Progress in Precipitation Chemistry in Cryosphere Regions of Western China
中国西部冰冻圈地区大气降水化学的研究进展

Atmospheric precipitation chemistry is a credible indicator describing the anthropogenic influence on atmospheric environment. Chemical compositions in snow and ice in high-elevation regions play an important role on environmental change on regional and global scales and its evolution process. Precipitation studies in cryosphere regions of western China began in the late 1970s, and many results have been achieved, in particular those about precipitation data obtained from snow cover and ice core. This paper reviewed the research history and major results of precipitation chemistry in China. In addition, it is necessary to establish long-term and systemic monitoring stations that represent regional precipitation characteristics combined with the Global Atmospheric Observation Network, China Acid Rain Observation Network, and the observation stations of Chinese Academy Sciences, and it is important to collect snow cover and ice core samples to supplement dataset of precipitation chemistry in high-elevation regions. Moreover, we should strengthen studies on trace element, organic acid, POPs and so on in precipitation based on the advanced-analysis technology (mass spectrum, gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy and the like) to supply more evidences to anthropogenic influence. Furthermore, it is also necessary to attach importance to the present-process research of atmospheric aerosol-snow cover-ice core, which plays an essential role in establishing a spatial distribution model of atmospheric precipitation chemistry in the cryosphere regions of western China.