Glacier variations and climate change in the central Himalaya over the past few decades

Authors: Ren, Jiawen; Jing, Zhefan; Pu, Jianchen; Qin, Xiang

Source: Annals of Glaciology, Volume 43, Number 1, September 2006 , pp. 218-222(5)

Publisher: International Glaciological Society

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Abstract:

Glacier variation is one of many indicators of climate change. Repeat measurements of the glacier terminus positions for selected glaciers in the central Himalaya document that they have been in a state of continuous retreat over the past few decades. Since the 1960s the average retreat rate on the north slope of Qomolangma (Mount Everest) is 5.5-9.5 m a⁻¹ and on Xixiabangma it is 4.0-5.2 m a⁻¹. Many glaciers on the south slope of the central Himalaya have been in retreat, and recently their retreat rate has accelerated. Ice-core studies show that the annual accumulation on these glaciers has fluctuated, but over the last century it has declined. It decreased rapidly in the 1960s and has remained consistently below the long-term mean thereafter. Meteorological station records indicate that the annual mean temperature in the region has slowly increased, particularly during the summer months. The strongest warming has occurred in the last 30 years. These data suggest that the current glacier retreat is due to the combined effect of reduced precipitation and warmer temperatures, and, if these conditions continue, the glaciers in the region will continue to shrink.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3189/172756406781812230

Publication date: 2006-09-01

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The Annals of Glaciology is a peer-reviewed, thematic journal published 2 to 4 times a year by the International Glaciological Society (IGS). Publication frequency is determined and volume/issue numbers assigned by the IGS Council on a year-to-year basis and with a lead time of 3 to 4 years. The Annals of Glaciology is included in the ISI Science Citation Index from volume 50, number 50 onwards.
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Glacier variations and climate change in the central Himalaya over the past few decades

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