Efforts by the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research (ITP) to establish glaciological monitoring stations in the Third Pole region were recently highlighted in Science (Vol. 334, December 2, 2011). According to the report, glacial monitoring networks halted in the Third Pole region due to political and/or religious reasons in the past have been re-boosted by the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research under the TPE program, in order to present an accurate picture of glacial mass balance variation in the Third Pole region under current climate scenarios.

Realizing the importance of ground monitoring of glacial mass balance to satellite data verification, the ITP has been quick to act. It called upon regional efforts to conduct trans-boundary expeditions and negotiate for the establishment of joint field stations. These efforts were among many that ITP has been devoted to develop the Third Pole Environment (TPE) program, which is designed to focus on science and share of knowledge in the region.

Please read this report to know more about the glaciological aspect of the program.