Report of TPE Glacial Mass Balance
Flagship Station Workshop in Guangzhou
By TPE Glacial Mass Balance
Flagship Station Working Group
February 20-21, 2012
1.
Overview and assessment
The Third Pole, like the Arctic and Antarctica, is drawing on increased attention
among the international academic communities, the decision makers and the public.
Centered on the Tibetan Plateau, the Third Pole region stretches from the Pamir and
Hindu Kush in the west to the Hengduan Mountains in the east, and from the Kunlun
and Qilian mountains in the north to the Himalayas in the south. It covers over
5,000,000 km2 in total and with an average elevation surpassing 4000 m. The Third
Pole region, with its huge geographic presence and high topography, impacts the
atmospheric circulation patterns over and beyond Eurasia. It contributes to humidity
in East and South Asia, while to aridity in Central Asia. The Third Pole environment
is currently experiencing unique changes in the cryosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere,
and biosphere, which would seriously impact the social and economic sustainability
in the region.
The Third Pole holds the largest ice mass outside the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
These glaciers are mostly at the headwaters of big rivers such as the Yangtze, Yellow,
Brahmaputra, Mekong, Indus, Ganges, Salween Amu Darya, Irrawaddy, and Tarim
in Asia. Some of these glaciers extend north into the arid and desert region, and are
the main water sources for arid central Asia, especially for the Tarim Basin and
Qaidum Basin. Some extend south into the warmer, wetter forests and concentrate
around the Yarlung Tsangpo Rivers in the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra,
benefiting the local residents while also causing glacial disasters and other water
related problems.
Recent studies have found that glaciers in the Third Pole region are experiencing
diversified and alarming changes, with the smallest magnitude of retreat in the
interior of the region dominated by the continental climate, while the greatest one in
the southeastern Tibetan Plateau prevailed by the maritime climate. With climate
changes, glaciers are expected to experience even more dramatic changes, which
may bear large on local wellbeing of the region.
However, insufficient understandings or even misunderstandings of the
magnitude of glacial retreat and its impact on the water cycle still exist. This leads to
horrendous “forecast” of a melting-out scenario of the entire Himalayan glaciers by
2035 in the 4th IPCC report. This also leads to different interpretations of the causes
of the glacial lake expansion flood (GLEF) and glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF).
Some scientists attribute variations in glaciers and lakes to the rising temperature,
while others ascribe them to increasing precipitation and weakening evaporation.
Among the key research questions proposed by the TPE, two are directly related
to glaciers: 1) How is environmental change of the Third Pole impacting the
cryosphere (glaciers, snow and permafrost), atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere?
2) What is the status of ice (glaciers, snow and permafrost) on the Third Pole and
how will glacial retreat and mass balance changes affect the water and energy cycle
and its components, and what are their environmental impacts and associated
geohazards?
During the technical meeting of Flagship Stations at the Third TPE workshop,
there were four presentations of the total seven ones talking about the glacial mass
balance flagship stations. This indicates the importance of studying glacial status in
the region. Of the seven working groups including glacier, lake, river, stable isotope,
high elevation precipitation, ecology, human activities, land-atmospheric interaction,
the scientists interested in glacier study had the common idea to hold a Glacial Mass
Balance Flagship Station Workshop.
After intensive discussion among scientists, three co-chairs organized the
workshop in Guangzhou February 19-22, 2012. The participants of the workshop
reported the ongoing mass balance studies in the Third Pole region and assessed the
status of mass balance measurement.
The workshop focused very much on the data of glacial mass balance. Profs. Yao
and Fujita and other participants pointed out that in the glacial mass balance studies
of the third pole region, the main problem we are facing is the lack of exchange of
data which results in duplicated work in some glaciers. Therefore, it is very
important to share the measuring data among different groups. Based on win-win
principles, all participants agreed to share the data they have.
