Abstract This study investigated the contributions of snow/glacier meltwater to river runoff in the northern and central Tianshan Mountains (Central Asia). Based on end- member mixing analysis (EMMA), the hydrograph… Click to show full abstract
Abstract This study investigated the contributions of snow/glacier meltwater to river runoff in the northern and central Tianshan Mountains (Central Asia). Based on end- member mixing analysis (EMMA), the hydrograph separation was carried out in six benchmark catchments with different glacier area ratios (GARs) and snow area ratios (SARs) during a typical snow melt period (TSMP) and a typical glacier melt period (TGMP). The results indicate that the contribution of snow/glacier meltwater to river runoff is positively correlated with GARs or maximum SARs. The contribution ratios of snowmelt water vary from 22% to 49% in TSMP. The contribution ratios of glacier meltwater vary from 12% to 59% in TGMP. The contribution ratios of snow meltwater in the northern Tianshan Mountains (36%) are higher than central Tianshan Mountains (31%), while the contribution ratios of glacier meltwater in the northern Tianshan Mountains (36%) are lower than central Tianshan Mountains (42%). The contribution of rainfall to river runoff is higher in TGMP (9%–23%) than in TSMP (5%–9%). Baseflow is the most important recharge source to river runoff, with the contribution ratios vary from 44% to 73% in TSMP, and vary from 30% to 75% in TGMP. The spatial and temporal variations in tracer concentrations in streamflow components were found to be responsible to the uncertainties in hydrograph separation.
               
Click one of the above tabs to view related content.