Classification of snow cover days in western China and comparison with satellite remote sensing data

The daily snow cover data from 232 meteorological stations to the west of 105°E in China for the period 1951–2004 were used to classify the snow cover and analyze decadal variations of snow cover types in western China, and comparison was made between the observational data and those retrieved from passive microwave remote sensing data (SMMR and SSM/I) in 1980–2004. The results show that stable snow-covered areas included northern Xinjiang, the Tianshan Mountains, and the eastern Tibetan Plateau with more than 60 snow cover days; no snow cover was found in the center of the southern Xinjiang Basin, the Sichuan Basin, and southern Yunnan. In addition to the above-mentioned, there were unstable snow-covered areas in western China. Furthermore, the snow cover types in northern Xinjiang, the Tianshan Mountains, the Hexi Corridor, and the vast areas from Chengdu to Kunming were unchanged. In the 1980s, the south-north dividing line between the major snow-covered area and snow-free area advanced to its most southern position. The snow cover days calculated from satellite remote sensing were generally longer than those from observational data in western China, mainly in the higher-altitude mountains, the Hexi Corridor, and the western Sichuan Plateau.     

Distribution features of stable oxygen isotopes in the typical monsoon temperate-glacier region, Mountain Yulong in China

During the summers of 1999 and 2000, sampling was carried out in Mt. Yulong, for the investigation of the spatial distribution of oxygen stable isotope in the atmospheric glacial hydro system and similar results obtained in the two years have confirmed our conclusion. There is an evident negative correlation between stable isotopic composition and air temperature precipitation amount, suggesting that there exits a strong "precipitation amount effect" in this typical monsoon temperate glacier region. There are marked differences between the δ 18 O values in winter accumulated snow, glacial meltwater, summer precipitation and glacier feeding stream. Under the control of varied climatic conditions, spatial and temporal variations of above glacial hydro mediums are apparent. Isotopic depletion or fractionation and ionic changes had occurred during the phase change and transformation processes of snow ice, ice meltwater, flowing of runoff and contact with bedrock. The variation of stable isotope in a runoff can reflect not only its own flowing process but also its different feeding sources.     

Measurements of physical characteristics of summer snow cover on sea ice during the Third Chinese Arctic Expedition

The spatial distribution of snow cover on the central Arctic sea ice is investigated here based on the observations made during the Third Chinese Arctic Expedition. Six types of snow were observed during the expedition: new/recent snow, melt-freeze crust, icy layer, depth hoar, coarse-grained, and chains of depth hoar. Across most measurement areas, the snow surface was covered by a melt-freeze crust 2-3 cm thick, which was produced by alternate strong solar radiation and the sharp temperature decrease over the summer Arctic Ocean. There was an intermittent layer of snow and ice at the base of the snow pack. The mean bulk density of the snow was 304.01±29.00 kg/m3 along the expedition line, and the surface values were generally smaller than those of the subsurface, confirming the principle of snow densification. In addition, the thicknesses and water equivalents of the new/recent and total-layer snow showed a decreasing trend with latitude, suggesting that the amount of snow cover and its spatial variations were mainly determined by precipitation. Snow temperature also presented significant variations in the vertical profile, and ablation and evaporation were not the primary factors in the snow assessment in late summer. The mean temperature of the surface snow was 2.01±0.96°C, which was much higher than that observed in theinterface of snow and sea ice.     

Source of and potential bio-indicator for the heavy metal pollution in Ny-lesund,Arctic

Three kinds of tundra plant samples including Dicranum angustum(a type of boreal bryophyte),Puccinellia phryganodes(a type of fringy plant),Salix polaris(a type of vascular plant) and surface soil were samples in 200 at Ny-lesund of the Arctic.The levels of eight heavy metal elements(Hg,Pb,Cd,Cu,Zn,Ni,Fe and Mn) and three metal-like elements(As,Se,Sr) in the plant and soil samples of the areas within previous coal mining activities are significantly higher than those of other areas.The relative accumulation of these elements in these tundra plant samples is consistent with the one in the soil samples,especially in the areas affected by previous coal-mining activities.Thus,the pollution is apparently from local coal mining activity.Dicranum angustum has the highest concentrations among those elements,and it can be a good bio-indicator for heavy metal pollution in Ny-lesund.Though Ny-lesund is less polluted by heavy metal than nearby Northern European human living areas,but much more than the tundras of the Alaska,Greenland and the Antarctic.     

