Articles | Volume 17, issue 7
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-2625-2023
© Author(s) 2023. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-2625-2023
© Author(s) 2023. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Brief communication
| Highlight paper
| 
06 Jul 2023
Brief communication | Highlight paper |
| 06 Jul 2023
| 06 Jul 2023
Brief communication: How deep is the snow on Mount Everest?
Wei Yang
State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Environment and
Resources (TPESER), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy
of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
Huabiao Zhao
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Environment and
Resources (TPESER), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy
of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
Baiqing Xu
State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Environment and
Resources (TPESER), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy
of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
Jiule Li
State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Environment and
Resources (TPESER), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy
of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
Weicai Wang
State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Environment and
Resources (TPESER), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy
of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
Guangjian Wu
State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Environment and
Resources (TPESER), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy
of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
Zhongyan Wang
State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Environment and
Resources (TPESER), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy
of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
Tandong Yao
State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Environment and
Resources (TPESER), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy
of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
Related authors
Zihao Li, Qiuyu Wang, Huan Xu, Wei Yang, and Wenke Sun
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1772, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1772, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Our results show a steady retreat of glaciers in southeastern Tibet from 2000 to 2022, with an average annual loss of 85.03 ± 7.60 km². The retreat rate accelerated after 2010, increasing from 57.72 ± 16.81 km² to 97.72 ± 17.67 km² per year. The annual mass loss was calculated at 6.20 ± 0.22 gigatons. These findings underline the urgent need for continued monitoring of glacier dynamics due to climate change.
Tong Zhang, Wei Yang, Yuzhe Wang, Chuanxi Zhao, Qingyun Long, and Cunde Xiao
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-659, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-659, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
This study investigates the 2018 Sedongpu glacier detachment in Southeastern Tibet using a two-dimensional ice flow model that includes an ice stiffness and basal slip positive feedback mechanism. The model simulates rapid transitions in glacier flow, triggering detachment when ice stress exceeds yield strength. The results, including ice speed and duration, align with observations, demonstrating the potential for early warning of similar hazards in the region.
He Sun, Tandong Yao, Fengge Su, Wei Yang, and Deliang Chen
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 28, 4361–4381, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-4361-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-4361-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Our findings show that runoff in the Yarlung Zangbo (YZ) basin is primarily driven by rainfall, with the largest glacier runoff contribution in the downstream sub-basin. Annual runoff increased in the upper stream but decreased downstream due to varying precipitation patterns. It is expected to rise throughout the 21st century, mainly driven by increased rainfall.
Chuanxi Zhao, Wei Yang, Evan Miles, Matthew Westoby, Marin Kneib, Yongjie Wang, Zhen He, and Francesca Pellicciotti
The Cryosphere, 17, 3895–3913, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-3895-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-3895-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
This paper quantifies the thinning and surface mass balance of two neighbouring debris-covered glaciers in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau during different seasons, based on high spatio-temporal resolution UAV-derived (unpiloted aerial
vehicle) data and in situ observations. Through a comparison approach and high-precision results, we identify that the glacier dynamic and debris thickness are strongly related to the future fate of the debris-covered glaciers in this region.
Wei Yang, Zhongyan Wang, Baosheng An, Yingying Chen, Chuanxi Zhao, Chenhui Li, Yongjie Wang, Weicai Wang, Jiule Li, Guangjian Wu, Lin Bai, Fan Zhang, and Tandong Yao
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 3015–3029, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-3015-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-3015-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We present the structure and performance of the early warning system (EWS) for glacier collapse and river blockages in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau. The EWS warned of three collapse–river blockage chain events and seven small-scale events. The volume and location of the collapses and the percentage of ice content influenced the velocities of debris flows. Such a study is helpful for understanding the mechanism of glacier hazards and for establishing similar EWSs in other high-risk regions.
He Sun, Tandong Yao, Fengge Su, Wei Yang, Guifeng Huang, and Deliang Chen
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2023-16, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2023-16, 2023
Manuscript not accepted for further review
Short summary
Short summary
Based on field research campaigns since 2017 in the Yarlung Zangbo (YZ) river basin and a well-validated model, our results reveal that large regional differences in runoff regimes and changes exist in the basin. Annual runoff shows decreasing trend in the downstream sub-basin but increasing trends in the upper and middle sub-basins, due to opposing precipitation changes. Glacier runoff plays more important role in annual total runoff in downstream basin.
Marin Kneib, Evan S. Miles, Pascal Buri, Stefan Fugger, Michael McCarthy, Thomas E. Shaw, Zhao Chuanxi, Martin Truffer, Matthew J. Westoby, Wei Yang, and Francesca Pellicciotti
The Cryosphere, 16, 4701–4725, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-4701-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-4701-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Ice cliffs are believed to be important contributors to the melt of debris-covered glaciers, but this has rarely been quantified as the cliffs can disappear or rapidly expand within a few weeks. We used photogrammetry techniques to quantify the weekly evolution and melt of four cliffs. We found that their behaviour and melt during the monsoon is strongly controlled by supraglacial debris, streams and ponds, thus providing valuable insights on the melt and evolution of debris-covered glaciers.
Stefan Fugger, Catriona L. Fyffe, Simone Fatichi, Evan Miles, Michael McCarthy, Thomas E. Shaw, Baohong Ding, Wei Yang, Patrick Wagnon, Walter Immerzeel, Qiao Liu, and Francesca Pellicciotti
The Cryosphere, 16, 1631–1652, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-1631-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-1631-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The monsoon is important for the shrinking and growing of glaciers in the Himalaya during summer. We calculate the melt of seven glaciers in the region using a complex glacier melt model and weather data. We find that monsoonal weather affects glaciers that are covered with a layer of rocky debris and glaciers without such a layer in different ways. It is important to take so-called turbulent fluxes into account. This knowledge is vital for predicting the future of the Himalayan glaciers.
Chuanxi Zhao, Wei Yang, Matthew Westoby, Baosheng An, Guangjian Wu, Weicai Wang, Zhongyan Wang, Yongjie Wang, and Stuart Dunning
The Cryosphere, 16, 1333–1340, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-1333-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-1333-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
On 22 March 2021, a ~ 50 Mm 3 ice-rock avalanche occurred from 6500 m a.s.l. in the Sedongpu basin, southeastern Tibet. It caused temporary blockage of the Yarlung Tsangpo river, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra. We utilize field investigations, high-resolution satellite imagery, seismic records, and meteorological data to analyse the evolution of the 2021 event and its impact, discuss potential drivers, and briefly reflect on implications for the sustainable development of the region.
Thomas E. Shaw, Wei Yang, Álvaro Ayala, Claudio Bravo, Chuanxi Zhao, and Francesca Pellicciotti
The Cryosphere, 15, 595–614, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-595-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-595-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Near surface air temperature (Ta) is important for simulating the melting of glaciers, though its variability in space and time on mountain glaciers is still poorly understood. We combine new Ta observations on glacier in Tibet with several glacier datasets around the world to explore the applicability of an existing method to estimate glacier Ta based upon glacier flow distance. We make a first step at generalising a method and highlight the remaining unknowns for this field of research.
Yanbin Lei, Tandong Yao, Lide Tian, Yongwei Sheng, Lazhu, Jingjuan Liao, Huabiao Zhao, Wei Yang, Kun Yang, Etienne Berthier, Fanny Brun, Yang Gao, Meilin Zhu, and Guangjian Wu
The Cryosphere, 15, 199–214, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-199-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-199-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Two glaciers in the Aru range, western Tibetan Plateau (TP), collapsed suddenly on 17 July and 21 September 2016, respectively, causing fatal damage to local people and their livestock. The impact of the glacier collapses on the two downstream lakes (i.e., Aru Co and Memar Co) is investigated in terms of lake morphology, water level and water temperature. Our results provide a baseline in understanding the future lake response to glacier melting on the TP under a warming climate.
Zihao Li, Qiuyu Wang, Huan Xu, Wei Yang, and Wenke Sun
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1772, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1772, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Our results show a steady retreat of glaciers in southeastern Tibet from 2000 to 2022, with an average annual loss of 85.03 ± 7.60 km². The retreat rate accelerated after 2010, increasing from 57.72 ± 16.81 km² to 97.72 ± 17.67 km² per year. The annual mass loss was calculated at 6.20 ± 0.22 gigatons. These findings underline the urgent need for continued monitoring of glacier dynamics due to climate change.