The participants agreed to collect previous glaciological data to establish a
database. Data obtained from future field work will be added to the database. After
the training course in Nepal, Fujita will share the data including GPS and mass
balance data of Yala glacier and two other glaciers. Prof. Yao suggested that the
general information should be provided based on the uniform guideline.
The participants intensively discussed about the coordination of overlapping
glacial mass balance measurement. The Yala Glacier in Nepal is a good example of
coordination. There are several groups working on the Yala Glacier now. After
discussion at the workshop, Bi-annual measurements of glacial mass balance over
the glacier will be jointly carried out during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods
by the TPE and the academic institutions in Nepal (KU, TU and DHM). The TPE
will be responsible for pre-monsoon measurement, and the Nepalese organizations
will organize the other field observation in post-monsoon. The AWS coordination is
another good example. There are several AWSs now at Kanjing. After discussion at
the workshop, participants agreed to share the data of DHM at Kanjing station and
the TPE AWSs can be set at higher elevation.
Participants proposed that the total number and area of glaciers in Third Pole
region are unclear. Therefore, there is an urgent need to collect and compile the
glacier inventory from different countries in the Third Pole region, including China,
Nepal, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Bhutan and Myanmar. Dr. Tayal
proposed that cross-validation of inventory is necessary to check the overlap and
missing area. Prof. Liu Shiyin will finish and publish the second Chinese glacier
inventory by the end of this year. Mr Jilani discussed the work on glacier inventory
in Pakistan. Five glaciers in Tajikistan influenced by the westerlies have been
measured by DGPS in August 2011 by TPE and will be continued.
The participants assessed the uncertainties of different methods in mass balance
studies including observations, satellite images and GPS measurement. The
participants suggest to use Landsat(TM, not ETM) images for glacier inventory in
the Third Pole region, due to its free access.
All glacial-related issues point to the necessity of long-term observation and
monitoring stations and to one of the TPE priorities, that is to establish long-term
observation and monitoring stations, particularly Glacial Mass Balance Flagship
Stations within the Third Pole region.
2.
Ongoing
glacial
mass
balance
observations in the Third Pole region
Glacial mass balance measurement was very few before the century in the Third
Pole region. Discontinuous measurements have been carried out for the Qiyi Glacier
since the 1970s and for the Kangwure and Yala Glacier since 1990s. The Dongkmadi
Glcier and the Meikuang Glacier have been measured continuously since 1989.
Starting from 2006, glaciers for glacial measurement have been increasing. Starting
from 2006, glaciers for glacial measurement have been increasing. So far, 24 glaciers
have been discussed for mass balance measurement. The Urumqi Glacier No. 1 has
been identified as reference glacier.
1. Parlung No.10 Glacier （China/southeastern TP）
COORDINATES: 29º17´N/96º54´E
Photo taken by W. Yang, 2008
Parlung No.10 Glacier is located within the headwaters of the Parlung Zangbo River,
a tributary of the Brahmaputra River in southeastern Tibetan Plateau. It is a valley
temperate glacier flowing from 4,910 to 5,625 m, with an area of 2.1 km2 and a
length of 3.5 km. The surface is mainly exposed to the north-east. The mass balance
investigations on Parlung No.10 glacier began in the year of 2005/2006, using the
direct glaciological method in fixed period (in the end of September). A total of 11
measuring stakes have been distributed on this glacier. Recent mass balance results
show strong mass losses between 2005/06 and 2008/09, with an average of -781 mm
w.e. 2008/09 is the most negative mass balance year we have measured (-1575 mm
w.e.). The ELAs in the past four years have shifted from 5,419m to 5,500m, and
nearly reached the glacier summit in 2008/09.