中国典型土地覆盖类型地表反照率的年内变化特征(英文)

Surface albedo is a primary causative variable associated with the process of surface energy exchange. Numerous studies have examined diurnal variation of surface albedo at a regional scale; however, few studies have analyzed the intra-annual variations of surface albedo in concurrence with different land cover types. In this study, we amalgamated surface albedo product data(MCD43) from 2001 to 2008, land-use data(in 2000 and 2008) and land cover data(in 2000); quantitative analyses of surface albedo variation pertaining to diverse land cover types and the effect of the presence/absence of ground snow were undertaken. Results indicate that intra-annual surface albedo values exhibit flat Gaussian or triangular distributions depending upon land cover types. During snow-free periods, satellite observed surface albedo associated with the non-growing season was lower than that associated with the growing season. Satellite observed surface albedo during the presence of ground snow period was 2–4 times higher than that observed during snow-free periods. Surface albedo reference values in typical land cover types have been calculated; notably, grassland, cropland and built-up land were associated with higher surface albedo reference values than barren while ground snow was present. Irrespective of land cover types, the lowest surface albedo reference values were associated with forested areas. Proposed reference values may prove extremely useful in diverse research areas, including ecological modeling, land surface process modeling and radiation energy balance applications.     

Evolution of Neolithic site distribution(9.0–4.0 ka BP) in Anhui,East China

Based on archaeological surveys of Neolithic cultural development and GIS spatial analysis,this study reproduced the main characteristics of temporal distribution and settlement selection of the sites from the Neolithic Age in Anhui and identified a relationship between environmental evolution and human activity.The results show that altitude,slope direction,and slope gradient were consistent among the settlements at different stages of the Neolithic Age in Anhui,and the sites were mostly distributed in hilly and plain areas on southeast-or south-facing slopes of low gradients close to rivers.We determined that early Neolithic Age(9.0–7.0 ka BP) sites were scattered in small numbers and likely had little cultural exchange with communities of other provinces.The environmental characteristics of various regions in Anhui indicated that the climate was warm and humid with extensive water distribution.The sites of the mid Neolithic Age(7.0–5.0 ka BP) increased rapidly with wide distribution.They were mainly distributed in the plain area north of the Huaihe River and the southwestern areas of Anhui.In the mid Neolithic Age,the warm and humid climate gradually dried,and our ancestors slowly developed cultural exchanges.The largest number of sites existed during the late Neolithic Age(5.0–4.0 ka BP),and were distributed throughout the province.During this period,the overall climate was relatively dry,but humans could still obtain water and other resources through migration.The relatively benign climate facilitated cultural interaction and exchange,which increased during this time,and the Wanjiang culture matured.We also determined that as early civilization evolved,cultures in different regions responded differently to environmental changes.In humid subtropical regions,especially in low-lying plains and areas beside lakes,rivers,and coastal areas,the relatively dry climate in the late period of the middle Holocene,prefaced by a period of high humidity,was conducive to the development of human culture.The evidence from the Neolithic settlements in Anhui therefore reflects this subtropical man-land relationship between cultural development and environmental conditions.     

喜马拉雅地区纳木那尼的化学离子特征

A 6-m ice core was recovered in 2004 from the Naimona＇Nyi Glacier, the middle Himalayas. Empirical orthogonal function （EOF） analysis on the major ion reveals that EOF1 represents the variations of majority of ions which may be originated from crustal aerosols. Comparing the calcium concentrations from the Naimona＇Nyi with these from Dasuopu, East Rongbuk and Guliya ice cores, it is observed that calcium, a good indicator of the input of crustal aerosol in snow, concentrates mostly in the Guliya ice core located on the northern Tibetan Plateau, and gradually decreases from west to east in the Himalayas.     

