Sino-Pakistan joint expedition to Mutztag Ata-Karakorum is to launch this August, according to returned ITP scientists from Karachi, Pakistan.

The cooperation was planned during the visit of ITP scientists to Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) in Karachi, Pakistan, this June.

Led by Prof. YAO Tandong, the ITP delegates discussed with SUPARCO scientific staff about cooperative plans in the future five years, including joint study in climate and glacial fluctuation in the Third pole region, and note exchanges in atmospheric physics and environment, as well as responses and adaptations to environmental changes. More research aspects were also discussed, including the study and modeling of ice/snow hydrology, paleo-climate and –environment records, and satellite and land surface monitoring, etc.

Both sides agreed that, the cooperation this August would cover the route from the Mutztag Ata in West Kunlun, China, to Karakorum in northern Pakistan, including the expedition to glaciers (e.g., Batura Glacier, Passu Glacier, etc.), observation of glacial hydrology, monitoring of glacial mass balance, measurement of quaternary glaciers, sampling of atmosphere-ice/ snow, and monitoring of ecology and coring of tree rings, etc.

Mutual agreement was also reached regarding the joint cultivation of PhD candidates, hosting of summer schools, and establishment of field stations.