Features of ice formation on Lake Balkash in extremely cold and extremely warm months

Abstract

In this paper we are considering the processes of ice formation on Balkash Lake during extremely cold and extremely warm months. A significant correlation found between the average monthly air temperature of November, the dates of the first ice formation and the dates of continuous ice cover formation. The Bagrov-Tokarev anomaly criterion for November was calculated and the extreme years since the earlier 2000s were determined. The most common dates of inherent ice phenomena for the period 1971‑2018 were calculated. The features of ice formation during the autumn-winter season for these years were analyzed. The number of days with certain types of ice phenomena are calculated and presented in the form of histograms. It was analyzed the various types and forms of ice formations for extremely cold and extremely warm months before the date of complete ice cover formation. The maps of ice thickness distribution were compiled. The deviation of the dates of the first ice formation and dates of continuous ice cover formation (in days) from the mean value extremely cold and extremely warm years was found.

The data source were hydrological guides, monthly average air temperature data, and data reanalysis using the CDS COPERNICUS climate database of the European Center.