Lanong Glacier Retreat in Nyainqêntanglha Range ofTibetan Plateau during 1970—2003

During the Sino-American Glacier Expedition to Nyainqentanglha Range in 1999 and 2003, the Lanong Glacier was investigated and its terminus location was measured by means of GPS technique. Compared with the map that was aerial photographed in 1970s, it is found that the glacier has retreated 285 m from 1970 to 1999, and 13 m from 1999 to 2003, equivalent to a retreat speed of 9.8 m·a~(-1)and 3.25 m·a~(-1)respectively. These suggest that climate there has mainly been in warming since the 20~( )century. Because the response of glaciers to climate change has a retardation, the Lanong Glacier retreat will continue in the future due to climate still being warming in recent years.