Abstract
Glacier variations in the Tibetan Plateau and surrounding mountain ranges in China affect the livelihood of over one billion people who depend on water from the Yellow, Yangtze, Brahmaputra, Ganges and Indus rivers originating in these areas. Based on the results of the present study and published literature, we found that the glaciers shrank 15.7% in area from 1963 to 2010 with an annual area change of -0.33%. The shrinkage generally decreased from peripheral mountain ranges to the interior of Tibet. The linear trends of annual air temperature and precipitation at 147 stations were 0.36°C (10a)-1 and 8.96 mm (10a)-1 respectively from 1961 to 2010. The shrinkage of glaciers was well correlated with the rising temperature and the spatial patterns of the shrinkage were influenced by other factors superimposed on the rising temperature such as glacier size, type, elevation, debris cover and precipitation.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Explore related subjects
Discover the latest articles, news and stories from top researchers in related subjects.Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Andreassen LM, Paul F, Kääb A, et al. (2008) Landsat-derived glacier inventory for Jotunheimen, Norway, and deduced glacier changes since the 1930s. The Cryosphere 2(2): 131–145. DOI: 10.5194/tc-2-131-2008
Bai JZ, Li ZQ, Zhang MJ, et al. (2012) Glacier changes in Youyi Area in the Altay Mountains of Xinjiang during 1959-2008. Arid Land Geography 35(01): 116–124. (In Chinese)
Bhambri R, Bolch T, Chaujar RK (2011) Mapping of debriscovered glaciers in the Garhwal Himalayas using ASTER DEMs and thermal data. International Journal of Remote Sensing 32(23): 8095–8119. DOI: 10.1080/01431161.2010. 532821
Bhardwaj A, Joshi PK, Snehmani, et al. (2014) Mapping debriscovered glaciers and identifying factors affecting the accuracy. Cold Regions Science and Technology 106-107: 161–174. DOI: 10.1016/j.coldregions.2014.07.006
Bolch T, Kulkarni A, Kääb A, et al. (2012) The state and fate of Himalayan glaciers. Science 336(6079): 310–314. DOI: 10.1126/science.1215828
Bolch T, Menounos B, Wheate R (2010a) Landsat-based inventory of glaciers in western Canada, 1985–2005. Remote Sensing of Environment 114(1): 127–137. DOI: 10.1016/j.rse. 2009.08.015
Bolch T, Yao TD, Kang SC, et al. (2010b) A glacier inventory for the western Nyainqentanglha Range and the Nam Co Basin, Tibet, and glacier changes 1976-2009. The Cryosphere 4(3): 419–433. DOI: 10.5194/tc-4-419-2010
Cai DH, Ma JH, Nian YY, et al. (2006) The study of glacier change using remote sensing in Mnt. Muztagh Ata. Journal of Lanzhou University (Natural Science) 42(01): 13–17. (In Chinese)
Cao B, Pan BT, Gao HS, et al. (2010) Glacier Variation in the Lenglongling Range of Eastern Qilian Mountains from 1972 to 2007. Journal of Glaciology and Geocryology 32(2): 242–248. (In Chinese)
Che T, Li X, Mool PK, et al. (2005) Monitoring Glaciers and Associated Glacial Lakes on the East Slopes of Mount Xixabangma from Remote Sensing Images. Journal of Glaciology and Geocryology 27(6): 801–805. (In Chinese)
Chen F, Kang SC, Zhang YJ, et al. (2009) Glaciers and Lake Change in Response to Climate Change in the Nam Co Basin, Tibet. Journal of Mountain Science 27(06): 641–647. (In Chinese)
Chen XQ, Cui P, Li Y, et al. (2007) Changes in glacial lakes and glaciers of post-1986 in the Poiqu River basin, Nyalam, Xizang (Tibet). Geomorphology 88(3): 298–311. DOI: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2006.11.012
Chen XQ, Cui P, Yang Z, et al. (2005) Change in glaciers and glacier lakes in Boiqu river basin, Middle Himalayas during last 15 years. Journal of Glaciology and Geocryology 27(06): 793–800. (In Chinese)
Ding YJ, Liu SY, Li J, et al. (2006) The retreat of glaciers in response to recent climate warming in western China. Annals of Glaciology 43(1): 97–105. DOI: 10.3189/17275640678181 2005
Du JK (2011) The research of glacier change in the Yulong Snow Mountains based on RS and observation data. MS Thesis, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China. p13.
