Abstract

In this study, snow samples collected from nine snowpacks from Mt. Yulong are measured to examine the monthly and annual isotopic variation. The results indicate that the late autumn and winter snow sampled in 2008/2009 show a similar high–low–high δ18O variation. In spring, the high–low–high curve still exists in the lower layers (<1.5 m), while relatively high values are witnessed in the upper layers (>1.5 m). Isotopic homogenization, smoothing the vertical variation of δ18O in snow, is observed in June and July when snow melting occurs. Samples collected in April of 2009, 2012 and 2017 show significant differences, suggesting annual changes of isotope contents in snow. This study suggests that the isotope contents in the snow profile can reflect meteorological information. At the monthly scale, we can distinguish the information on snow accumulation and melting by determining the monthly variation of vertical isotope contents in snow. At the annual scale, we can analyze the annual difference of corresponding meteorological factors. Collectively, observing the stable isotopes in snow could provide evidence for climate change, particularly when climatic data are lacking or are challenging to obtain in cold glacierized regions.

Highlights

  • The Tibetan Plateau (TP) is one of the most vulnerable regions in the world [1,2]

  • It is reported that climate warming has been dramatic in the TP in the past several decades [3], which has definitely resulted in significant glacier retreat, snow reduction and environmental change [4,5]

  • Every snowpack can be divided into three sections according to δ18 O

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Summary

Introduction

It is reported that climate warming has been dramatic in the TP in the past several decades [3], which has definitely resulted in significant glacier retreat, snow reduction and environmental change [4,5]. Several prediction studies indicate that the climate warming in the TP will continue over the decades [6,7], which threatens the cryosphere, water resources and the environment [8,9,10]. Mt. Yulong is a typical region in which monsoonal temperate glaciers exist. Yulong is a typical region in which monsoonal temperate glaciers exist These glaciers are highly sensitive to climate and environment changes [11,12,13]

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