Modeling the runoff and glacier mass balance in a small watershed on the Central Tibetan Plateau, China, from 1955 to 2008

• DOI: 10.1002/hyp.8256
• Publication Date: 2011-09-01T01:14:52Z
• Authors: Hongkai Gao; Xiaobo He; Baisheng Ye; Jianchen Pu
• Keywords: Water balance; Glacier mass balance

Abstract The glaciers on Tibetan Plateau play an important role in the catchment hydrology of this region. However, our knowledge with respect to water circulation remote area is scarce. In study, HBV light model, which adopts degree‐day model for glacial melting, was employed simulate total runoff, glacier runoff and mass balance (GMB) Dongkemadi River Basin (DRB) at headwater Yangtze Plateau, China. Firstly, daily temperature precipitation DRB from 1955 2008 were obtained by statistical methods, based meteorological data observed (2005–2008) recorded four national stations near (1955–2008). Secondly, we used 4‐year air temperature, precipitation, depth monthly evaporation, DRB, as input obtain a set proper parameters. Then, annual GMB (1955–2008) calculated using driven interpolated data. fits well results. At last, predicted climate models, changes next 40 years. Under all climate‐change scenarios, shows significant increase due intensified ice melting. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.