Tong Zhang, Wei Yang, Yuzhe Wang, Chuanxi Zhao, Qingyun Long, and Cunde Xiao
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-659, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-659, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
This study investigates the 2018 Sedongpu glacier detachment in Southeastern Tibet using a two-dimensional ice flow model that includes an ice stiffness and basal slip positive feedback mechanism. The model simulates rapid transitions in glacier flow, triggering detachment when ice stress exceeds yield strength. The results, including ice speed and duration, align with observations, demonstrating the potential for early warning of similar hazards in the region.
Titouan Biget, Fanny Brun, Walter Immerzeel, Leo Martin, Hamish Pritchard, Emily Colier, Yanbin Lei, and Tandong Yao
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-863, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-863, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
This study explore the precipitation in the southern Tibetan plateau using the water pressure of an high altitude lake and meteorological models and shows that snowfall could be much stronger on the Plateau than what is predicted by the models.
He Sun, Tandong Yao, Fengge Su, Wei Yang, and Deliang Chen
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 28, 4361–4381, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-4361-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-4361-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Our findings show that runoff in the Yarlung Zangbo (YZ) basin is primarily driven by rainfall, with the largest glacier runoff contribution in the downstream sub-basin. Annual runoff increased in the upper stream but decreased downstream due to varying precipitation patterns. It is expected to rise throughout the 21st century, mainly driven by increased rainfall.
Yaoming Ma, Zhipeng Xie, Yingying Chen, Shaomin Liu, Tao Che, Ziwei Xu, Lunyu Shang, Xiaobo He, Xianhong Meng, Weiqiang Ma, Baiqing Xu, Huabiao Zhao, Junbo Wang, Guangjian Wu, and Xin Li
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 16, 3017–3043, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-16-3017-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-16-3017-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Current models and satellites struggle to accurately represent the land–atmosphere (L–A) interactions over the Tibetan Plateau. We present the most extensive compilation of in situ observations to date, comprising 17 years of data on L–A interactions across 12 sites. This quality-assured benchmark dataset provides independent validation to improve models and remote sensing for the region, and it enables new investigations of fine-scale L–A processes and their mechanistic drivers.
Niranjan Adhikari, Jing Gao, Aibin Zhao, Tianli Xu, Manli Chen, Xiaowei Niu, and Tandong Yao
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 3279–3296, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3279-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-3279-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Atmospheric water vapour isotopes at Kathmandu recorded significantly low δ18Ov and δDv values during cyclones Tauktae and Yaas in 2021, originating in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, respectively. Such depletion was associated with the intense moisture convergence and strong convection near the sampling site. The lower δ18Ov and higher d-excessv values during cyclone Yaas may be attributed to the occurrence of robust downdrafts during the rainfall.
Daniel Falaschi, Atanu Bhattacharya, Gregoire Guillet, Lei Huang, Owen King, Kriti Mukherjee, Philipp Rastner, Tandong Yao, and Tobias Bolch
The Cryosphere, 17, 5435–5458, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-5435-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-5435-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Because glaciers are crucial freshwater sources in the lowlands surrounding High Mountain Asia, constraining short-term glacier mass changes is essential. We investigate the potential of state-of-the-art satellite elevation data to measure glacier mass changes in two selected regions. The results demonstrate the ability of our dataset to characterize glacier changes of different magnitudes, allowing for an increase in the number of inaccessible glaciers that can be readily monitored.
Taigang Zhang, Weicai Wang, and Baosheng An
The Cryosphere, 17, 5137–5154, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-5137-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-5137-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Detailed glacial lake bathymetry surveys are essential for accurate glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) simulation and risk assessment. We creatively developed a conceptual model for glacial lake bathymetric distribution. The basic idea is that the statistical glacial lake volume–area curves conform to a power-law relationship indicating that the idealized geometric shape of the glacial lake basin should be hemispheres or cones.
Chuanxi Zhao, Wei Yang, Evan Miles, Matthew Westoby, Marin Kneib, Yongjie Wang, Zhen He, and Francesca Pellicciotti
The Cryosphere, 17, 3895–3913, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-3895-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-3895-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
This paper quantifies the thinning and surface mass balance of two neighbouring debris-covered glaciers in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau during different seasons, based on high spatio-temporal resolution UAV-derived (unpiloted aerial
vehicle) data and in situ observations. Through a comparison approach and high-precision results, we identify that the glacier dynamic and debris thickness are strongly related to the future fate of the debris-covered glaciers in this region.
