Isotopic Evolution in Snowpacks from a Typical Temperate Glacier in the South-Asia Monsoon Region

Abstract

In this study, snow samples collected from nine snowpacks from Mt. Yulong are measured to examine the monthly and annual isotopic variation. The results indicate that the late autumn and winter snow sampled in 2008/2009 show a similar high–low–high δ18O variation. In spring, the high–low–high curve still exists in the lower layers (1.5 m). Isotopic homogenization, smoothing the vertical variation of δ18O in snow, is observed in June and July when snow melting occurs. Samples collected in April of 2009, 2012 and 2017 show significant differences, suggesting annual changes of isotope contents in snow. This study suggests that the isotope contents in the snow profile can reflect meteorological information. At the monthly scale, we can distinguish the information on snow accumulation and melting by determining the monthly variation of vertical isotope contents in snow. At the annual scale, we can analyze the annual difference of corresponding meteorological factors. Collectively, observing the stable isotopes in snow could provide evidence for climate change, particularly when climatic data are lacking or are challenging to obtain in cold glacierized regions.

Keywords

• isotopes
• snowpack
• temperate glacier
• Yulong Snow Mountain
• Tibetan Plateau