Du WT, Qin X, Liu YS, et al. (2008) Variation of the Laohugou Glacier No.12 in the Qilian Mountains. Journal of Glaciology and Geocryology 30(3): 373–379. (In Chinese)
Dyurgerov MB, Meier MF (2005) Glaciers and the changing earth system: a 2004 snapshot. Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research University of Colorado, Boulder, USA. pp 10–12.
Free M, Angell JK, Durre I, et al. (2004) Using First Differences to Reduce Inhomogeneity in Radiosonde Temperature Datasets. Journal of Climate 17(21): 4171–4179. DOI: 10.1175/JCLI3198.1
Gao WY, Li ZQ, Li KM, et al. (2011) Glacier variation in the Kukesu River Basin during 1963-2004 based on remote sensing data and GIS techniques. Arid Land Geography 34(2): 252–261. (In Chinese)
Gardelle J, Berthier E, Arnaud Y (2012) Slight mass gain of Karakoram glaciers in the early twenty-first century. Nature Geoscience 5(5): 322–325. DOI: 10.1038/ngeo1450
Immerzeel WW, van Beek LP, Bierkens MF (2010) Climate change will affect the Asian water towers. Science 328(5984): 1382–1385. DOI: 10.1126/science.1183188
Jacob T, Wahr J, Pfeffer WT, et al. (2012) Recent contributions of glaciers and ice caps to sea level rise. Nature 482(7386): 514–518. DOI: 10.1038/nature10847
Jiao KQ, Jing ZQ, Han TD, et al. (2004) Variation of the Glacier No.1 at the headwaters of the rümqi River in the Tianshan Mountains during the past 42 years and its trend prediction. Journal of Glaciology and Geocryology 26(03): 253–260. (In Chinese)
Jin R, Che T, Li X, et al. (2004) Glacier variation in the pumqu basin derived from remote sensing data and GIS Technique. Journal of Glaciology and Geocryology 26(3): 261–266. (In Chinese)
Li BL, Zhang YC, Zhou CH (2004) Remote sensing detection of glacier changes in Tianshan Mountains for the past 40 years. Journal of Geographical Sciences 14(3): 296–302. (In Chinese)
Li DP, Wang LP, Liu SY, et al. (2009) Tupu analysis of the spatio-temporal glacier variations in the central and western Qangtang Plateau since the Little Ice Age. Journal of Glaciology and Geocryology 31(01): 40–47. (In Chinese)
Li KM, Li HL, Wang L, et al. (2011a) On the relationship between local topography and small glacier change under climatic warming on Mt. Bogda, eastern Tian Shan, China. Journal of Earth Science 22(4): 515–527. DOI: 10.1007/s12583-011-0204-7
Li KM, Li ZQ, Gao WY, et al. (2011b) Recent glacial retreat and its effect on water resources in eastern Xinjiang. Chinese Science Bulletin 56(32): 2708–2716. (In Chinese)
Li X, Shen YP, Cheng GD, et al. (2008) Cryospheric change in China. Global and Planetary Change 62(3): 210–218. DOI: 10.1016/j.gloplacha.2008.02.001
Li Z, Sun WX, Zeng QZ (1998) Measurements of glacier variation in the Tibetan Plateau using Landsat Data. Remote Sensing of Environment 63(3): 258–264. DOI: 10.1016/S0034-4257(97)00140-5
Li Z, Sun WX, Zeng QZ (1999) Deriving glacier change information on the Xizang(Tibetan)Plateau by integrating RS and GIS techniques. Acta Geographica Sinica 54(3): 263–268. (In Chinese)
Li ZG, Yao TD, Ye QH, et al. (2011) Monitoring glacial variations based on remote sensing in the Luozha region, eastern Himalayas, 1980-2007. Geographical Research 30(05): 939–952. (In Chinese)
Li ZG, Yao TD, Ye QH, et al. (2010) Glaciers in the upstream Manla Reservoir in the Nianchu River Basin, Tibet: shrinkage and impact. Journal of Glaciology and Geocryology 32(4): 650–658. (In Chinese)
Li ZQ, Han TD, Jing ZF, et al. (2003) A summary of 40-year observed variation facts of climate and Glacier No.1 at headwater of (U)rümqi River, Tianshan, China. Journal of Glaciology and Geocryology 25(02): 117–123. (In Chinese)
Li ZQ, Li HL, Chen YN (2011) Mechanisms and simulation of accelerated shrinkage of continental glaciers: a case study of Urumqi Glacier No. 1 in eastern Tianshan, Central Asia. Journal of Earth Science 22(4): 423–430. DOI: 10.1007/s12583-011-0194-5
