I. About the station
Muztagh Ata Station for Westerly Environment Observation and Research (hereinafter referred to as the Muztagh Ata Station) is located in Bulungkol Township, Akto County, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The station, close to the famous Muztagh Ata Mountain and Karakuri Lake, is covered by a typical westerly climate influence zone. It is also the only station in the construction plan of the platform for observation and research for surface processes and environmental changes on the Tibetan Plateau that is located in the westerly area throughout the year. Therefore, the Muztagh Ata Station is aimed at observational researches on the climatic environment of the westerly, glacier changes and water resources, the dust generation and transport in the arid zones of Central Asia, and the impact of human activities on the climatic environment. Since its establishment in 2009, the Muztagh Ata Station has collected a substantial amount of observational data by comprehensively monitoring environmental parameters in its vicinity. This dataset serves as fundamental research material for studying regional environmental change characteristics, the interplay between westerly and monsoon systems along with their mechanisms, and changes in glacier water resources and its impacts.
Office and living building for the station
At present, there are 11 research fellows and supporting personnel in the Muztagh Ata Station, including four research fellows, one associate research fellow, one assistant research fellow, two engineers and three outsourced staff. The station has applied 11 scientific research projects, involving funding of more than CNY 10 million.
II. Research objectives
Through long-term, localized and comprehensive observation of the environment of the northwestern edge of the Tibetan Plateau and the Pamir region, continuous basic environmental scientific data are obtained to study the characteristics of environmental change in the region, the interplay between westerly and monsoon systems along with their mechanisms, changes in ice and snow water resources and their impacts, and the impacts of human activities on the regional environment, so as to provide scientific basis for protecting the region's environment, promoting sustainable development of local socio-economy, and facilitating government decision-making.
III. Observation subjects
(I) Meteorological observation:
The station's surrounding area encompasses meteorological observations at four altitude gradients (3,650 m, 4,400 m, 4,900 m, and 5,600 m) from the observation site to Muztagh Ata Base Camp 1. The observation includes parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, precipitation levels, atmospheric pressure, and net radiation. Furthermore, in order to expand the research scope, five new automatic meteorological stations were established by station personnel in 2013 at an altitude of 4,000 m below Muztagh Ata Peak, at the terminus of Muji Glacier and Khunjerab Glacier, as well as in the Yarkand River basin. As a result, there are now a total of nine automatic meteorological stations for observation.
(II) Atmospheric chemistry observation:
Atmospheric precipitation and aerosol samples are collected in the station yard and at the Muztagh Ata Base Camp, with aerosol samples being collected on a weekly basis. Additionally, the station incorporated measurements of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the atmosphere starting from August 2013, utilizing both active and passive sampling techniques.
Atmospheric chemistry observation
(III) Lake observation:
The water quality parameters of Karakuri Lake are measured monthly using assault boats and water quality multi-parameter instruments. These parameters include water temperature, pH, conductivity, redox potential, and other relevant factors. Additionally, observations are made on the lake's water level and ice thickness during winter.
Lake hydrology observation
(IV) River hydrology observation:
Glacier streamflow water level observation is carried out in Chodumak and Kangxiwar rivers by Hobo water gauge; river water and lake water samples are collected once a week at Chodumak, Karakuri Lake inlet and outlet, Kangxiwa river and Little Karakuri Lake.
(V) Glacier change monitoring:
The material balance and glacier terminus changes of Muztagh Ata No.15 glacier, Kangxiwa Glacier, the Kangxiwar glacier, the Muji glacier, and the Khunjerab glacier are observed twice in June and September every year.
(VI) Phenological observation:
The station observation field utilizes a time-lapse camera to capture plant phenology, with the frequency of taking pictures set at every hour.
IV. Contact information
Station director: Xu Baiqing (Research Fellow)
Contact information: 010-84097075, baiqing@itpcas.ac.cn
Executive deputy station director: Xie Ying
Contact information: 13426367587
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