Project title: Studying the dynamics of Enguri basin glaciers against the background of modern climate

Funding organization: Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia

Start and end dates: 2014

Principal investigator: Roman Kumladze

Key personnel: Roman Kumladze, Giorgi Latsabidze, Giorgi Lursmanashvili, Giorgi Chotashvili, Tornike Toguzashvili

Project Summary: The study of climate change and glacier dynamics in the Caucasus region is of great importance because the Caucasus is one of the most critical mountain systems in Eurasia. Increasing the rate of retreat of glaciers (which is clearly observed in all mountain systems of the world) will aggravate the problem of runoff, creating great difficulties for both the population and the state in the future. Because of this, monitoring glaciers in the context of global climate change is fascinating and necessary. It is worth noting that the movement of glaciers is the best natural fixer of climate change on Earth.

Achieved results: The research conducted in the Enguri river basin allowed us to better see the members of each group and to learn the traditional and modern methods of glacier research in the future. The methods studied by us, which include the implementation of modern technologies in the study of glaciers, were conducted at the initial stage as a test model, which can later become a model and be introduced into the methodology of glacier research. Studying the pictures of the famous Italian photographer and taking the same view from the same perspective, we saw the difference that the glaciers experienced in melting during these 120 years. The melting rate of glaciers is increasing, as has been shown by observations and studies. Taking into account the above, it is necessary to study complexly not only the glaciers of the Enguri river basin but also throughout Georgia, which will allow us to have information on the freshwater resources of Georgia and their supplies. Melting of glaciers helps to increase their number and eventually decrease, which affects their area and glacier volume. All this affects the flow of rivers, which are crucial for the state regarding energy and irrigation. Based on these studies, it is necessary to make accurate planning of the glaciers of Georgia and specify their parameters, which still need to be improved due to the lack of funding in the field, which hinders the conduct of research and the use of modern technologies and innovations. Introduction to the study of glaciers.