Chinese Journal of Polar Research

ADVANCES IN POLAR SCIENCE ›› 1994, Vol. 5 ›› Issue (1-English): 52-61.

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Climate, mass balance and glacial changes on small dome of Collins Ice Cap, King George Island, Antarctica

 Wen Jiahong1, Kang Jiancheng1, Xie Zichu2, Han Jiankang2, Albert Lluberas3   

  1. 1Polar Research Institute of China, Shanghai 200129, China 2Lanzhou Institute of  Glaciology and Geocryology, Academia Sinica, Lanzhou 730000, China 3Oceanographic, Hydrographic and Meteorological Service, Uruguay
  • Online:1944-03-30 Published:1944-03-30
  • Contact: Wen Jiahong

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Abstract:

During 1991/1992 Chinese Antarctic Expedition, a full-year glacial investigations on the small dome of Coffins Ice Cap were carried out, the data from investigations showed that vertical temperature gradients on small dome were about 0. 79℃/100m and 0. 66℃/100m in the summer and in the winter separately. LOwer summer temperature in this area is one Of most important conditions for glacial development. In 1991/1992 the small dome was a weak positive balance year with a mass balance difference of 163 mm, annual ELA was 140m, mass balance gradient was 8.4mm/m and mass balance level was 928mm. Mass balance fluctuations on small dome in 1971-1992 were calculated by a new method, the results revealed that the small dome of Coffins Ice Cap was relatively stable over 21 years.

Key words: climate, mass balance, glacial change, Collins Ice Cap, Antarctica