On the Temperature Distribution of Glaciers in China

Abstract

AbstractTo date, the temperatures of 22 glaciers in China have been measured. It is suggested that the minimum temperature at the base of the active layer in the upper part of the ablation area (Tmin) be used as a characteristic temperature and compared with mean annual air temperature (Ta). The temperature distribution is discussed for various glaciers. Polar-type glaciers are characterized by low temperatures withTmin< −10°C,Tminclose toTvand a cold base in general; sub-polar-type glaciers with −10°C <Tmin< −1.0°C,Tminhigher thanTvand a melting base are usually located beneath the middle of the ablation area; and temperate-type glaciers withTmin< −1.0°C, certainly higher thanTaand a sub-freezing near-surface layer in the ablation area all the year round, because the snow cover is thinner in winter.