Seasonal snowpack dynamics and chemistry in the Sierra Nevada (California, USA) and the Tien Shan (Xinjiang Province, China)

TitleSeasonal snowpack dynamics and chemistry in the Sierra Nevada (California, USA) and the Tien Shan (Xinjiang Province, China)
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Conference1991
AuthorsTonnessen, K. A., Elder K. J., Kattelmann R. C., and Williams M. W.
Conference Name59th Annual Western Snow Conference
Series TitleProceedings of the 59th Annual Western Snow Conference
Date PublishedApril 1991
PublisherWestern Snow Conference
Conference LocationJuneau, Alaska
KeywordsChina watershed, Season snow-covered basins, Snowpack chemistry, Snowpack dynamics
Abstract

As part of NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) Program we are investigating the hydrology and hydrochemistry of small, headwater basins that are seasonally snow-covered. Two of these study sites are the Emerald watershed on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, Califonia (2800 m) and Dry Cirque, located at the headwaters of Urumqi River in the Tien Shan, northwestern china (3800 m).The objective of this research is to understand the physical and chemical dynamics of seasonally snow-covered regions of the earth in an effort to detect changes in global hydrologic and biogeochemical cycles. To realize this objective we are studying drainages ranging from 1 sq km to 100 sq km in area. Field surveys will be used in conjunction with remote-sensing data to predict and monitor the impact of climate change.

URLsites/westernsnowconference.org/PDFs/1991Tonnessen.pdf