PARTICIPATION IN AERIAL SURVEYS OF AVALANCHE-PRONE AREAS AND MORAINE LAKES

Today, the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences took part in aerial surveys to assess avalanche hazards in the city of Almaty and Almaty Region, within the Ile Alatau mountain range.

Additionally, specialists from the Kazakhstan-China Scientific Laboratory conducted a survey of moraine lake №13-bis and the Sovetov Glacier in the Ulken Almaty river basin. The work involved the use of drones equipped with laser and LiDAR systems, enabling detailed terrain mapping, glacier change detection, and risk assessment.

Laser and LiDAR surveys provide high-precision 3D models of glaciers and moraine lakes, which are essential for monitoring glacier dynamics and forecasting potential hazards such as lake outbursts or avalanches. These technologies help detect even minor changes in glacier structures and moraine deposits, contributing to the development of effective disaster prevention measures. 

The survey results confirmed that all moraine-glacial lakes are in their winter state, with their surfaces covered by ice and snow. At the same time, avalanche hazards in the mountains persist.

These activities were carried out as part of the joint efforts outlined in the Memorandum of Cooperation with the State Institution "Kazselezashchita" under the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan and within the framework of the Year of Glacier Protection. The obtained results contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) № 13 "Climate Action" by providing a scientific basis for climate adaptation and disaster risk management. Moreover, the study of glaciers and water resources is directly linked to SDG №6 "Clean Water and Sanitation" as glaciers are a crucial source of freshwater for Central Asia.