Characteristics of DDF at Baishui Glacier No. 1 region in Yulong Snow Mountain

Abstract

Based on observed mass balance and meteorological data since September 2008 and ablation data by the expedition team of Tibetan plateau from June to August 1982 at Baishui (白水) Glacier No. 1 region, we analyzed the spatial and temporal changes of degree-day factor (DDF) of the Baishui Glacier No. 1 following the changes of space, time, and temperature, which lays a theoretical foundation to establish DDF model. The results indicate that the melting DDF of ice showed a significant downward trend with rising temperatures, and larger value of DDF only appeared at low temperature conditions. A larger value of DDF appeared in the high altitude areas, and as altitude rises, the value of DDF increased. The snow DDF is lower than the DDF of ice, and the DDF is higher in temperate glaciers than those in other glaciers. The melting DDF of snow has a more obvious seasonal variation than the melting DDF of ice.

Keywords

degree-day factor (DDF) / Baishui Glacier No. 1 / ablation / monsoonal temperate glaciers

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