Li ZQ, Shen YP, Wang FT, et al. (2007) Response of glacier melting to climate change—take (U)rümqi Glacier No. 1 as an Example. Journal of Glaciology and Geocryology 29(03): 333–342. (In Chinese)
Liu CH, Kang ES, Liu SY, et al. (1999) Study on the glacier variation and its runoff responses in the arid region of Northwest China. Science in China Series D: Earth Sciences 42(S1): 64–71. DOI: 10.1007/BF02878854
Liu JL, Liu DZ, Wang CH (2011) Glacier change analysis in Ageledaban Region of Xinjiang. Surveying and Mapping of Geology and Mineral Resources 27(04): 21–23. (In Chinese)
Liu Q, Liu SY, Zhang Y, et al. (2010) Recent shrinkage and hydrological response of Hailuogou glacier, a monsoon temperate glacier on the east slope of Mount Gongga, China. Journal of Glaciology 56(196): 215–224. DOI: 10.3189/0022 14310791968520
Liu SY, Sun WX, Shen YP, et al. (2003) Glacier changes since the Little Ice Age maximum in the western Qilian Shan, northwest China, and consequences of glacier runoff for water supply. Journal of Glaciology 49(164): 117–124. DOI: 10.3189/172756503781830926
Liu SY, Lu AX, Ding YJ, et al. (2002) Glacier fluctuations and the inferred climate changes in the A’Nyêmaqên Mountains in the source area of the Yellow River. Journal of Glaciology and Geocryology 24(6): 701–707. (In Chinese)
Liu SY, Shangguan DH, Ding YJ, et al. (2005) Glacier variations since the early 20th century in the Gangrigabu Range, Southeast Tibetan Plateau. Journal of Glaciology and Geocryology 27(1): 55–63. (In Chinese)
Liu XC, Xiao CD (2011) Preliminary Study of the Jiemayangzong Glacier and lake variations in the source regions of the Yarlung Zangbo River in 1974-2010. Journal of Glaciology and Geocryology 33(03): 488–496. (In Chinese)
Liu YS, Qin X, Zhang T, et al. (2012) Variation of the Ningchan River Glacier No.3 in the Lenglongling Range, East Qilian Mountains. Journal of Glaciology and Geocryology 34(05): 1031–1036. (In Chinese)
Lu AX, Yao TD, Liu SY, et al. (2002) Glacier change in the Geladandong area of the Tibetan Plateau monitored by remote sensing. Journal of Glaciology and Geocryology 24(5): 559–562. (In Chinese)
Lu AX, Yao TD, Wang LH, et al. (2005) Study on the fluctuations of typical glaciers and lakes in the Tibetan Plateau using remote sensing. Journal of Glaciology and Geocryology 27(06): 783–792. (In Chinese)
Meier MF, Dyurgerov MB, Rick UK, et al. (2007) Glaciers dominate eustatic sea-level rise in the 21st century. Science 317(5841): 1064–1067. DOI: 10.1126/science.1143906
Mitchell TD, Jones PD (2005) An improved method of constructing a database of monthly climate observations and associated high-resolution grids. International Journal of Climatology 25(6): 693–712. DOI: 10.1002/joc.1181
Nie Y, Zhang YL, Liu LS, et al. (2010a) Glacial change in the vicinity of Mt. Qomolangma (Everest), central high Himalayas since 1976. Journal of Geographical Sciences 20(5): 667–686. DOI: 10.1007/s11442-010-0803-8
Nie Y, Zhang YL, Liu LS, et al. (2010b) Monitoring glacier change based on remote sensing in the Mt.Qomolangma National Nature Preserve, 1976-2006. Acta Geographica Sinica 65(01): 13–28. (In Chinese)
Pan BT, Cao B, Wang J, et al. (2012a) Glacier variations in response to climate change from 1972 to 2007 in the western Lenglongling mountains, northeastern Tibetan Plateau. Journal of Glaciology 58(211): 879–888. DOI: 10.3189/2012JoG12J032
Pan BT, Zhang GL, Wang J, et al. (2012b) Glacier changes from 1966-2009 in the Gongga Mountains, on the south-eastern margin of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and their climatic forcing. The Cryosphere 6(5): 1087–1101. DOI: 10.5194/tc-6-1087-2012
Paul F, Huggel C, Kääb A, et al. (2002a) Comparison of TMderived glacier areas with higher resolution data sets. In: Proceedings of EARSeL-LISSIG-Workshop Observing our Cryosphere from Space, Bern, 11-13 March, 2002a.
