Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Glaciology

Rights and Access Note

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Publication Date

2008

First Page

343

Last Page

352

Issue Number

185

Volume Number

54

Abstract/ Summary

Annual-layer thickness data, spanning AD 1534-2001, from an ice core from East Rongbuk Coll on Qomolangma (Mount Everest, Himalaya) yield an age-depth profile that deviates systematically from a constant accumulation-rate analytical model. The profile clearly shows that the mean accumulation rate has changed every 50-100 years. A numerical model was developed to determine the magnitude of these multi-decadal-scale rates. The model was used to obtain a time series of annual accumulation. The mean annual accumulation rate decreased from similar to 0.8 m ice equivalent in the 1500s to similar to 0.3 m in the mid-1800s. From similar to 1880 to similar to 1970 the rate increased. However, it has decreased since similar to 1970. Comparison with six other records from the Himalaya and the Tibetan Plateau shows that the changes in accumulation in East Rongbuk Col are broadly consistent with a regional pattern over much of the Plateau. This suggests that there may be an overarching mechanism controlling precipitation and mass balance over this area. However, a record from Dasuopu, only 125 km northwest of Qomolangma and 700 m higher than East Rongbuk Col, shows a maximum in accumulation during the 1800s, a time during which the East Rongbuk Col and Tibetan Plateau ice-core and tree-ring records show a minimum. This asynchroneity may be due to altitudinal or seasonal differences in monsoon versus westerly moisture sources or complex mountain meteorology.

Citation/Publisher Attribution

Kaspar, S, Hooke, RL, Mayewski, PA, Kang, SC, Hou, SG, and Qin, DH, 2008, Snow Accumulation Rate on Qomolangma (Mount Everest), Himalaya: Synchroneity With Sites Across the Tibetan Plateau on 50-100 Year Timescales: Journal of Glaciology, v. 54, p. 343-352. Available on publisher's site at: http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/igsoc/jog/2008/00000054/00000185/art00015

Publisher Statement

© Copyright 2008 by the International Glaciological Society

DOI

10.3189/002214308784886126

Version

publisher's version of the published document

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In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted.