MONITORING GLACIER DISPLACEMENT IN BARKRAK, UZBEKISTAN USING SENTINEL-1 INSAR FROM 2017 TO 2023

Glaciers in Central Asia are critical freshwater sources and indicators of climate change, yet detailed monitoring in Uzbekistan remains limited. Here we analyze seven years (2017–2023) of Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar data using InSAR processing in SNAP to assess glacier displacement and retreat in the Barkrak region of the Pskem range. Our results reveal significant glacier thinning and retreat, particularly at lower elevations, with surface displacement reductions up to 0.8 meters, indicating ongoing ice mass loss consistent with regional warming. These findings corroborate previous studies of glacier shrinkage in the Tian Shan and Pamir mountains and highlight the vulnerability of Uzbekistan's water resources to climate-driven glacier changes. Continuous SAR-based monitoring offers valuable insights for managing water security and developing climate adaptation policies in Central Asia.