Paul F, Huggel C, Kääb A (2004) Combining satellite multispectral image data and a digital elevation model for mapping debris-covered glaciers. Remote Sensing of Environment 89(4): 510–518. DOI: 10.1016/j.rse.2003.11.007
Paul F, Kääb A, Maisch M, et al. (2002b) The new remotesensing-derived Swiss glacier inventory: I. Methods. Annals of Glaciology 34(1): 355–361. DOI: 10.3189/172756402781817941
Peterson TC, Karl TR, Jamason PF, et al. (1998) First difference method: Maximizing station density for the calculation of long-term global temperature change. Journal of Geophysical Research 103(D20): 25967–25974. DOI: 10.1029/98JD01168
Pope A, Rees WG (2014) Impact of spatial, spectral, and radiometric properties of multispectral imagers on glacier surface classification. Remote Sensing of Environment 141: 1–13. DOI: 10.1016/j.rse.2013.08.028
Qian YB, Wu SX, Wu ZN, et al. (2011) Changes of glacier resource in Karlik Mountain in the last 50 years and the measures of protection. Arid Land Geography 34(05): 719–725. (In Chinese)
Qiao CJ (2010) Remote Sensing Monitoring of Glacier Changes in Dongkemadi Region of Tanggula Mountain. Journal of Anhui Agricultural Sciences 38(14): 7703–7705. (In Chinese)
Salzmann N, Huggel C, Rohrer M, et al. (2014) Data and knowledge gaps in glacier, snow and related runoff research–A climate change adaptation perspective. Journal of Hydrology 518: 225–234. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2014.05.058
Scherler D, Bookhagen B, Strecker MR (2011) Spatially variable response of Himalayan glaciers to climate change affected by debris cover. Nature Geoscience 4(3): 156–159. DOI: 10.1038/ngeo1068
Shangguan DH, Liu SY, Ding LF, et al. (2009) Glacier changes during the last forty years in the Tarim Interior River basin, northwest China. Progress in Natural Science 19(6): 727–732. DOI: 10.1016/j.pnsc.2008.11.002
Shangguan DH, Liu SY, Ding LF, et al. (2008) Variation of Glaciers in the Western Nyainqêntanglha Range of Tibetan Plateau during 1970-2000. Journal of Glaciology and Geocryology 30(02): 204–210. (In Chinese)
Shangguan DH, Liu SY, Ding YJ, et al. (2005) Monitoring Glacier Changes and Inventory of Glaciers in Muztag Ata-Kongur Tagh, East Pamir, China Using ASTER Data. Journal of Glaciology and Geocryology 27(03): 344–351. (In Chinese)
Shangguan DH, Liu SY, Ding YJ, et al. (2006) Monitoring the glacier changes in the Muztag Ata and Konggur mountains, east Pamirs, based on Chinese Glacier Inventory and recent satellite imagery. Annals of Glaciology 43(1): 79–85. DOI: 10.3189/172756406781812393
Shangguan DH, Liu SY, Ding YJ, et al. (2007) Glacier changes in the west Kunlun Shan from 1970 to 2001 derived from Landsat TM/ETM+ and Chinese glacier inventory data. Annals of Glaciology 46(1): 204–208. DOI: 10.3189/1727564 07782871693
Shi YF (2002) Characteristics of late Quaternary monsoonal glaciation on the Tibetan Plateau and in East Asia. Quaternary International 97: 79–91. DOI: 10.1016/S1040-6182(02)00053-8
Shi YF (2008) Concise glacier inventory of China. Shanghai: Shanghai Popular Science Press. pp 1–205.
