverted ice volume and temperature bias under different climate scenarios affect peak water timing and magnitude. We compare two global ice thickness datasets, revealing substantial differences in the predicted peak water timing and magnitude. The results highlight that smaller initial ice volumes lead to earlier peak water occurrences, particularly under the SSP5-8.5 scenario. Temperature bias also significantly influences runoff magnitude and the timing of peak water, especially under high-emission scenarios. These findings underscore the importance of accurate ice thickness estimates and climate projections for predicting future water availability and informing water management strategies in glacier-dependent regions.

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Lucille Gimenes, Romain Millan, Nicolas Champollion, and Jordi Bolibar

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  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-3460', Anonymous Referee #1, 08 Sep 2025
    • RC3: 'Reply on RC1', Anonymous Referee #3, 06 Oct 2025
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-3460', Anonymous Referee #2, 12 Sep 2025
  • RC4: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-3460', Anonymous Referee #3, 06 Oct 2025
Lucille Gimenes, Romain Millan, Nicolas Champollion, and Jordi Bolibar
Lucille Gimenes, Romain Millan, Nicolas Champollion, and Jordi Bolibar

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Short summary
This study looks how changes in glacier thickness estimates and temperature affect when meltwater from glaciers in the western Kunlun Mountains will reach its peak. Using a global glacier model and two different datasets, we found that smaller glaciers and warmer temperatures cause peak meltwater to happen sooner. This is of interests since it affects future water supplies for people relying on glacier runoff, highlighting the need for accurate ice volume estimates.
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