Some Observations on the Snowfall of Ruwenzori

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Author: Whittow, John B.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1960
• Subjects: Earth-Surface Processes; Journal of Glaciology
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000018074; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000018074

Abstract The seasonal precipitation of Ruwenzori is examined and the height of the climatic snowline determined. Two distinct periods of surplus accumulation and two ablation seasons can be recognized and give rise to a somewhat complex stratification. Precipitation diminishes with altitude above about 10,000 feet (3,050 m.). The water equivalent of the annual accumulation on the highest peak is thought to lie between 25 and 30 inches (635–762 mm.). Twelve months’ synoptic charts have been analysed and an attempt is made to relate the seasonal variations of accumulation and ablation to the meteorological factors accompanying the oscillations of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone.