Jointly invited by Tibet Meteorological Bureau (TMB) and Tibet Association for Science and Technology, CAS member Prof. YAO Tandong gave an academic report at the TMB on May 24, 2013. The report was entitled “Possible Influence of Atmospheric Circulation Systems on Glacial Variation in the Third Pole”.

Prof. Yao first introduced the concept to “Third Pole” to the audience before updating the audience on glacial variation study in the international academic community. He then detailed the glacial variation and its heterogeneity in the Third Pole, emphasizing on the interaction of the westerlies and Asian monsoon and its possible influence on heterogeneous glaciers’ behaviors.

During the report, Prof. Yao also specified the stable water isotope study in China, elaborating on the study of paleo-climate from ice core stable isotopes, and that of modern atmospheric processes and their variations from precipitation stable isotopes. The audience was later introduced to the Third Pole Environment program.

The report aroused wide attention and approval from the Tibet sci-tech community. Further collaboration of ITP with relevant research institutions in Tibet was encouraged to jointly work for scientific development of the region.