Shukla A, Arora MK, Gupta RP (2010) Synergistic approach for mapping debris-covered glaciers using optical–thermal remote sensing data with inputs from geomorphometric parameters. Remote Sensing of Environment 114(7): 1378–1387. DOI: 10.1016/j.rse.2010.01.015
Song WJ (2008) The Study on Glacier Fluctuation, Climate and Runoff Change in Qitai County in Xinjiang. MS Thesis, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, China. p 25. (In Chinese)
Tennant C, Menounos B, Wheate R, et al. (2012) Area change of glaciers in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, 1919 to 2006. The Cryosphere 6(6): 1541–1552. DOI: 10.5194/tc-6-1541-2012
Tian HZ, Yang TB, Liu QP (2012a) Climate change and glacier retreat in Ganggeexiaoheli, middle Qilian Mountains using remote sensing data, 1976-2010. Journal of Arid Land Resources and Environment 26(07): 41–46. (In Chinese)
Tian HZ, Yang TB, Liu QP (2012b) Relation between climate change and Dunde Glacier retreat studied by using remote sensing data, 1970-2010. Journal of Glaciology and Geocryology 34(02): 277–283. (In Chinese)
Tian HZ, Yang TB, Liu QP (2012c) Relationship between climate change and Glacier retreat over the last 40 years in Lenglongling Range of Eastern Qilian Mountains. Research of Soil and Water Conservation 19(05): 34–38. (In Chinese)
Tian HZ, Yang TB, Liu QP (2014) Climate change and glacier area shrinkage in the Qilian mountains, China, from 1956 to 2010. Annals of Glaciology 55(66): 187–197.
Vuille M, Raymond B (2000) Mean annual temperature trends and their vertical structure in the tropical andes. Geophysical Research Letters 27(23): 3885. DOI: 10.1029/2000GL011871
Wang LP, Xie ZC, Liu SY, et al. (2011a) Glacierized area variation and its response to climate change in Qangtang Plateau during 1970–2000. Journal of Glaciology and Geocryology 33(05): 979–990. (In Chinese)
Wang LP, Xie ZC, Wang X, et al. (2011b) The glacier area changes in the Qangtang Plateau based on the multi-temporal grid method and its sensitivity to climate change. Journal of Mountain Science 8(6): 882–893. DOI: 10.1007/s11629-011-1123-x
Wang PY, Li ZQ, Cao M, et al. (2011a) Ice surface-elevation changes of Glacier No.4 of Sigong River in Bogda, Tianshan Mountains, during the last 50 years. Arid Land Geography 34(03): 464–470. (In Chinese)
Wang PY, Li ZQ, Gao WY (2011b) Rapid shrinking of glaciers in the Middle Qilian Mountain region of Northwest China during the last ~50 years. Journal of Earth Science 22(4): 539–548. DOI: 10.1007/s12583-011-0195-4
Wang SH, Xie ZC, Dai YN, et al. (2011) Structure, change and its tendency of glacier systems in Altay Mountains. Arid Land Geography 34(01): 115–123. (In Chinese)
Wang SH, Xie ZC, Li QY (2008) Comparison study of glacier variations in East and West Tianshan Mountains. Journal of Glaciology and Geocryology 30(06): 946–953. (In Chinese)
Wang WC, Yao TD, Yang XX (2011) Variations of glacial lakes and glaciers in the Boshula mountain range, southeast Tibet, from the 1970s to 2009. Annals of Glaciology 52(58): 9–17. DOI: 10.3189/172756411797252347
Wang XL (2008a) Penalized maximal F test for detecting undocumented mean shift without trend change. Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology 25(3): 368–384. DOI: 10.1175/2007JTECHA982.1
Wang XL (2008b) Accounting for autocorrelation in detecting mean shifts in climate data series using the penalized maximal t or F test. Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology 47(9): 2423–2444. DOI: 10.1175/2008JAMC 1741.1
Wang X, Zhou AG, Siegert F, et al. (2012) Glacier temporalspatial change characteristics in Western Nyainqentanglha Range, Tibetan Plateau 1977-2010. Earth Science-Journal of China University of Geosciences 37(05): 1082–1092. (In Chinese)