2. Parlung No.12 Glacier （China/southeastern TP）
COORDINATES: 29º18´N/96º54´E
Photo taken by W. Yang, 2008
Parlung No.12 Glacier is located within the headwaters of the Parlung Zangbo River,
a tributary of the Brahmaputra River in southeastern Tibetan Plateau. It is a small
temperate cirque glacier flowing from 5,130 to 5,265 m, with an area of 0.2 km2 and
a length of 0.6 km. The surface is mainly exposed to the north-east. The mass
balance investigations on Parlung No.12 glacier began in the year of 2005/2006,
using the direct glaciological method in fixed period (in the end of September). From
1980 to 2005, the Parlung No. 12 Glacier retreated about 700 m in length and its area
reduced by approximately 55.3%. Its two branches separated from each other
sometime before 2006 and two moraine lakes emerged at its terminus. A total of 5
measuring stakes have been distributed on the right branch of this glacier. The
maximum depth of this glacier is about 40 m measured by Ground Penetrating Radar.
During field observations from 2006 to 2010, the glacier thinned by 9.5 m. The
ELAs have already risen beyond the glacier summit during the period of
measurement. This glacier is now suffering from significant mass deficit.
3. Parlung No.94 Glacier （China/southeastern TP）
COORDINATES: 29º23´N/96º59´E
Photo taken by W. Yang, 2008
Parlung No.94 Glacier is located within the headwaters of the Parlung Zangbo River,
a tributary of the Brahmaputra River in southeastern Tibetan Plateau. It is a typical
temperate valley glacier flowing from 5,000 to 5,635 m, with an area of 2.5 km2 and
a length of 2.9 km. The surface is mainly exposed to the north-west. The mass
balance investigations on Parlung No.94 glacier began in the year of 2005/2006,
using the direct glaciological method in fixed period (in the end of September). The
number of measuring stakes over the whole glacier has progressively increased from
16 stakes in 2005 to 28 stakes in 2010. The Bn were negative for each year of the
past five balance years, but differ in magnitude significantly between years. The
2005/2006, 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 balance years show particularly high mass
deficits, while the 2006/2007 and 2009/2010 balance years show much less mass
loss. The 2008/2009 balance year stands out from the other hydrological years, with
an annual mass balance of -2018 mm w.e. The ELAs in the past five years have
shifted from 5,333m to 5,600m, and nearly reached the glacier summit in 2008/09
4. Parlung No.390 Glacier （China/southeastern TP）
COORDINATES: 29º21´N/97º01´E
Photo taken by W. Yang, 2008
Parlung No.390 Glacier is located within the headwaters of the Parlung Zangbo
River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra River in southeastern Tibetan Plateau. It is a
temperate cirque glacier flowing from 5,160 to 5,460 m, with an area of 0.5 km2 and
a length of 1.2 km. The surface is mainly exposed to the south-east. The mass
balance investigations on Parlung No.390 glacier began in the year of 2006/2007,
using the direct glaciological method in fixed period (in the end of September). A
total of 5 measuring stakes have been distributed along the central axis of this glacier.
Recent mass balance results show strong mass losses between 2006/07 and 2009/10,
with an average of -1019 mm w.e. 2008/09 is the most negative mass balance year
we have measured (-1673 mm w.e.). The ELAs in the past four years have shifted
from 5,335m to 5,500m, and nearly reached the glacier summit in 2008/09.
5. Qiyi Glacier （China/Qilian Mountain）
COORDINATES: 39º15´N/97º45´E
Photo taken by J. C. Pu, 2008
The Qiyi Glacier is located on the northern slope of Qilian Mts. It is a
sub-continental valley glacier. Its area is 2.87 km2, with a length of 3.8 km. Its
altitudinal range is between 4,304 and 5,159 m. Mass balance measurement first
started in 1974/75 and measured discontinuously since. A total of 28 measuring
stakes were set up on the glacier. The mass balance is much more negative (-648 mm)
in 2009/10, comparing with that in 2007/08 (-105 mm) and 2008/09 (-74 mm).
