Black carbon effects and seasonal isotope records in the Godwin-Austen snowpack and K2 high-altitude camps

Abstract This study investigates black carbon (BC) concentrations in the seasonal snowpack on the Godwin-Austen Glacier and in surface snow at K2 Camps 1 and 2 (Karakoram Range), assessing their impact on snowmelt during the 2019 ablation season. Potential BC and moisture sources were identified through back-trajectory analysis and atmospheric reanalyses. Variations in water stable isotopes (δ 1 ⁸O and δ 2 H) in the snowpack were analysed to confirm its representativeness as a climatic record for the 2018–19 accumulation season. The average BC concentration in the snow pits (12 ng g −1 ) generated 66 mm w.e. (or 53 mm w.e. excluding the basal zone) of meltwater. Surface snow at K2 Camp 1 showed BC concentrations of 7 ng g −1 , consistent with those on the snowpack surface, suggesting it may reflect local BC levels in late February 2019. In contrast, higher concentrations at K2 Camp 2 (26 ng g −1 ) were potentially linked to expedition activities.