Mass Balance of the Zhadang Glacier in the Central Tibetan Plateau

New observations have been made on the Zhadang Glacier in Nyainqentanglha Rang in 2005/2006.Based on the ocservation,the mass balance of the glacier was calculated to be negative,-1 547.57 mm(mm w.e.),suggesting that the glacier was thinning dramatically.In 2005/2006,the glacier was characterized by strong negative mass balance with a rising snow line.Both the mass balance and snow line respond sensitively to the global warming.It is infrequent that a large negative mass balance of glacier in the Central Tibetan Plateau like the Zhadang Glacier.With the global warming,it is expected that the glacier will experience negative mass balance,thinning,shrinking and snow line rising.