The Characteristics of the Positive Degree-Day Factors of the Zhadang Glacier on the Nyainqentanglha Range of Tibetan Plateau, and Its Application

Using mass balance and meteorological data in the ablation season in 2007 and 2008 in the Zhadang Glacier on the Nyainqentanglha Range of Tibetan Plateau,degree-day factors for snow and ice have been calculated,respectively,and their characteristics are analyzed.Degree-day factor is 5.3mm·d-1·℃-1for snow,and 4.0～14.0mm·d-1·℃-1(with an average of 9.2mm·d-1·℃-1) for ice at different altitudes.Degree-day factor for the Zhadang Glacier decreases with altitude increasing;however,there is no significant seasonal change.Mass balance in 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 of the Zhadang Glacier is estimated using degreeday model.The simulated mass balance in 2006/2007 is-534mm w.e.and 247mm w.e.in 2007/2008.The latter approximates to the observation much more.