Numerical simulation of recent shrinkage of Khumbu Glacier, Nepal Himalayas

A new model for coupled mass balance and flow of a debris-covered glacier was developed to account for the effects of supraglacial debris on glacier evolution. The model is reasonably consistent with observations of recent shrinkage of the ablation area of Khumbu Glacier, Nepal Himalayas from 1978 to 1999. The model predicts formation and succeeding enlargement of a depression in the lower ablation area. This depression could result in the formation of a glacial lake. Potential improvements to the model for a debris-covered glacier are identified.

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