Wei Yang, Zhongyan Wang, Baosheng An, Yingying Chen, Chuanxi Zhao, Chenhui Li, Yongjie Wang, Weicai Wang, Jiule Li, Guangjian Wu, Lin Bai, Fan Zhang, and Tandong Yao
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 3015–3029, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-3015-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-23-3015-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
We present the structure and performance of the early warning system (EWS) for glacier collapse and river blockages in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau. The EWS warned of three collapse–river blockage chain events and seven small-scale events. The volume and location of the collapses and the percentage of ice content influenced the velocities of debris flows. Such a study is helpful for understanding the mechanism of glacier hazards and for establishing similar EWSs in other high-risk regions.
He Sun, Tandong Yao, Fengge Su, Wei Yang, Guifeng Huang, and Deliang Chen
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2023-16, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2023-16, 2023
Manuscript not accepted for further review
Short summary
Short summary
Based on field research campaigns since 2017 in the Yarlung Zangbo (YZ) river basin and a well-validated model, our results reveal that large regional differences in runoff regimes and changes exist in the basin. Annual runoff shows decreasing trend in the downstream sub-basin but increasing trends in the upper and middle sub-basins, due to opposing precipitation changes. Glacier runoff plays more important role in annual total runoff in downstream basin.
Simon K. Allen, Ashim Sattar, Owen King, Guoqing Zhang, Atanu Bhattacharya, Tandong Yao, and Tobias Bolch
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 3765–3785, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-3765-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-3765-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
This study demonstrates how the threat of a very large outburst from a future lake can be feasibly assessed alongside that from current lakes to inform disaster risk management within a transboundary basin between Tibet and Nepal. Results show that engineering measures and early warning systems would need to be coupled with effective land use zoning and programmes to strengthen local response capacities in order to effectively reduce the risk associated with current and future outburst events.
Marin Kneib, Evan S. Miles, Pascal Buri, Stefan Fugger, Michael McCarthy, Thomas E. Shaw, Zhao Chuanxi, Martin Truffer, Matthew J. Westoby, Wei Yang, and Francesca Pellicciotti
The Cryosphere, 16, 4701–4725, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-4701-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-4701-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Ice cliffs are believed to be important contributors to the melt of debris-covered glaciers, but this has rarely been quantified as the cliffs can disappear or rapidly expand within a few weeks. We used photogrammetry techniques to quantify the weekly evolution and melt of four cliffs. We found that their behaviour and melt during the monsoon is strongly controlled by supraglacial debris, streams and ponds, thus providing valuable insights on the melt and evolution of debris-covered glaciers.
Yongqin Liu, Pengcheng Fang, Bixi Guo, Mukan Ji, Pengfei Liu, Guannan Mao, Baiqing Xu, Shichang Kang, and Junzhi Liu
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 14, 2303–2314, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-14-2303-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-14-2303-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Glaciers are an important pool of microorganisms, organic carbon, and nitrogen. This study constructed the first dataset of microbial abundance and total nitrogen in Tibetan Plateau (TP) glaciers and the first dataset of dissolved organic carbon in ice cores on the TP. These new data could provide valuable information for research on the glacier carbon and nitrogen cycle and help in assessing the potential impacts of glacier retreat due to global warming on downstream ecosystems.
Stefan Fugger, Catriona L. Fyffe, Simone Fatichi, Evan Miles, Michael McCarthy, Thomas E. Shaw, Baohong Ding, Wei Yang, Patrick Wagnon, Walter Immerzeel, Qiao Liu, and Francesca Pellicciotti
The Cryosphere, 16, 1631–1652, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-1631-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-1631-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
The monsoon is important for the shrinking and growing of glaciers in the Himalaya during summer. We calculate the melt of seven glaciers in the region using a complex glacier melt model and weather data. We find that monsoonal weather affects glaciers that are covered with a layer of rocky debris and glaciers without such a layer in different ways. It is important to take so-called turbulent fluxes into account. This knowledge is vital for predicting the future of the Himalayan glaciers.
