Abstract
China is one of the countries where there is abundant glacial water resource and glaciers exist in a vast area of mountainous regions. In this paper, a comprehensive discussion is made for the characteristics of glacial water resource, the chemical properties of meltwater and the prospects of future utilization in China. It has found that the glacial water resource is a water resource system based on the effect of a solid water reservoir. Its degree of mineralization is low and it almost does not have any pollution. In particular glacial water is high quality fresh water resource in the inland arid region. It is necessary to reconfirm the value of this water resource and conduct further studies on the fundamentals of its application in order to rationally exploit, utilize and preserve the glacial water resource.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Yang Zhenniang. Glacial meltwater runoff and its nourishment to rivers in China. In: An Introduction to Glaciers in China. Beijing: Science Press, 1988. 187–204. (in Chinese)
Shi Yafeng, Xie Zhichu. The basic characteristics of glaciers in China. Journal of Geography. 1964, 30(3): 184–208. (in Chinese)
Wang Lilun, Liu Chaohai, Wang Ping. The modern glaciers in Altay Mts.. Journal of Geography, 1985, 40(2): 142–154. (in Chinese)
Zhang Jinghua, Wang Xiaojun, Li Jun. The variations of glacier mass balance of Glacier No. 1 and its relation to climate. Journal of Glaciology and Geocryology, 1984, 6(4):25–36. (in Chinese)
Wang Lilun. Precipitation in the Altay Mts. China and its influence on glacier development. In: The Second National Glacier Symposium of chinese soliety of Geography. Lanzhou: Gansu People’s Publishing House, 1987. 64–71. (in Chinese)
Zhang Wenjing, Wang Ping. The geochemical properties of glacier ice, snow and water in Mt. Namjambawa. Journal of Mountain Research, 1984,2(2): 155–164. (in Chinese)
Wang Lilun, Wang Ping, Su Zhen. Glaciogeochemical properties in Hengduan Mts.. Journal of Geographical Research, 1989, 8(3): 66–77. (in Chinese)
Wang Ping. Analysis of trace elements in Halasi Glacier in Youyi Peak of Altay Mts.. Journal of Glaciology and Geocryology, 1983, 5(1): 63–70. (in Chinese)
Wu Xiaoling, Song Guoping, Zhang Huixing. Map of glaciers in Mt. Dunde, Qilian Mts.. Xi’an: Xi’an Map Press, 1989. (in Chinese)
Wu Guanghe. Observations of neoglacial moraines in the Qilian Mts.. Journal of Glaciology and Geocryology, 1984, 6(2): 53–59. (in Chinese)
Ren Binghui. Recent fluctuations of existing glaciers in China. In: An Introduction to Glaciers in China. Beijing: Science Press, 1988. 171–186. (in Chinese)
Wang Zongtai. Glaciers and environment during the Little Ice Age in the central section of Tianshan Mts. and Qilian Mts.. Journal of Geography, 1991, 46(2):160–168. (in Chinese)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Wang, L. The conditions of the glacial water resource and ways of its exploitation and utilization in China. Chin. Geograph.Sc. 6, 304–312 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11769-996-0051-0
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11769-996-0051-0