Dynamic changes of typical glacier-fed lakes in different climatic zones around the world from 1995 to 2015

Based on Landsat images captured in 1995, 2005 and 2015, a study was conducted in this paper on the typical glacier-fed lakes located in different climatic zones globally for their area, quantity and response to climate change, with the assistance of RS (Remote Sensing) and GIS(Geographic Information System). The results showed that:① The area of globally typical glacier-fed lakes increased by 2.32%, but the number of them declined by 2.26% during the period from 1995 to 2015. The area of small (< 1 km²) and great lakes(>50 km²) showed the most significant changes, while those medium-size lakes(1-50 km²) were shown to be relatively stable, with the area and number of glacier-fed lakes changing at a faster pace than in the period from 2005 to 2015.② The area and number of glacier-fed lakes in tropical, subtropical and temperate zones exhibited an increasing trend from 1995 to 2015. Particularly, the glacier-fed lakes in tropical zone showed the most significant change as the area covered by them increased by 20.62% and the number of them rose 25.32%. By contrast, the area and number of glacier-fed lakes in subfrigid zone and frigid zone exhibited a decreasing trend. More specifically, the glacier-fed lakes in frigid zone showed the most evident change as the area and number of glacier-fed lakes in frigid zone was reduced by 11.3% and 18.97%, respectively. This paper provides basis and reference for subsequtial studies on the changes to glacier-fed lakes and the influencing factors for these changes.