Monitoring interannual variations in ice conditions of Lake Kulinda in April based on Landsat-8 and Landsat-9 time-series imagery
https://doi.org/10.21285/2686-9993-2026-49-2-4
EDN: RWHVLN
Abstract
The ice conditions of lakes serve as an indicator of regional climate change. This study focuses on Lake Kulinda, located at the northern end of Lake Baikal, Russia. The study analyzes the patterns of ice melting in this lake in April 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2025, and identifies the factors influencing the evolution of ice lakes in this region using Landsat-8 and Landsat-9 remote sensing data and GIS analysis tools. The results show that between 2019 and 2025, the ice cover of Lake Kulinda decreased from 9.17 km² to 8.86 km², resulting in a total reduction of 0.31 km² with an average annual decrease of 0.05 km². The rate of ice melting initially increased and then decreased. The largest annual reduction was observed in the period 2021–2023 (0.08 km²), while in the period 2023–2025 the rate slowed down (0.04 km²), which indicates a slowdown in the dynamics of the lake’s ice cover. The retreat of the ice cover occurred along the coastal zones, especially in the southeastern and northwestern parts, while the central part remained covered with ice. The boundary between ice and open water gradually shifted towards the center of the lake every year. Changes in the area of the ice cover are associated with the warming climate of the region. The phases of rapid melting in 2021–2023 coincided with the statistical spring warming, and the subsequent slowdown is related to the nonlinear interaction between natural climate fluctuations and the dynamics of the ice cover. This indicates the adaptive capabilities and self-regulation of the lake’s ice cover. The research results can be used in monitoring the phenological state of the ice cover formation in the lakes of the Northern Baikal region, which will contribute to a better understanding of climate change in the region.
About the Authors
M. Gu
Henan Polytechnic University
China
Competing Interests:
China
Mengyao Gu, Student, Master of Surveying and Mapping Engineering, School of Surveying and Land Information Engineering
Jiaozuo
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflict of interests.
X. Meng
Henan Polytechnic University
China
Competing Interests:
China
Xiangyu Meng, Student, Master of Surveying and Mapping Engineering, School of Surveying and Land Information Engineering
Jiaozuo
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflict of interests.
V. M. Zhulikov
Irkutsk National Research Technical University
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Vladimir M. Zhulikov, Student, Baikal School of BRICS
Irkutsk
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflict of interests.
V. L. Ruposov
Irkutsk National Research Technical University
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Vitaliy L. Ruposov, Cand. Sci. (Geol. & Mineral.), Associate Professor, Associate Professor of the Department of Mine Surveying and Geodesy, Institute of Subsoil Use
Irkutsk
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflict of interests.
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For citations:
Gu M., Meng X., Zhulikov V.M., Ruposov V.L. Monitoring interannual variations in ice conditions of Lake Kulinda in April based on Landsat-8 and Landsat-9 time-series imagery. Earth sciences and subsoil use. https://doi.org/10.21285/2686-9993-2026-49-2-4. EDN: RWHVLN
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