Chuanxi Zhao, Wei Yang, Matthew Westoby, Baosheng An, Guangjian Wu, Weicai Wang, Zhongyan Wang, Yongjie Wang, and Stuart Dunning
The Cryosphere, 16, 1333–1340, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-1333-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-1333-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
On 22 March 2021, a ~ 50 Mm 3 ice-rock avalanche occurred from 6500 m a.s.l. in the Sedongpu basin, southeastern Tibet. It caused temporary blockage of the Yarlung Tsangpo river, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra. We utilize field investigations, high-resolution satellite imagery, seismic records, and meteorological data to analyse the evolution of the 2021 event and its impact, discuss potential drivers, and briefly reflect on implications for the sustainable development of the region.
Jiule Li, Baiqing Xu, Ninglian Wang, Ping Yao, and Xiangke Xu
The Cryosphere Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2022-43, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2022-43, 2022
Manuscript not accepted for further review
Short summary
Short summary
The air bubbles enclosed in the alpine glacier ice could be used to reveal regional climate changes. Thus, we analyzed the δ18O of gaseous oxygen in the ice core air bubbles (δ18Obub) from a glacier in the Tibetan Plateau (TP). We find that there is a good correlation between the variation of the δ18Obub and the accumulation or melting of the glacier. Combined with the chronology of the ice core air bubbles, we reconstruct the glacier variations since the late Holocene in the central TP.
Wenfeng Chen, Tandong Yao, Guoqing Zhang, Fei Li, Guoxiong Zheng, Yushan Zhou, and Fenglin Xu
The Cryosphere, 16, 197–218, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-197-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-197-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
A digital elevation model (DEM) is a prerequisite for estimating regional glacier thickness. Our study first compared six widely used global DEMs over the glacierized Tibetan Plateau by using ICESat-2 (Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite) laser altimetry data. Our results show that NASADEM had the best accuracy. We conclude that NASADEM would be the best choice for ice-thickness estimation over the Tibetan Plateau through an intercomparison of four ice-thickness inversion models.
Yongkang Xue, Tandong Yao, Aaron A. Boone, Ismaila Diallo, Ye Liu, Xubin Zeng, William K. M. Lau, Shiori Sugimoto, Qi Tang, Xiaoduo Pan, Peter J. van Oevelen, Daniel Klocke, Myung-Seo Koo, Tomonori Sato, Zhaohui Lin, Yuhei Takaya, Constantin Ardilouze, Stefano Materia, Subodh K. Saha, Retish Senan, Tetsu Nakamura, Hailan Wang, Jing Yang, Hongliang Zhang, Mei Zhao, Xin-Zhong Liang, J. David Neelin, Frederic Vitart, Xin Li, Ping Zhao, Chunxiang Shi, Weidong Guo, Jianping Tang, Miao Yu, Yun Qian, Samuel S. P. Shen, Yang Zhang, Kun Yang, Ruby Leung, Yuan Qiu, Daniele Peano, Xin Qi, Yanling Zhan, Michael A. Brunke, Sin Chan Chou, Michael Ek, Tianyi Fan, Hong Guan, Hai Lin, Shunlin Liang, Helin Wei, Shaocheng Xie, Haoran Xu, Weiping Li, Xueli Shi, Paulo Nobre, Yan Pan, Yi Qin, Jeff Dozier, Craig R. Ferguson, Gianpaolo Balsamo, Qing Bao, Jinming Feng, Jinkyu Hong, Songyou Hong, Huilin Huang, Duoying Ji, Zhenming Ji, Shichang Kang, Yanluan Lin, Weiguang Liu, Ryan Muncaster, Patricia de Rosnay, Hiroshi G. Takahashi, Guiling Wang, Shuyu Wang, Weicai Wang, Xu Zhou, and Yuejian Zhu
Geosci. Model Dev., 14, 4465–4494, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-14-4465-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-14-4465-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
The subseasonal prediction of extreme hydroclimate events such as droughts/floods has remained stubbornly low for years. This paper presents a new international initiative which, for the first time, introduces spring land surface temperature anomalies over high mountains to improve precipitation prediction through remote effects of land–atmosphere interactions. More than 40 institutions worldwide are participating in this effort. The experimental protocol and preliminary results are presented.
Yanbin Lei, Tandong Yao, Kun Yang, Lazhu, Yaoming Ma, and Broxton W. Bird
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 3163–3177, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-3163-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-3163-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Lake evaporation from Paiku Co on the TP is low in spring and summer and high in autumn and early winter. There is a ~ 5-month lag between net radiation and evaporation due to large lake heat storage. High evaporation and low inflow cause significant lake-level decrease in autumn and early winter, while low evaporation and high inflow cause considerable lake-level increase in summer. This study implies that evaporation can affect the different amplitudes of lake-level variations on the TP.
