For the study of glacier nourishment and hydrological characteristics in the high mountainous regions of China, measurements of deuterium and oxygen-IS isotope composition and determination of F-, Cl-, SO2- 4, NO-3, were carried out. 98 samples of ice core, glacial meltwater, snow, and ice were collected from mountainous regions of Tian Shan, Qilian Shan, Qomolangma and Tibet Plateau during glaciological expeditions, mainly in 1978-1980.
Results of isotope composition and determination of anions of all samples are presented and discussed as follows:
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1) The distribution of glacial isotope contents reflects the altitude effect of isotope (lower δs at higher altitude), δ (D) is respectively -160 to -210°/oo, -95 to -147°/oo, -56 to -65°/oo, and -54 to -71°/oo in the Mt Qomolangma area (6700 m a.s.l.), western and eastern parts of Qilian Shan, and Tian Shan area.
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2) A study of ice annual layers in the accumulation area of Glacier no. I in Tian Shan (4075 m a.s.l.) was carried out. Its result shows a seasonal effect of isotope (5s tower in winter than in summer). Within 4.5 m depth of glacial profile 6 annual layers were distinguished.
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3) The stable isotope contents of different types in ice and snow (new snow, granular snow, depth hoar, dirt layer and metamorphosed ice, etc) also indicate an isotopic effect.
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4) Daily variations of isotope contents and anion composition of glacial meltwater or meltwater originating from mountains covered by several glaciers are contolled mainly by the meltwater contribution to river flow, relative to precipitation and ground water.
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5) This paper also deals with the δ (D) and δ (18O) relationship, and for the first time a linear formula is given showing the relationship between δ (D) and δ (18O) for the glacial isotope contents of high mountainous regions in China, so that all the deuterium or oxygen-18 contents of ice, snow and water can be read in terms of δ (18O) using this linear relationship.