6. Xiaodongkemadi Glacier （China/Tanggula Mountain）
COORDINATES: 33º10´N/96º28´E
Photo taken by J. C. Pu, 2008
The Xiaodongkemadi Glacier is located at the headwaters of the Dongkemadi
River, a tributary at the upper reaches of the Buqu River near the Tanggula pass. It is
a continental valley glacier. The Glacier is 1.8 km2 in area, with a length of 2.8 km
(Figure S11a). The elevations of the summit and terminus of the glacier are 5,926
and 5,380 m, respectively. A total of 25 measuring stakes were set up on the glacier.
The most significant phenomena of the Xiaodongkemadi Glacier is negative net
balance in 2009/10 (-1,066 mm), which is higher than that in 2007/08 (-80 mm) and
2008/09 (-91mm) by one order
7. Naimona’nyi Glacier （China/West Himalayas）
COORDINATES: 30º27´N/81º20´E
Photo taken by T. Yao, 2006
Naimona’nyi Glacier is located in the northern slope of West Himalayas. It is a
valley glacier flowing from 7,520 to 5,465 m, with an area of 7.8 km2 and a length of
7.7 km. The surface is mainly exposed to the North. The mass balance investigations
on Naimona’nyi glacier began in the year of 2004/2006, using the direct
glaciological method in fixed period (in the beginning of October). A network of at
present 30 measuring stakes has been set on this glacier. Recent mass balance results
show strong mass losses between 2004/06 and 2009/10 (the year 2006/07 is absent),
with an average of -556 mm w.e. The year 2007/08 is the most negative mass
balance (-718 mm w.e.) year in the monitoring period. The ELAs in that period have
shifted from 6,146 m to 6,478 m.
8. Muztag Ata Glacier （China/ Muztag Ata Mts.）
COORDINATES: 38º14´N, 75º03´E
Photo taken by L. Zhu, 2010
The Muztag Ata Glacier is located in West Kunlun Mountain. This glacier has an
area of 0.96 km2, with a length of 1.8 km (Figure S10a). Its altitudinal range is
between 5,235 and 5,940 m. A total of 13 measuring stakes have been spatially
distributed on this glacier. Due to lack of measurement in 2009, we take the average
between 2008/09 and 2009/10 for 2008/09 and 2009/10, respectively. The spatial
distributions of net balance are positive almost on the whole glacier during the
period, except in 2002/03
9. Gurenhekou Glacier（China/ Nyainqentanglha Mts.）
COORDINATES: 30°11′N/90°28′E
Photo taken by W. Yu, 2007
Gurenhekou Glacier lies on the southern slope of West Nyainqentanglha Mountain
Range, near the town of Yangbajin, flowing towards southeast. The glacier spans an
elevation range from 6040 and 5525 m a.s.l. It is a valley sub-continental, with an
area of 1.4 km2 and a length of 2.9 km. The mass balance investigations on
Gurenhekou glacier began in the year of 2004/2005, using the direct glaciological
method in fixed period (in the end of September). A total of 12 measuring stakes
have been distributed on this glacier. Recent mass balance results show mass losses
between 2004/05 and 2010/11, with an average of -328 mm w.e. 2008/09 is the most
negative mass balance year we have measured (-839 mm w.e.). The ELAs in the past
seven years have shifted from 5,680m to 5,850m.
10. Zhongxi Glacier（China/ Nyainqentanglha Mts.）
COORDINATES: 30°52′N/91°27′E
Photo taken by W. Yu, 2009
Zhongxi Glacier lies on the northern slope of East Nyainqentanglha Mountain Range,
Tibetan Plateau, near Nam Co Lake. It is a valley sub-continental glacier, with an
area of 1.6 km2 and a length of 2.6 km. The glacier faces north. The elevations of the
glacier head and terminus are 6210 and 5376 m a.s.l, respectively. The mass balance
of Zhongxi glacier was measured in 2007-2011, using the direct glaciological method
in fixed period (in the end of September). A total of 15 measuring stakes have been
distributed on this glacier. Recent mass balance results show mass losses between
2007/08 and 2010/11, with an average of -426 mm w.e. 2008/09 is the most negative
mass balance year we have measured (-1045 mm w.e.). The ELAs in the past four
years have shifted from 5,618m to 5,934m.
11. Kangwure Glacier（China/ Middle Himalayas）
COORDINATES: 28°28′N /85°49′E
Photo taken by W. Yu, 2009
Kangwure Glacier lies on the Middle Himalayas Range, near the Xixiabangma
Mountain. It is a flat-top sub-continental glacier flowing towards northeast, with an
area of 1.9 km2 and a length of 3.1 km. The glacier spans an elevation range from
6060 and 5690 m a.s.l. The mass balance of Kangwure glacier was started to observe
in 2009, using the direct glaciological method in fixed period (in the end of
September). A total of 16 measuring stakes have been distributed on this glacier.
Recent mass balance results show mass losses between 2009/10 and 2010/11, with
an average of -162 mm w.e. 2009/10 is the most negative mass balance year we have
measured (-300 mm w.e.). The ELAs in the past two years have shifted from 5,861m
to 5,971m.
12. Xiagangjiang Glacier（China/ western TP）
COORDINATES: 31°33'N/85°08'E
Photo taken by W. Yu, 2011
Xiagangjiang Glacier lies on the western Tibetan Plateau. It is a valley
sub-continental glacier flowing from 6,200 to 5,786 m, with an area of 0.6 km2 and a
length of 1.1 km. The surface is mainly exposed to the east. The mass balance
investigations on Xiagangjiang glacier began in the year of 2008/2009 using the
direct glaciological method in fixed period (in the end of September). A total of 13
measuring stakes have been distributed on this glacier. Recent mass balance results
show strong mass losses between 2009/10 and 2010/11, with an average of -442 mm
w.e. The ELAs in the past two years have shifted from 5,989m to 6,096m.
13. Mengdagangri Glacier（China/ southern TP）
COORDINATES: 28°28'N/90°36'E
Photo taken by W. Yu, 2010
Mengdagangri Glacier lies on the southern Tibetan Plateau. It is a valley
sub-continental glacier flowing towards north, with an area of 2.1 km2 and a length
of 2.4 km. The glacier spans an elevation range from 6,200 and 5,432 m a.s.l.. The
mass balance investigations on Mengdagangri glacier began in the year of 2007/2008
using the direct glaciological method in fixed period (in the end of September). A
total of 12 measuring stakes have been distributed on this glacier. Recent mass
balance results show strong mass losses between 2007/08 and 2010/11, with an
average of -352 mm w.e. 2008/09 is the most negative mass balance year we have
measured (-1027 mm w.e.). The ELAs in the past four years have shifted from
5,635m to 5,941m.
14. Yala Glacier（Nepal/ Middle Himalayas）
COORDINATES: 28°14'N/85°37'E
Photo taken by W. Yu, 2010
Yala Glacier lies on the Middle Himalayas Range. It is a plateau-shaped temperate
glacier flowing from 5,700 to 5,250 m, with an area of 1.7 km2 and a length of 1.4
km. The surface is mainly exposed to the south-west. The mass balance
investigations on Yala glacier began in the year of 2010/2011, using the direct
glaciological method in fixed period (in the end of September). A total of 8
measuring stakes have been distributed on this glacier. Recent mass balance results
show positive mass gain of +112 mm w.e. in 2010/11.
15. Meikuang Glacier（China/ Eastern Kunlun Mt.）
COORDINATES: 35°40' N/94°11'E
Meikuang Glacier lies on the eastern Kunlun mountain. It is a sub-continental glacier
flowing from 5,520 to 4,810 m, with an area of 1.1 km2 and a length of 1.8 km. The
surface is mainly exposed to the north. The mass balance investigations on
Meikuang glacier began in the year of 1988/1989, using the direct glaciological
method in fixed period (in the end of September). The mean ELA was 5040 m a.s.l.
