IngentaConnect Glacier changes during the past century in the Gangrigabu mountai...

Authors: Liu, Shiyin; Shangguan, Donghui; Ding, Yongjian; Han, Haidong; Xie, Changwei; Zhang, Yong; Li, Jing; Wang, Jian; Li, Gang

Source: Annals of Glaciology, Volume 43, Number 1, September 2006 , pp. 187-193(7)

Publisher: International Glaciological Society

Abstract:

The present research focuses on glacier changes in the southeast of the Qinghai-Xizang (Tibetan) Plateau, where most of the temperate glaciers in China are located. Our results show that the 102 measured glaciers in the region have all retreated between 1915 and 1980, with total area and volume decreases of 47.9 km² and 6.95 km³, respectively. The extrapolated mass loss of all glaciers in the Gangrigabu mountains amounted to 27 km³, 9.8% of the ice mass in 1915. Between 1980 and 2001, glaciers in the region have also experienced a general retreat; however, up to 40% of the glaciers were advancing. Our analysis demonstrates that precipitation in the studied area has increased substantially since the mid-1980s. This precipitation increase is likely to bring about a positive mass balance for glaciers in the region, so that the retreat of retreating glaciers might slow down or even turn into advance. Considering the sensitivity of the temperate glaciers in the region and the uncertainty in climate projections, more attention must be paid to glacier changes in the southeast Tibetan Plateau region.

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Glacier changes during the past century in the Gangrigabu mountains, southeast Qinghai-Xizang (Tibetan) Plateau, China