Wang YT, Hou SG, Hong SM, et al. (2008a) Glacier extent and volume change (1966~2000) on the Su-lo Mountain in northeastern Tibetan Plateau, China. Journal of Mountain Science 5(4): 299–309. DOI: 10.1007/s11629-008-0224-7
Wang YT, Hou SG, Lu AX, et al. (2008b) Response of glacier variations in the eastern Tianshan Mountains to climate change, during the last 40 years. Arid Land Geography 31(06): 813–821. (In Chinese)
Wang YY, Ye QH, Yao TD, et al. (2008) Response of glacier and lake covariations to climate change in Mapam Yumco Basin on Tibetan Plateau during 1974-2003. Journal of China University of Geosciences 19(2): 135–145. DOI: 10.1016/S1002-0705(08)60032-1
Wu LZ, Li X (2004) China glacier information system. China Ocean Press, Beijing, China. pp 1–135.(In Chinese)
Wu YH, Zhu LP (2008) The response of lake-glacier variations to climate change in Nam Co Catchment, central Tibetan Plateau, during 1970-2000. Journal of Geographical Sciences 18(2): 177–189. DOI: 10.1007/s11442-008-0177-3
Xin XD, Yao TD, Ye QH, et al. (2009) Study of the fluctuations of glaciers and lakes around the Ranwu Lake of Southeast Tibetan Plateau using Remote Sensing. Journal of Glaciology and Geocryology 31(01): 19–26. (In Chinese)
Xu JL, Liu SY, Zhang SQ, et al. (2006) Glaciers fluctuations in the Karamilan-Keriya river watershed in the past 30 years. Journal of Glaciology and Geocryology 3(03): 312–318. (In Chinese)
Xu XK, Pan BL, Hu E, et al. (2011) Responses of two branches of Glacier No. 1 to climate change from 1993 to 2005, Tianshan, China. Quaternary International 236(1): 143–150. DOI: 10.1016/j.quaint.2010.06.013
Yan DG, Li ZQ, Gao WY, et al. (2012) RS-based monitoring of glacier change in the Beidahe River Basin in the Qilian Mountains. Arid Zone Research 29(02): 245–250. (In Chinese)
Yang JP, Ding YJ, Liu SY, et al. (2003) Glacier change and its effect on surface runoff in the source regions of the Yangtze and Yellow rivers. Journal of Natural Resources 18(5): 595–602. (In Chinese)
Yang Y, Chen RS, Ji XB (2007) Variations of glaciers in the Yeniugou Watershed of Heihe River Basin from 1956 to 2003. Journal of Glaciology and Geocryology 29(1): 100–106. (In Chinese)
Yao TD, Thompson L, Yang W, et al. (2012) Different glacier status with atmospheric circulations in Tibetan Plateau and surroundings. Nature Climate Change 2(9): 663–667. DOI: 10.1038/nclimate1580
Yao TD, Wang YQ, Liu SY, et al. (2004) Recent glacial retreat in High Asia in China and its impact on water resource in Northwest China. Science in China Series D: Earth Sciences 47(12): 1065–1075. DOI: 10.1360/03yd0256
Yao XJ, Liu SY, Guo WQ, et al. (2012) Glacier Change of Altay Mountain in China from 1960 to 2009-Based on the Second Glacier Inventory of China. Journal of Natural Resources 27(10): 1734–1745. (In Chinese)
Yao YH, Li HG, Zhang BP (2009) Glacier changes in the past 30 years at the east watershed of Mt.Tomor. Arid Land Geography 32(06): 828–833. (In Chinese)
Ye QH, Chen F, Stein A, et al. (2009a) Use of a multi-temporal grid method to analyze changes in glacier coverage in the Tibetan Plateau. Progress in Natural Science 19(7): 861–872. DOI: 10.1016/j.pnsc.2008.12.002
Ye QH, Chen F, Yao TD, et al. (2007a) Tupu of glacier variations in the Mt. Naimona’ Nyi Region, Western Himalayas, in the last three decades. Journal of Remote Sensing 11(04): 511–520. (In Chinese)
Ye QH, Kang SC, Chen F, et al. (2006a) Monitoring glacier variations on Geladandong mountain, central Tibetan Plateau, from 1969 to 2002 using remote-sensing and GIS technologies. Journal of Glaciology 52(179): 537–545. DOI: 10.3189/172756506781828359
