Changes in glacial lakes and glaciers of post-1986 in the Poiqu River basin, Nyalam, Xizang (Tibet)

• Published in: Geomorphology
• Main Authors: Chen, Xiao-qing, Cui, Peng, Li, Yong, Yang, Zhong, Qi, Yong-qing
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2007
• Subjects: Poiqu River; Glacier; Glacier Lake; Change; Tendency; Science & Technology; Physical Sciences; Physical Geography; Geology; MOUNT EVEREST REGION; DAMMED LAKES; LATE PLEISTOCENE; OUTBURST FLOODS; ICE CORE; HIMALAYA; DRAINAGE; RECORDS; Geography; Physical; Geosciences; Multidisciplinary; ice core
• Online Access: http://ir.imde.ac.cn/handle/131551/10524; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2006.11.012

Glacial lakes and glaciers are sensitive indicators of recent climate change. In the Poiqu River basin of southern Tibet, 60100 km NW of Mt. Everest, Landsat imagery defines post-1986 changes in the size and distribution of both glacial lakes and glaciers. Total area of glaciers in the 229-km(2) drainage area has decreased by 20%. The number of glacial lakes with areas in excess of 0.020 km(2) has increased by 11%, and the total area of glacial lakes has increased by 47%. The areas of typical large glacial lakes of the area (Galongco, Gangxico, and Cirenmaco) have increased by 104, 118, and 156%, respectively, and these increases are confirmed by field investigations.