Shi Yafeng, Ren Binghui
There are 3 periods in the history of glaciological research in China: (1) The documental period (2000 Years B.P.-19th century)-valuable data on snow forms and snowfall, river and lake ice, seasonal soil freezing were recorded in some ancient literature, such as Liji-yueling (礼记·月令) 2000 years ago) ,Hanshi Waizhuan (韩诗外传, Han dynasty) etc. The famous Muzart Glacier in Tianshan was vividly described in Datangxiyuji (大唐西域记,Notes on western countries in the time of Great Tang Empire) at 6th century and Xiyushuidaoji (西域水道记, Notes on rivers in western territory) at 18th century.(2) Period of discoveries on glaciers and on scattered glacial relics (late 19th century to mid-20th century)- some western scientists made expeditions in mountainous areas of western China and made brief descriptions on severals existing glaciers, such as G.Mer-zbacher in Tianshan,F.K.ward in Tibet,etc.A few Chinese scientists observed glacial landforms and gave some explanations on Quaternary Glaciation, such as Li Sikuang (J.S.Lee) in Central and North China though with much contention, and Huang Jiqing (T.K.Huang) in Tianshan. (3) Period of systematic and countinuous work on glaciology-since 1950’, glaciological expeditions are carried out continuously in Qilianshan,Tianshan, Himalaya, karakorum and other mountains in western China.Studies on permafrost, debris flow, snow drifting and avalanches also started in 1950’and 1960’with chief motives as how to utilize effectively ice resources in arid areas and to prevent disasters brought about by snow and ice.Now, glaciological research in China includes following areas: Studies on distribution,physical properties and variation of glaciers,compilation of glacier inventory according to TTS instructions,glacier and snow hydrology, drifting snow and avalanches, glacial debris flow, glacial and periglacial geomorphology, Quaternary glaciation, etc. Lanzhou Institute of Glaciology and Cryopedology is the centre of the researches. Its own publication, "Journal of Glaciology and Cryopedology"in Chinese with English abstracts,is distributed throughout the world.