Thomas E. Shaw, Wei Yang, Álvaro Ayala, Claudio Bravo, Chuanxi Zhao, and Francesca Pellicciotti
The Cryosphere, 15, 595–614, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-595-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-595-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Near surface air temperature (Ta) is important for simulating the melting of glaciers, though its variability in space and time on mountain glaciers is still poorly understood. We combine new Ta observations on glacier in Tibet with several glacier datasets around the world to explore the applicability of an existing method to estimate glacier Ta based upon glacier flow distance. We make a first step at generalising a method and highlight the remaining unknowns for this field of research.
Yanbin Lei, Tandong Yao, Lide Tian, Yongwei Sheng, Lazhu, Jingjuan Liao, Huabiao Zhao, Wei Yang, Kun Yang, Etienne Berthier, Fanny Brun, Yang Gao, Meilin Zhu, and Guangjian Wu
The Cryosphere, 15, 199–214, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-199-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-199-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Two glaciers in the Aru range, western Tibetan Plateau (TP), collapsed suddenly on 17 July and 21 September 2016, respectively, causing fatal damage to local people and their livestock. The impact of the glacier collapses on the two downstream lakes (i.e., Aru Co and Memar Co) is investigated in terms of lake morphology, water level and water temperature. Our results provide a baseline in understanding the future lake response to glacier melting on the TP under a warming climate.
Yaoming Ma, Zeyong Hu, Zhipeng Xie, Weiqiang Ma, Binbin Wang, Xuelong Chen, Maoshan Li, Lei Zhong, Fanglin Sun, Lianglei Gu, Cunbo Han, Lang Zhang, Xin Liu, Zhangwei Ding, Genhou Sun, Shujin Wang, Yongjie Wang, and Zhongyan Wang
Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 12, 2937–2957, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-12-2937-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-12-2937-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
In comparison with other terrestrial regions of the world, meteorological observations are scarce over the Tibetan Plateau.
This has limited our understanding of the mechanisms underlying complex interactions between the different earth spheres with heterogeneous land surface conditions.
The release of this continuous and long-term dataset with high temporal resolution is expected to facilitate broad multidisciplinary communities in understanding key processes on the
Third Pole of the world.
Cited articles
Angus-Leppan, P.: The height of mount Everest, Surv. Rev., 26, 367–385,
https://doi.org/10.1179/sre.1982.26.206.367, 1982.
Brun, F., King, O., Réveillet, M., Amory, C., Planchot, A., Berthier, E., Dehecq, A., Bolch, T., Fourteau, K., Brondex, J., Dumont, M., Mayer, C., and Wagnon, P.: Brief communication: Everest South Col Glacier did not thin during the last three decades, The Cryosphere Discuss. [preprint], https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2022-166, in review, 2022.
Chen, J., Zhang, Y., Yuan, J., Guo, C., and Zhang, P.: Height Determination
of Qomolangma Feng (MT. Everest) in 2005, Surv. Rev., 42, 122–131,
https://doi.org/10.1179/003962610X12572516251565, 2010.
Fortin, R. and Fortier, R.: Tomographic imaging of a snowpack, Proceedings
of the 58th Annual Eastern Snow Conference, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, 2001, 17–19, 2001.
Holbrook, W. S., Miller, S. N., and Provart, M. A.: Estimating snow water
equivalent over long mountain transects using snowmobile-mounted
ground-penetrating radar, Geophysics, 81, WA183–WA193,
https://doi.org/10.1190/geo2015-0121.1, 2016.
Hugonnet, R., McNabb, R., Berthier, E., Menounos, B., Nuth, C., Girod, L.,
Farinotti, D., Huss, M., Dussaillant, I., and Brun, F.: Accelerated global
glacier mass loss in the early twenty-first century, Nature, 592, 726–731,
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-03436-z, 2021.
Immerzeel, W. W., Lutz, A., Andrade, M., Bahl, A., Biemans, H., Bolch, T.,
Hyde, S., Brumby, S., Davies, B., and Elmore, A.: Importance and
vulnerability of the world's water towers, Nature, 577, 364–369,
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-019-1822-y, 2020.