16. Qiangtang No.1 Glacier（China/Qiangtang Plateau）
COORDINATES: 33°17' N/88°41'E
Qiangtang Glacier lies on the Qiangtang Plateau. It is a continental glacier flowing
from 6,050 to 5,800 m, with an area of 2.35 km2 and a length of 2.6 km. The surface
is mainly exposed to the south-east. The mass balance investigations on Qiangtang
glacier began in the year of 2010/2011, using the direct glaciological method in fixed
period (in the end of September).
17. East Rathong Glacier（India/ Middle Himalayas）
COORDINATES: 28°40'N/88°40'E
This glacier experiences the strongest influence of the monsoon circulation. Snow
Accumulation between June and September accounts for around 80% of annual
accumulation, because it is wet in summer due to monsoon and dry in winter. But,
the ablation season also occurs simultaneously, which leads to immediate melting of
accumulated snow. This causes difficulty in direct observations of accumulation and
ablation separately.
18. Kolahai Glacier（India/ Kashmir）
COORDINATES: 34°10'N/75°20'E
This Glacier is located in the western Himalaya and is characterized by the frontal
activities of westerly winds in winter and by dry subtropical climate in summer.
19. Ali (China/ west Tibet Plateau)
COORDINATES: 34°31'N/80°20'E
20. Yak Archa (Tajikistan/ Pamir)
COORDINATES: 38°59'N/68°33'E
21. Zortash (Tajikistan/ Pamir)
COORDINATES: 38°24'N/72°51'E
22. Sachen (Pakistan/ Karakorum)
COORDINATES:：35°19'N/76°45'E
Altitude range：3640-5780m;
23. Deosai (Pakistan/ Karakorum),
COORDINATES:：34°55'N/75°49'E
Altitude range：4680-5100m
Yak Archa
Muztag Ata
Qiyi
Zortash
Sachen
Deosai
Meikuang
Qiangtang No.1
Ali
Kolaho
Xiaodongkemadi
Xiagangjian
Naimona’nyi
Zhadang Zhongxi
Kangwure
Parlung glaciers
Mengdagangr
Yala
Figure
East Rathong
Locations of monitoring glaciers for mass balance observations on the
Tibetan Plateau
Table Detailed information on the glaciers for recent mass balance measurement in the TP region
Glacier
number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Glaciers
Parlung No.10
Parlung No.12
Parlung No.94
Parlung No.390
Xiaodongkemadi
Qiyi
Naimona’nyi
Muztagh Ata
No. 15
Gurenhekou
Zhongxi
Kangwure
Mengdagangri
Xiagangjiang
Yala
Meikuang
Qiangtang No.1
East Rathong
2.1
0.2
2.5
0.5
1.8
2.8
7.8
Maximum
elevation
(m a.s.l.)
5625
5265
5635
5460
5926
5088
7520
Minimum
elevation
(m a.s.l.)
