Research on ice reserves in stone glaciers
On September 4, 2023, results were announced from a study conducted by scientists at the University of Utah, who assessed ice reserves in stone glaciers using gravimetric measurements and 3D modeling. The research, conducted near Mount Timpanogos, revealed an average ice thickness of about 18.8 meters and a total ice volume of approximately 1.5 million cubic meters. According to calculations, about 1 billion tons of ice may be stored in 836 stone glaciers in the state of Utah.
Methods and results of the study
To assess the ice reserves, scientists employed a new approach that included gravimetric measurements. Instead of traditional ground-penetrating radar, a gravimeter was used—a device that detects changes in gravitational force. In 2024, the team conducted 232 measurements at various points on the Timpanogos glacier. The study showed that approximately 83% of the glacier's volume is ice, while 17% consists of rock debris. The mass of ice in the Timpanogos glacier is about 1.4 million tons, equivalent to the volume of the Great Pyramid of Giza or approximately 600 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
According to estimates, the total volume of ice in stone glaciers in the western part of the United States is nearly 12 billion tons, while the global ice reserves in stone glaciers are estimated to be around 48 billion tons. Scientists also note that stone glaciers may become unstable during warming, posing risks to infrastructure. After completing the study, the scientists developed a methodology for estimating ice reserves in other stone glaciers based on their surface area.
These research results underscore the importance of stone glaciers as critically important natural resources that impact ecosystems and climate.
In the context of global warming, knowledge about ice reserves and their dynamics becomes particularly relevant for planning management strategies and protecting infrastructure. The development of new methods for assessing ice reserves may pave the way for further research in this field and help study climate change in other regions of the world.