Ice cover phenology of two high-altitude lakes on the Slovak side of the Tatra Mts. (2016-2024)

The first multi-year examination of the phenological phases of lake ice cover in this area utilized a two-source method to address the constraints of this environment. Higher air temperatures impacted the reduction in ice cover duration, while its fluctuation and windiness influenced the occurrence of repeated freeze-thaw events, ultimately extending these periods. The extended duration of ice cover at higher elevation lake (CID +56 days,IP +75 days) can be attributed to later and prolonged break-ups (BUS +48 days, BUE +64 days, BUD +16 days). Studying these factors’ interaction with the lake’s characteristics (such as their morphology and the presenceof flow) and their surroundings (including topography) has enhanced our understanding of the dynamics of this crucial component of the high mountain cryosphere.