High-resolution mass spectrometric characterization of dissolved organic matter from warm and cold periods in the NEEM ice core

Dissolved organic matter(DOM) is an important component of ice cores but is currently poorly characterized. DOM from one Holocene sample(HS, aged at 1600–4500 B.P.) and one Last Glacial Maximum sample(LS, aged at 21000–25000 B.P.) from the North Greenland Eemian Ice Drilling(NEEM) ice core were analyzed by ultra-high resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry(FT-ICR-MS). CHO compounds contributed 50% of the compounds identified in negative-ionization mode in these two samples, with significant contributions from organic N, S, and P compounds, likely suggesting that marine DOM was an important source in these samples. Overall, the chemical compositions are similar between these two samples, suggesting their consistent DOM sources. However, subtle differences in the DOM between these two samples are apparent and could indicate differences in source strength or chemistry occurring through both pre-and post-depositional processes. For example, higher relative amounts of condensed carbon compounds in the HS DOM(5%), compared to the LS DOM(2%), suggest potentially important contributions from terrestrial sources. Greater incorporation of P in the observed DOM in the LS DOM(22%), compared to the HS DOM(13%), indicate more active microbiological processes that likely contribute to phosphorus incorporation into the DOM pool. Although these two samples present only a preliminary analysis of DOM in glacial/interglacial periods, the data indicate a need to expand the analysis into a broader range of ice-core samples, geographical locations, and glacial/interglacial periods.     

Temporal-spatial characteristics of observed key parameters of snow cover in China during 1957–2009

Using observed snow cover data from Chinese meteorological stations, this study indicated that annual mean snow depth, Snow Water Equivalent (SWE), and snow density during 1957–2009 were 0.49 cm, 0.7 mm, and 0.14 g/cm³ over China as a whole, respectively. On average, they were all the smallest in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP), and were greater in northwestern China (NW). Spatially, the regions with greater annual mean snow depth and SWE were located in northeastern China including eastern Inner Mongolia (NE), northern Xinjiang municipality, and a small fraction of southwestern QTP. Annual mean snow density was below 0.14 g/cm³ in most of China, and was higher in the QTP, NE, and NW. The trend analyses revealed that both annual mean snow depth and SWE presented increasing trends in NE, NW, the QTP, and China as a whole during 1957–2009. Although the trend in China as a whole was not significant, the amplitude of variation became increasingly greater in the second half of the 20th century. Spatially, the statistically significant (95%-level) positive trends for annual mean snow depth were located in western and northern NE, northwestern Xinjiang municipality, and northeastern QTP. The distribution of positive and negative trends for annual mean SWE were similar to that of snow depth in position, but not in range. The range with positive trends of SWE was not as large as that of snow depth, but the range with negative trends was larger.     

Characteristics of total suspended particulates in the atmosphere of Yulong Snow Mountain,southwestern China

The measurement of black carbon(BC) and organic carbon(OC), dust in total suspended particulates(TSP) was carried out at Yulong Snow Mountain(Mt. Yulong) and Ganhaizi Basin, in the Mt. Yulong region, southwestern China. TSP samples were analyzed using a thermal/optical reflectance carbon analyzer. Results show that average BC and OC concentrations in TSP in the Mt. Yulong region were 1.61±1.15 μg/m3 and 2.96±1.59 μg/m3, respectively. Statistical results demonstrated that there were significant differences in mean BC and OC contents between Ganhaizi Basin and Mt. Yulong at the 0.05 level. Strong correlations between BC and OC indicate their common dominant emission sources and transport processes. Temporal variations of BC, OC, and optical attenuation(ATN) values were consistent with each other in carbonaceous aerosols. The ratios of OC/BC in monsoon season were significantly higher than in non-monsoon in aerosols from Ganhaizi, which is closely related to the formation of secondary organic carbon(SOC) and extensive motor vehicle emissions from tourism activities. The temporal variations of BC, OC and ATN in carbonaceous aerosols in Ganhaizi and Mt. Yulong were totally different, probably due to elevation difference and diverse tourism activity intensity between the two sites. Time-averaged aerosol optical depth(AOD) at the wavelength of 550 nm in Mt. Yulong was higher than that of the inland of the Tibetan Plateau(TP). Source apportionment indicated that intensive exhaust emissions from tourism vehicles were the main local sources of atmospheric pollutant in the Mt. Yulong region. Biomass-burning emissions released from South Asia could penetrate into the inland of the TP under the transport of summer monsoon. Further study is needed to assess light absorption and radiative forcing of carbonaceous aerosols, and modeling research in combination with long-term in-situ observations of light-absorbing particulates(LAPs) in the TP is also urgently needed in future work.     

