# From observation to protection a bibliometric analysis of aerosol-glacier interactions

## TL;DR

This paper reviews global research on how aerosols affect glaciers using remote sensing, showing growth in studies since 2013 and a shift toward understanding black carbon and glacier mass balance.

## Contribution

The study provides a bibliometric analysis revealing the evolution and collaboration patterns in aerosol-glacier interaction research.

## Key findings

- Research on aerosol-glacier interactions has grown rapidly since 2013.
- Collaboration is structured around North America, Europe, and Asia.
- Recent studies focus on black carbon deposition and glacier mass balance.

## Abstract

Remote sensing has become a central approach for investigating interactions between atmospheric aerosols and glacier change under climate warming. Here, we apply bibliometric and science-mapping methods to systematically analyze global research on remote sensing of aerosol-glacier interactions from 1995 to 2024. Based on 523 publications, we identify rapid growth since 2013 and reveal a tripolar collaboration structure linking North America, Europe, and Asia. Thematic analyses show a clear evolution from early observational and retrieval studies toward process-oriented research emphasizing black carbon deposition, snow-ice energy balance, and regional glacier mass balance. Journal dual-map overlays and cluster dependency analysis further demonstrate that the field is supported by Earth sciences, physics-chemistry, and computational systems, with aerosol type and scientific assessment serving as key foundational clusters. Overall, this study outlines the knowledge structure and evolution of aerosol-glacier research, supporting interdisciplinary monitoring and protection strategies in a changing climate.

•Bibliometric review of remote sensing studies on aerosol-glacier interactions (1995–2024)•Rapid growth since 2013 with a tripolar “North America–Europe–Asia” collaboration structure•Research hotspots shifted to black carbon, glacier mass balance, and climate impacts•Provides a knowledge framework supporting cryosphere monitoring and preservation strategies

Bibliometric review of remote sensing studies on aerosol-glacier interactions (1995–2024)

Rapid growth since 2013 with a tripolar “North America–Europe–Asia” collaboration structure

Research hotspots shifted to black carbon, glacier mass balance, and climate impacts

Provides a knowledge framework supporting cryosphere monitoring and preservation strategies

Earth sciences; Glacial processes; Remote sensing