Analysis of snowpack stability distribution pattern and its driving factors on the Western Sichuan Plateau
Background,aim,and scope In the context of a warming climate,the snow on the Western Sichuan Plateau has undergone significant changes,causing numerous anomalies exerting serious impacts on regional water cycle processes,ecosystems,and socioeconomics.Considering the paucity of studies on snow stability and its driving factors in this region,coupled with limited consideration of these factors,this study focuses on the Western Sichuan Plateau to explore snow stability as well as its associated driving forces.Materials and methods Based on the MODIS daily cloud-free snow area dataset,this study examines the dominant factors that shape snow distribution patterns on the Western Sichuan Plateau.The analysis incorporates four topographic factors,four subsurface factors,and 25 meteorological factors,utilizing the snow stability formula and the maximum entropy model.Results The snow on the Western Sichuan Plateau predominantly exhibits high instability,while areas of moderate and high stability are primarily concentrated in the eastern and northwestern regions.With increasing altitude,there is a gradual trend towards snow stabilization.In essence,altitude and precipitation emerge as the primary drivers influencing snow stability in this area.Discussion The Western Sichuan Plateau,located in the eastern sector of the Tibetan Plateau amidst the core region of the Hengduan Mountains,features intricate topographical and climatic conditions.In its northwestern domain,nestled within the southeastern foothills of the Bayankara Mountains,warm,humid airflow from the southwest converges,resulting in ample water vapor.Combined with its high altitude,low temperatures,abundant snowfall,and a high number of snow days,the snow in this region tends to exhibit a predominantly high or moderate degree of stability.In the eastern part of the plateau,high-altitude mountainous terrain with elevations surpassing 5000 m creates a permanent ice and snow belt that defines the landscape.Particularly noteworthy is the southeastern precincts near Gongga Mountain,where glaciers are extensively distributed,preserving snow accumulation for extended periods.As a result,the snow in these areas also demonstrates high stability.Conclusions Altitude and precipitation are crucial factors in determining the stability of snow on the Western Sichuan Plateau.Highly stable snow is typically found in regions with high altitude and abundant precipitation,whereas highly unstable snow tends to be distributed in areas with low altitude and minimal precipitation.Recommendations and perspectives These findings indicate that the snow is undergoing rapid changes in most regions of the Western Sichuan Plateau.Therefore,it is crucial to enhance monitoring efforts of the snow in the context of climate conditions.This will aid in preventing and managing snowstorms and the subsequent hazards they pose.
snowremote sensingthe Western Sichuan PlateauMaxEnt
万方数据
维普
