Glacier Mass Balance Regimes

摘要: The two parts of mass balance, inputs and outputs, are now considered together. Budget estimates provided for Biafo Glacier from partial data Batura, Baltoro some others. Overall quantities reflect the greater moisture availability at high elevations in Karakoram. From glacier basins Central Karakoram, total annual water yields appear to be order 700–900 mm; less than maximum snowfalls measured source zones but three or more times precipitation reported valley weather stations. balance regime is characterised as an all-year accumulation summer ablation type, a distinctive form Sub- Outer Tropics regime. vast areas rock wall predominance avalanche nourishment significant ‘inputs’ conventional create problems largely ignored assessments anywhere. Wind-fed wind-stripped up disconnected tributaries above snowlines add unique input estimation. Wind redistribution avalanches generate complicated patterns not clearly separated into according linear change with elevation. Mass gradients depart widely those described elsewhere point constraints. An S-shaped vertical profile arises even Alpine-type Karakoram glaciers reflecting reduced losses under debris-covered ice low down concentration where snowfall occurs especially through deposition. Further complications arise profiles Turkestan-type glaciers, all positive well negative components main masses located zones. For such reasons, notions employed work compromised. Equilibrium line altitudes (ELAs), thresholds between mostly occur below firn limits climatic expected. These are, however, among distinguishing features region that regional regime, exceptional extent verticality relations.