Emerging glacier forelands alter carbon dynamics on the Tibetan Plateau

The critical challenge of ongoing climate warming is resulting in glacier melting globally, a process accompanied by the formation of substantial glacier forelands. This phenomenon emerges as a pivotal area of study, especially in the Tibetan Plateau(TP), known as the Third Pole and the Asian Water Tower. In particular, the rapid retreat of temperate glaciers in the southeastern TP has led to the formation of expansive glacier forelands. These forelands are not merely evidence of climate shifts but are also key areas for transformative carbon dynamics. Moreover, the newly exposed land surface actively adjusts the balance of dissolved organic carbon, especially in meltwater, and influences the release of greenhouse gases from a range of sources including glacial lakes, subglacial sediments, and supraglacial/proglacial rivers. These processes play a crucial role in the dynamics of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Drawing from our intensive and detailed observations over several years, this perspective not only emphasizes the importance of the underexplored impact of glacier forelands on carbon cycles but also opens a window into understanding potential future trajectories in a warming world.