Black carbon and mineral dust on two glaciers on the central Tibetan Plateau: sources and implications
Abstract
Sources and implications of black carbon (BC) and mineral dust (MD) on two glaciers on the central Tibetan Plateau were estimated based on in situ measurements and modeling. The results indicated that BC and MD accounted for ~11 ± 1% and 4 ± 0% of the albedo reduction relative to clean snow, while the radiative forcing varied between 11 and 196 and 1–89 W m−2, respectively. Assessment of BC and MD contributions to the glacier melt can reach up 88 to 434 and 35 to 187 mm w.e., respectively, contributing ~9–23 and 4–10% of the total glacier melt. A footprint analysis indicated that BC and MD deposited on the glaciers originated mainly from the Middle East, Central Asia, North China and South Asia during the study period. Moreover, a potentially large fraction of BC may have originated from local and regional fossil fuel combustion. This study suggests that BC and MD will enhance glacier melt and provides a scientific basis for regional mitigation efforts. Show more
Permanent link
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000406453Publication status
publishedExternal links
Journal / series
Journal of GlaciologyVolume
Pages / Article No.
Publisher
International Glaciological SocietySubject
Black carbon; Glacier melt; Mineral dust; Particulate matter source region; Tibetan PlateauOrganisational unit
03854 - Wernli, Johann Heinrich / Wernli, Johann Heinrich
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