At what elevations is permafrost common in the Tien Shan?

In the Tien Shan mountain range, permafrost—defined as ground that remains at temperatures below 32 °F (0 °C) for at least two consecutive years—is extensive at elevations above 9,000 feet (2,750 metres).1

The presence and stability of this permafrost are influenced by the region's sharply continental climate, where temperatures vary significantly based on elevation. While the mountains experience extreme seasonal temperature fluctuations, the cooling effect of higher altitudes facilitates the formation of perennially frozen ground. Local factors, such as solar radiation, vegetation cover, and snow depth, also play critical roles in determining the specific distribution and thickness of permafrost in these alpine environments.12