Recession of the ice cap on Mount Ağrı (Ararat), Turkey, from 1976 to 2011 and its climatic significance

Glacier recession reports in response to sustained climatic warming are widespread. However, little information exists on glacier behaviors from the Middle East where a few ice bodies still exist. Here, an ice cap retreat from Mount Ağrı (also known as Ararat, 39.70°N, 44.30°E, 5137 m), Turkey, based on satellite measurements since 1976 were given. The results show that the ice cap has lost 29% of its surface area at a rate of −0.07 km2 a−1. The long-term atmospheric warming trend observed at the nearby meteorological stations is consistent with this shrinking trend.

► Remote sensing assessment of the Mount Ağrı Ice Cap between 1976 and 2011 was reported. ► The ice cap has lost 29% of its surface area at a rate of −0.07 km2 per year. ► Warming trend at nearby weather stations is consistent with this shrinking trend.