极地冰雪氢氧同位素指标及其指示意义

本文综述了水汽来源状况、降水季节变化、火山喷发、太阳活动等气候环境因素对极地冰雪中同位素含量的可能影响及其程度 ,以及降水区域不均衡性、降水年际不均衡性、逆温层和同位素在冰雪中的扩散迁移作用等几种不稳定因素可能对冰雪同位素分析造成的干扰 ;在此基础上 ,综述了极地冰雪中δ1 8O、δD和其差值d(d =δD - 8δ1 8O)与局部或全球气温之间的一些线性关系 (包括全球尺度 ,格陵兰地区 ,南极地区等 )及它们在空间分布上的变化规律     

南极中山站-Dome A断面表层雪稳定同位素空间分布及环境影响因素分析

中山站-Dome A断面是表层雪稳定同位素组成分析的理想区域,沿线进行δ18O、δD和d的空间分布及环境影响因素研究对反映东南极地区的气候变化和物质来源具有关键意义。因而,本文基于线性回归及相关性分析方法,详细探究了断面上多种环境因素与表层雪稳定同位素分布的空间关系。结果表明,温度和地理因素与同位素比值之间有显著相关关系,且海拔是地理因素中的主要影响因素,随海拔上升表层雪的δ18O呈线性下降趋势。另外,通过断面上δ-T斜率与南极其他断面对比,发现斜率可能具有冰盖近岸和内陆地区较低的区域性特征,而造成这一现象的原因是水汽源区的改变和低温条件下水汽过饱和时的同位素动力分馏。最后,d的空间分布在沿海区域和内陆区域也有不同,推测主控因素分别是水汽源区条件和温度。     

Study of the MSA, nssSO 2- 4 concentration and MSA to nssSO 2- 4 ratio in the snow/ice and atmospheric aerosols of the regions surrounding the Weddell Sea

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中山站至内陆330公里冰川学剖面考察

１９９６～１９９７年南极夏季期间，中国组织实施了首次南极内陆冰盖冰川学考察，深入冰盖内陆３３０ｋｍ，作为中山站至南极内陆最高点ＤｏｍｅＡ大剖面研究计划的开始。计划将对冰盖物质平衡、２００年以来环境演化过程、冰雪／气交换过程等科学问题开展观测研究。本次考察进行了物质平衡、地貌、气象、雪坑地层观测，采集了表层、雪坑、冰雪芯样品。     

Micro-particle in surface snow at Princess Elizabeth Land, East Antarctica

During the Austral summer of 1996/1997, the First Chinese Antarctic Inland Expedition reached the inland area about 330 km along the direction around 76°E from Zhongshan Station, and collected 84 surface snow samples at an interval of 4 km . Micro particle analysis of the samples indicates that the micro particle concentration apparently decreases with the increasing of altitude, and the amplitudes of micro particle concentration is much larger in the lower altitude than in the higher altitude. Further analysis of grain size distributions of micro particle, percentage of micro particles from different sources and variations with altitude suggest that micro particles in this area are from a considerably dominant source. Although this area is controlled by polar easterly wind and katabatic wind, transportation and deposition of the micro particles are mainly influenced by marine transportation in coastal area.     

