the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
| 11 Mar 2026
Ice albedo and its relationship with light-absorbing impurities and weathering crust at Potanin Glacier, Mongolia
Abstract. The glacier ablation areas in the mid-latitude mountains have a dark surface due to abundant light-absorbing impurities (LAIs) (mineral dust, organic matter of microbial origin, black carbon). Conversely, the development of weathering crust on the bare ice surface increases the surface albedo. During the summers of 2022 to 2024, field observations were conducted on the Potanin Glacier in Mongolia. In this study, we defined the low-density surface layer within the weathering crust as the weathering granular ice layer. Here, we clarify the relationship between broad-band albedo (BB albedo), the thickness of surface granular ice, and LAI content within the granular ice layer. In situ measurements of the BB albedo showed a significant positive correlation with the thickness of the granular ice layer, but a relatively strong negative correlation with organic matter. It was also revealed that higher concentrations of LAIs inhibited the thickening of the weathering crust layer. Furthermore, the observed variability in correlation strength across different impurity concentrations, together with evidence from previous studies, suggests that mineral particles, whether exposed within the glacier or deposited onto the glacier surface from the atmosphere, support the growth of microorganisms living on the ice. The subsequent proliferation of these microorganisms and the production of humic-like substances are considered to increase surface adhesiveness, thereby facilitating the adsorption of black carbon.
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Status: open (until 06 Jun 2026)
- RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2026-631', Anonymous Referee #1, 24 Apr 2026 reply
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- 1
The surface albedo determines the amount of absorbed solar energy, which is a key factor in driving surface snow and ice melting. This study presents one of very few studies of ice albedo, a major gap of knowledge limiting our understanding of the glacier’s reactions to a warming world. In this study, the authors investigated the relationships between albedo and glacier surface conditions based on extensive field observations, including three major light-absorbing impurities (mineral dust, organic matter of microbial origin, black carbon) and granular ice thickness of the weathering crust on the bare ice surface. In particular, the relationship between the granular ice thickness of weathered crust and surface albedo as well as light-absorbing impurities may be the most noteworthy aspect of this study. Basically, results are based on measurements, and the interpretation is sound. Major and specific comments are as below.
This study primarily focuses on Ice albedo and its relationship with light-absorbing impurities and weathering crust. However, only Section 3.5 is closely aligned with the research theme, which appears somewhat insufficient. In contrast, Section 3.1 presents the characteristics of ice temperature and ice density of the glacial surface weathering crust. Although interesting, this content is only weakly related to the main theme of the study—unless it serves as a basis for determining the thickness of the weathering crust. If not, it is recommended to move this section to the Appendix. Furthermore, Section 3.6 discusses a large amount of content regarding the relationship between LAIs and GIT, which is also weakly connected to the main focus of the study and should be condensed. Alternatively, the title of this study could be revised to "Characteristics of the Glacier Surface Weathering Crust and Its Impact on Glacier Albedo."
In Figure 1, I suggest that authors add essential geographic information, including contour lines and latitude/longitude coordinates.
Line 155-160: When measuring broadband albedo, what is the observation height of the pyranometer, and approximately what ground area does it cover?
Line 421-422: “In both dark and clean surfaces, the albedo at the granular ice surface was lower than at the ice surface below the granular ice layer at λ> 850 nm.” This statement is inconsistent with Figure 6. Should it be λ < 850?
Line 485-486: “Table 1 summarizes the correlation coefficient between BB albedo and each LAI and WC thickness”, should it be Table 2? Similarly, Line 510-511: “Multiple regression analysis results with BB albedo as the objective variable and impurity and GIT as the explanatory variables are summarized in Table 2”, should it be Table 3?
Line 527: “BB albedo was obtained using equation (10), and RMSE was 0.08.” should it be equation (1)?
Line 515-516: the t-value is positive for MD in 2022 and the whole year from 2022 to 2024, please explain the possible reasons.