Application of historical data and modern space images for estimation of glacier size changes in the Altai
The received results testify that in second half of XX century glaciers of Altai continued to be reduced. The data of the USSR Glacier Inventory allow to execute a quantitative estimation of the occurred changes for the Altai region. The range of changes is wide enough - from 5 up to 29,6 % as this size depends on features of a concrete glacier - sizes, structures, expositions, etc. In view of the errors caused by the initial data and a method of their processing, the average reduction of glaciers at the studied territory for 1952-2004 equals 19,7 %. The executed work has allowed receiving the information on a spatial position of glacier borders for the fixed date. These data, as contours of glacier borders in cartographical projection UTM WGS 84, can be used as a basis for monitoring the glacier changes. Further, it will ensure the homogeneous data for the comparative analysis the behavior of glaciers of different morphological types, the sizes and expositions in conditions of modern changes of climate, and will allow to estimate an opportunity of their use as climatic indicators.