4910
5130
5000
5160
5380
4295
5465
1
1.4
1.6
1.9
2.1
0.6
1.7
1.18
2.35
5940
6040
6210
6060
6200
6200
5700
5520
6050
5235
5525
5376
5690
5423
5786
5250
4810
5800
3925
Latitude
(N)
Longitude
(E)
Area
(km2)
29°17´
29°18´
29°23´
29°21´
33°10´
39°15´
30°27´
96°54´
96°54´
96°59´
97°01´
92°08´
97°45´
81°20´
38°14´
30°11´
30°52′
28°28′
28°28′
31°33'
28°14'
35°40'
33°17'
27°40'
75°03´
90°28′
91°27′
85°49′
90°36'
85°08'
85°37'
94°11'
88°41'
88°40'
Length
(km)
Orientation
Locations
3.5
0.6
2.9
1.2
2.8
3.8
7.7
NE
NE
NW
SE
S/SW
N
N
Southeast TP/China
Southeast TP/China
Southeast TP/China
Southeast TP/China
Tanggula Mt./China
Qilian Mt./China
West Himalayas/China
1.8
2.9
2.6
3.1
2.4
1.1
1.4
1.9
2.6
W
SE
N
NS
N
E
SW
N
SE
S
West Kunlun Mt./China
Nyainqentanglha Mt./China
Nyainqentanglha Mt./China
Middle Himalayas/China
Southern TP/China
Western TP/China
Middle Himalayas/Nepal
Eastern Kunlun Mt./China
Qiangtang Plateau/China
Middle Himalayas/India
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Kolahoi
Ali
Kizyldangi
Dih
Sachen
Deosai
Phender
Rikha Samba
Koxkar
Muji Glacier
Kangsiwa Glacier
Kunjirapu Glacier
Chhota Shigri
Dokriani
Urumqi Glacier
No.1
34°10'
34°31'
38°26'
36°53'
35°19'
34°55'
35°58'
75°20'
80°20'
73°33'
74°54'
76°45'
75°49'
72°49'
41°47'
80°06'
32.20 N
30°50′
77.50 E
78°47′
N
Kashmir/India
Western Tibetan Plateau/China
Pamir/Tajikistan
Karakorum/Pakistan
Karakorum/Pakistan
5780
5100
3640
4680
83.56
6040
3060
30.6
S
15.7
0.568
6263
5220
4050
4952
9
1.7
N
E/SE
Karakorum/Pakistan
Karakorum/Pakistan
Himalaya/Nepal
Southern Tianshan/China
Pamir/China
West Kunlun/China
Karakorum/China
Western Himalaya
Himalayas
3. Proposed sites for Glacial Mass Balance
Flagship Stations in the Third Pole region
The participants discussed issues relating to glacier mass balance flagship stations
and proposed the sites.
1. Criteria for Flagship Station
Two groups of criteria are proposed:
Group one: climatic information and mass balance
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Geographically representative, atmospheric circulation systems
Small to medium size glacier, between 2 and 10 km2
Clean, debris free and no crevasses
Easily accessible
Single branch
Ice caps should be considered
Group 2: Water resources from ice
1) Debris covered glacier
2) Large glacier
2. What to measure
Beside the Mass balance by traditional method including annual mean mass balance, specific
mass balance with altitude, accumulation area and ratio for subsequent years, ELA, stake
position map, the following measurements are recommended:
1) Ice volume by new technologies such as satellite data
2) Ice surface profile by GPS and Radar
3) Ice thickness
4) Glacial melting discharge
5) DEM Radar measurement
6) Meteorological data
7) Ice temperature
8) Ice velocity
3. How many sites to be measured
29 sites are proposed for glacier mass balance flagship stations (see the table for details).
4. Principles of implementation
1) Regular measurement at least annual
2) Inexpensive, cost-effective
3) To be carried out by the local institutions, with outside help
4) Sharing of instruments such as GPR, drill system for measuring stakes
5. Funding
Yala is funded to 2017, Rikha Samba is funded to 2015; Kizyldangi in Tajikistan is funded to
2017; Kolahoi is funded to 2014; Muztagh Ata and Gilgit will be continue to 2030; Urumqi
Glacier No.1 will be continued to around 2100. All other sites in China are funded at least to
2017. Two other sites in India and two candidate sites in Bhutan are looking for funding.
3. TPE community academic knowledge
sharing
The participants discussed about TPE community academic knowledge sharing and proposed the
following:
1) TPE mass balance data combined with other data
2) Respect the data owner and share the data after two or more years of the data acquisition
3) Data provided with the publication of papers
4) Data published should be cited on the principle of the original data provider
5) Mass balance data from china will be shared after publication
6) ICIMOD HKH cryosphere knowledge hub
7) Indian scientist will check the national data sharing policy
8) Data users properly cite the data which are published or co-author a paper.
9) With respect to Pakistan mass balance data combined with other data will be forwarded to
concerned authority in Pakistan for its international publication
10) Further discussion can be made at the forthcoming conference and workshop on cryosphere
knowledge HKH region during 14-18 May