The study on the depositional styles of major ions and the climatic effect of nssSO_4~(2-)in Princess Elizabeth Land, Antarctica

Snow samples collected from a 50 m firn core and two snow pits along the route of the 1996/1997 Chinese First Antarctic Inland Traverse Expedition in Princess Elizabeth Land, East Antarctica, have been analyzed for chemical composition and oxygen isotope ratio. Analyzing the relationship between the concentration and flux of major ions and accumulation rate can draw the following conclusions. 1) The concentrations of major ions in the atmosphere in the study region is big enough so that the concentrations of the ions do not vary with snow accumulation rate, that is to say, the concentrations of major chemical species are independent of snow accumulation rate. 2) The results of analyzing the depositional styles of major chemical species suggest that wet deposition dominates the major ions flux. In addition, there is no apparent correlation between nssSO 2- 4 fluctuations and isotope profile. This would indicate the short-term climatic effect of volcanism is not evident in the region.     

南极海冰遥感现场对比实验

南极海冰区是影响全球气候 -环境变化的关键区域之一 ,卫星遥感资料是获取大区域海冰地球物理特征参数的最有效的手段。但是 ,在南半球晚冬-初春期间 ,卫星遥感反演的海冰资料的误差较大 ,精度较低。 2 0 0 3年 9- 1 0月 ,由澳大利亚南极局组织 ,包括中国等 7个国家 ,1 4个研究单位的科学家参加 ,以澳大利亚破冰船“南极光号”为现场工作平台 ,在东南极季节海冰带 ,通过与美国宇航局 (NASA)、日本宇宙开发促进会合作开展的卫星、飞机、船、冰站立体联合观测 ;对AMSR E等卫星遥感产生的海冰地球物理参数 (海冰密集度、雪盖厚度、海冰物理温度等 )进行地面详细验证 ,建立遥感数据与地面实测数据的统计关系 ,以发现各种卫星资料反演算式的使用范围和局限性 ,为改进卫星资料反演算式提供依据。     

Meltwater production in Antarctic blue-ice areas: sensitivity to changes in atmospheric forcing

In the near coastal regions of Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica, below-surface ice-melt in blue-ice areas has been observed. The low scattering coefficients of the large-grained blue-ice allow penetration of solar radiation, thus providing an energy source below the ice surface. The sub-surface meltwater is significant enough to show up on remote-sensing imagery in the form of ice-covered lakes. Adjacent snow-accumulation areas have much higher scattering coefficients and consequently limit solar radiation penetration in these regions. These snow and ice surfaces are generally below freezing, and little surface melting occurs. To assess the response of these melt features to changes in atmospheric forcings such as cloudiness, air temperature, and snow accumulation, a physically-based model of the coupled atmosphere, radiation, snow, and blue-ice system has been developed. The model consists of a heat transfer equation with a spectrally-dependent solar-radiation source term. The penetration of radiation into the snow and blue-ice depends on the surface albedo, and the snow and blue-ice grain size and density. Model simulations show that ice melt occurring in this area is sensitive to potential variations in atmospheric forcing. Under certain conditions more traditional surface melting occurs and, under other conditions, the existing melt processes can be shut down completely. In light of the sensitivity of this system to variations in atmospheric forcing, and the ability to view melt-related features using remote sensing, a tool exists to efficiently monitor variations in Antarctic coastal climate.     

南极洲伊利莎白公主地区气候特征分析

通过对1996/1997年中国首次南极内陆冰盖考察地区——南极洲伊利莎白公主地区近300 km断面上70余个雪坑的δ¹⁸O和积累率资料的分析,首次揭示了本地区气候变化特征。即无论是气温还是降水都从沿海向内陆递减,但两者的变化又有差异,具体表现在气温从沿海向内陆持续递减,降水先递增后递减,表现出很强的地段性。同时探讨了二者变化的影响因素和影响机制。