Glaciers of Iran – in pictures Some of the most unexpected glaciers in the world sit atop Iran’s mountains. Their surprising occurrence in an arid landscape is a boon for people relying on glacial ice for fresh water source. Photographer Klaus Thymann recently led an expedition in three areas across the country as part of a global survey of glaciers. The project is expected to raise awareness of climate change Tuesday 16 December 2014 Mt Damavand from a distance, with the summit at 5681m just touching a cloud. Ice cover is better on the sign than in reality. At the foothill a young shepherd is looking after sheep. Most grazing is done in semi-dry regions of the mountains and about 35% of the total land area is used for grazing and small fodder production. At the foothill a young shepherd is looking after sheep. Most grazing is done in semi-dry regions of the mountains and about 35% of the total land area is used for grazing and small fodder production. Near the summit Klaus is setting up for an overview shot of the North East. Smoke from the volcano can been seen blowing at the very top close to the ice. The grey valley shows where the glacier used to be. Near the summit photographer Klaus Thymann is setting up equipment for an overview shot of the north-east. Smoke from the volcano can be seen blowing at the very top, close to the ice. The grey valley shows where the glacier used to be. The glacier retreat in Iran has significant impact on water suppliers. In Iran 60% of water resource for use in urban industries and agriculture are based on natural glaciers. The glacier retreat in Iran has significant impact on water suppliers. About 60% of the country’s water resource for urban industries and agriculture depend on natural glaciers. t Glacier melt water is channeled to the few houses at the foothill. Crystal clear and fresh. Glacier melt is channeled to the few houses at the foothill, which receive crystal clear and fresh water. The family only live up the mountain for half of the year; in winter there is too much snow cover for the animals to graze. Instead the area is used for skiing, even though there aren’t any lifts. Families live up the mountain for half of the year; in winter there is too much snow cover for the animals to graze. Instead the area is used for skiing, even though there aren’t any lifts. The village of Nandal on the mountain across from Damavand is a place to stock up on supplies. The summit here is at 4,800m and the lower altitude means a lot of the regions glaciers have already disappeared or shrunk significantly. Rocks cover part of the glacier and the exposed black ice indicates the melt is not thawing into glacier mass, which will eventually reduce the size of the glacier. The glaciers on Alam Kuh, in the Mazandaran province, are small in comparison to that on Mt Damavand. n mountains are a popular destination for the Iranians to enjoy themselves. Picnics are popular with small barbecues used to make kebabs. On this mountain there is a ski-lift which can be seen in the background. The Sabalan mountains are a popular destination for the Iranians for picnics and barbecue parties. On this mountain there is a ski-lift which can be seen in the background. Sheep are seen being herded everywhere in the mountains. The plateaus lying above 3,000 feet (900 metres) are covered by brown or chestnut-coloured soil that supports grassy vegetation. Sheep graze on the mountains. The plateaus lying above 3,000ft (900m) are covered by brown or chestnut-coloured soil that supports grassy vegetation. the mountain is the American Mosque, it was a donation from the Americans and is now used as basecamp for locals wanting to summit Mount Sabalan at 4,811m. Further up the mountain is the American Mosque, built by American soldiers during the second world war. It is now used as base camp for locals wanting to summit Mount Sabalan at 4,811m. p. There are only a few rooms in the mosque so on busy days people sleep in tents before heading up. Locals enjoying themselves at the summit lake, mainly sporting a mix of different sports brands and wooden walking sticks. Locals enjoying themselves at the summit lake. Photograph: Klaus Thymann/Project Pressure Mount Sabalan is a dormant volcano with the crater now a small lake that freezes in winter. The angle of the sun means the small remains of the glaciers are slightly more protected than the side in full sun where there isn’t any ice left. The water runoff goes through a small village where it has multiple uses; there is a slight smell of sulfur due to the volcanic environment. The water is used to ensure the sheep are clean when being butchered. Iran’s agricultural sector is subject to changes in rainfall, and although the government has attempted to reduce this dependence through the construction of dams, irrigation and drainage networks, agriculture remains highly sensitive to climate developments. The whole region has a lot of agricultural produce, some of which is sold roadside, although most is shipped to the big cities. Agricultural sector accounts for about 1/5 of the GDP and employs one-third of the Iranian workforce. A family enjoying a picnic under the trees near Sabalan, in the Ardabil region. Downstream the river picks up more sediment and changes colour. Photograph: Klaus Thymann/Project Pressure
Posted on: Mon, 22 Dec 2014 09:39:49 +0000
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