Kang, S., Zhang, Q., Zhang, Y., Guo, W., Ji, Z., Shen, M., Wang, S., Wang,
X., Tripathee, L., and Liu, Y.: Warming and thawing in the Mt. Everest
region: A review of climate and environmental changes, Earth. Sci. Rev.,
225, 103911, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2021.103911, 2022.
Kovacs, A., Gow, A. J., and Morey, R. M.: The in-situ dielectric constant of
polar firn revisited, Cold Reg. Sci. Technol., 23, 245–256,
https://doi.org/10.1016/0165-232X(94)00016-Q, 1995.
Kraaijenbrink, P. D. A., Stigter, E. E., Yao, T., and Immerzeel, W. W.:
Climate change decisive for Asia's snow meltwater supply, Nat. Clim.
Change., 11, 591–597, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-021-01074-x, 2021.
Matthews, T., Perry, L. B., Koch, I., Aryal, D., Khadka, A., Shrestha, D.,
Abernathy, K., Elmore, A., Seimon, A., and Tait, A.: Going to extremes:
installing the world's highest weather stations on Mount Everest, B. Am.
Meteorol. Soc., 101, E1870–E1890, https://doi.org/10.1175/BAMS-D-19-0198.1,
2020.
Pepin, N., Adler, C., Kotlarksi, S., and Palazzi, E.: Mountains undergo
enhanced impacts of climate change, Eos Earth & Space Science News, 103, https://doi.org/10.1029/2022EO185278, 2022.
Potocki, M., Mayewski, P. A., Matthews, T., Perry, L. B., Schwikowski, M.,
Tait, A. M., Korotkikh, E., Clifford, H., Kang, S., and Sherpa, T. C.: Mt.
Everest's highest glacier is a sentinel for accelerating ice loss, npj.
Clim. Atmos. Sci., 5, 1–8, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41612-022-00230-0, 2022.
Rignot, E., Mouginot, J., Larsen, C., Gim, Y., and Kirchner, D.:
Low-frequency radar sounding of temperate ice masses in Southern Alaska,
Geophys. Res. Lett., 40, 5399–5405, https://doi.org/10.1002/2013GL057452,
2013.
Singh, K., Negi, H., Kumar, A., Kulkarni, A., Dewali, S., Datt, P., Ganju,
A., and Kumar, S.: Estimation of snow accumulation on Samudra Tapu glacier,
Western Himalaya using airborne ground penetrating radar, Curr. Sci., 2017,
1208–1218, https://doi.org/10.18520/cs/v112/i06/1208-1218, 2017.
Sun, Z., Zhang, J.-Q., and Zhang, P.: The application of radar technique to
determining niveal bed thickness of mount Qomolangma, Geophysical and
Geochemical Exploration, 2006, 179–182, 2006.
Thompson, L. G., Brecher, H. H., Mosley-Thompson, E., Hardy, D. R., and
Mark, B. G.: Glacier loss on Kilimanjaro continues unabated, P. Natl.
Acad. Sci. USA, 106, 19770–19775,
https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0906029106, 2009.
Xie, Y., Shen, W., Han, J., and Deng, X.: Determination of the height of
Mount Everest using the shallow layer method, Geod. Geodyn., 12, 258–265,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geog.2021.04.002, 2021.
Yamamoto, T., Matsuoka, K., and Naruse, R.: Observation of internal
structures of snow covers with a ground-penetrating radar, Ann. Glaciol.,
38, 21–24, https://doi.org/10.3189/172756404781814834, 2004.
Co-editor-in-chief
This manuscript describes a very unique set of measurements made in extreme conditions at the summit of Mount Everest. This accomplishment provides a new perspective on snow conditions at an iconic location, and will be of broad public interest.
This manuscript describes a very unique set of measurements made in extreme conditions at the...
Short summary
There is very strong scientific and public interest regarding the snow thickness on Mountain Everest. Previously reported snow depths derived by different methods and instruments ranged from 0.92 to 3.5 m. Our measurements in 2022 provide the first clear radar image of the snowpack at the top of Mount Everest. The snow thickness at Earth's summit was averaged to be 9.5 ± 1.2 m. This updated snow thickness is considerably deeper than values reported during the past 5 decades.
There is very strong scientific and public interest regarding the snow thickness on Mountain...