Ye QH, Yao TD, Kang SC, et al. (2006b) Glacier variations in the Naimona’nyi region, western Himalaya, in the last three decades. Annals of Glaciology 43(1): 385–389. DOI: 10.3189/172756406781812032
Ye Q, Zhong Z, Kang SC, et al. (2009b) Monitoring glacier and supra-glacier lakes from space in Mt. Qomolangma region of the Himalayas on the Tibetan Plateau in China. Journal of Mountain Science 6(3): 211–220. DOI: 10.1007/s11629-009-1016-4
Ye Q, Zhu LP, Zheng HX, et al. (2007b) Glacier and lake variations in the Yamzhog Yumco basin, southern Tibetan Plateau, from 1980 to 2000 using remote-sensing and GIS technologies. Journal of Glaciology 53(183): 673–676. DOI: 10.3189/002214307784409261
Zhang GL, Pan BT, Wang J, et al. (2010) Research on the glacier change in the Gongga Mountain based on remote-sensing and GPS from 1966 to 2008. Journal of Glaciology and Geocryology 32(03): 454–460. (In Chinese)
Zhang HW, Lu AX, Wang LH, et al. (2010) Glacier change in the Lenglongling Mountain monitored by remote sensing. Remote Sensing Technology and Application 25(05): 682–686. (In Chinese)
Zhang HW, Lu AX, Wang LH, et al. (2011) Glacier change in the Shulenan Mountain monitored by remote sensing. Journal of Glaciology and Geocryology 33(01): 8–13. (In Chinese)
Zhang MJ, Wang SJ, Li ZQ, et al. (2012) Glacier area shrinkage in China and its climatic background during the past half century. Journal of Geographical Sciences 22(1): 15–28. DOI: 10.1007/s11442-012-0908-3
Zhang Q, Li JF, David Chen YQ, et al. (2011) Observed changes of temperature extremes during 1960–2005 in China: natural or human-induced variations? Theoretical and Applied Climatology 106(3-4): 417–431. DOI: 10.1007/s00704-011-0447-3
Zhang RJ, Fang HB, Zhao FY (2010a) The evolution of existing glaciers in the past 30 years in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Remote Sensing for Land & Resources S1): 49–53. (In Chinese)
Zhang RJ, Fang HB, Zhao FY, et al. (2010b) Remote sensing survey of existing glaciers in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Remote Sensing for Land & Resources (S1): 45–48. (In Chinese)
Zhang SP, Zhang HC, Chen GJ, et al. (2012) Climate and glacier changes and lake response in the Ngangla Ringsto Catchment in Western Tibetan Plateau. Journal of Glaciology and Geocryology 34(02): 267–276. (In Chinese)
Zhang TB, Zhang JP, Wu H, et al. (2011) Variation of the glaciers in Nyingchi Municipality of Tibet autonomous region during 1990-2000. Journal of Glaciology and Geocryology 33(01): 14–20. (In Chinese)
Zhang YS, Liu SY, Shangguan DH, et al. (2012) Thinning and shrinkage of Laohugou No. 12 glacier in the Western Qilian Mountains, China, from 1957 to 2007. Journal of Mountain Science 9(3): 343–350. DOI: 10.1007/s11629-009-2296-4
Zhao LQ (2009) A study of glacier changes and surface dust on Lenglongling glacier in the Qilian Mountains. MS Thesis, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China. p 36.(In Chinese)
Zheng BX, Zhao XT, Li TS, et al. (1999) Features and fluctuation of the Melang Glacier in the Mainri Mountain. Journal of Glaciology and Geocryology 21(2): 145–150. (In Chinese)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0205-8121
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8219-9946
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3312-0901
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3416-3652
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7091-8090
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Tian, Hz., Yang, Tb., Lv, H. et al. Climate change and glacier area variations in China during the past half century. J. Mt. Sci. 13, 1345–1357 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11629-015-3685-5
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11629-015-3685-5