Progress in studies of cryospheric changes and their impacts on climate of China

Abstract

The cryosphere is a prominent factor in and an indicator of global climate change. It serves one of the most direct and sensitive feedbacks in the climate system, and plays an important role in the earth’s climate system. Cryospheric research has attracted unprecedented attention in the context of global warming, and is now one of the most active areas in studies of global change, sustainable development, and the climate system. This paper addresses recent and potential future changes in the cryosphere both globally and within China under the background of global warming. Particular attention is paid to progress toward understanding the impacts of the Tibetan Plateau and Eurasian snow cover, Arctic and Antarctic sea ice, and permafrost and glaciers on Chinese climate. The future development of cryospheric research in China is also discussed.