University of Szeged researchers study Tien Shan glacier changes

Researchers and students from the University of Szeged (SZTE) conducted an expedition to the Tien Shan mountains in Central Asia to study century-long changes in its glaciers, which serve as a vital water source for the region.

The study was based on the historical travels of former geography professor Gyula Prinz between 1906 and 1909. The research team reconstructed Prinz’s 9,100-kilometer route by digitizing historical maps and aligning them with modern coordinate systems. Led by Professor Péter Szilassi, the team compared contemporary field observations, drone data, and geodetic measurements with historical photographs and panoramic drawings, including those made by György Almásy in 1900.

The findings indicate that glacier retreat, mining, and infrastructure development have caused significant environmental changes. The expedition documented the transformation of the region’s water balance and land use over the last 120 years.