INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
China launched its first airborne survey of marine glaciers in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region on Tuesday, aiming to investigate
their development patterns and melting changes, and provide data support for natural resource management.Marine glaciers refer to natural
ice bodies that have existed for many years on the surface of polar or high mountain regions and can move along the ground
The first survey point for this airborne investigation is the Renlongba Glacier in Qamdo City in Xizang
The survey team will work at sites above 4,700 meters in elevation."Marine glaciers, also known as temperate or warm glaciers, have a higher
ice temperature and certain characteristics
They freeze and melt rapidly, and their movement patterns are quite evident," said Wang Shanshan, a senior engineer from the Natural
Resources Airborne Geophysical and Remote Sensing Center of China (AGRS).Marine glaciers are subject to variable climates and complex
topography, making data collection extremely difficult
The airborne survey of marine glaciers, for the first time, addresses the challenges of high altitudes, low temperatures and vast areas with
a comprehensive survey and monitoring system integrating satellite, aerial and ground-based methods."This is actually a national geological
By conducting a multi-dimensional observation and monitoring system using satellite, aerial and ground-based technologies, we aim to map the
distribution range, thickness and changes of marine glaciers, and thus calculate the amount of ice reserves," said Xiong Shengqing, chief
scientist from AGRS.Marine glaciers are a precious source of solid freshwater, a highly sensitive indicator of global climate change, and a
crucial participant in global water cycles and climate regulation
By exploring marine glaciers, scientists can better understand the processes of global climate change, providing a scientific foundation for
addressing climate change."The melting of glaciers may lead to changes in biodiversity, climate and even sea level
By conducting on-site surveys, we can obtain more accurate data
With this data, scientists can analyze the glaciers and predict their impacts on water resources, the environment and ecosystems," said
Xiong.(Cover: The Renlongba Glacier in Qamdo City, Xizang Autonomous Region, April 5, 2024
