Recently, an expedition to the Tibetan Plateau joint by scientific staff from ITP and Ohio State University has succeeded in conducting a series of scientific investigations in the Namunani Galcier, the southwest of the Tibetan Plateau. So far, this is the first systematic investigation to this region, which is over 7695m as the peak of western Himalayas. Despite the long trek and unpleasant reactions to the altitude, the crew managed to get the heavy measuring equipment as radar and ice driller up from the 5600m base camp to the 6100 work site. Their radar tests confirmed that the Namunani Glacier is over 200m at its thickest point, turning out to be the thickest valley glacier in China. This is also rare in low latitudinal regions, considering the fact that it is 10km in length, 3km at its widest part and takes up more than 10km² of space on the whole.

More encouraging news is that they succeeded in drilling a six meter ice core. This achievement will help scientists to obtain information record of high resolution. It will also form a solid foundation for explorations of more laws of natural science in that region.

Scientific staff has also carried out some other studies concerning material balance of glaciers, glacial meteorology, glacial hydrology, chemical monitoring of alpine atmosphere and quaternary investigation. Scientists hope to look into the variation of past climate in this region through these studies. They also intend to demonstrate the mechanism of Indian monsoon changes, and the repercussion of industrialization in South Asia to pollution on the Plateau. Besides, these problems are to be answered: what is the role of global climate change in glacial modernization? How should we make proper utilization of water resources in west Tibet? Etc.

After the expedition, the joint group will conduct more detailed studies to the ice core records, aiming to get their research publicized on some world famous scientific journals.

The success of the joint investigation to the Tibetan Plateau highlighted the significance of international cooperation. It has always been the principles for ITP to gain first rate achievement and go internationally. After this expedition, more such international scientific activities about Tibetan Plateau research are to be organized in the future, boosting international cooperation in Tibetan Plateau research.