Figure 6 Changes in snowpack at different elevation slopes of the Hanliu
River during spring and winter. (a, b. Spring and winter altitude; c, d
Spring and winter slope direction)
The ablation rates of different slope directions in the Hanliu River
Basin varied across seasons (see Fig 6 (c, d)). During spring, the
descending order of ablation rates for the four slope directions was as
follows: north slope > east slope > west slope
> south slope, with the north slope having the highest rate
and the south slope having the lowest rate. In winter, the order was:
west slope > south slope > east slope
> north slope, with the west slope exhibiting the highest
ablation rate and the east slope showing the lowest ablation rate. The
notable disparity in ablation rates between the two seasons can be
attributed to the distinct influencing factors that govern ablation in
spring and winter. During spring, the snowpack is primarily affected by
precipitation, and the north slope, located on the leeward side,
receives little precipitation, resulting in rapid snow ablation.
Conversely, the south slope, situated on the windward side, experiences
greater precipitation, leading to abundant snow accumulation and a
slower ablation rate. In winter, the snowpack is significantly
influenced by radiation. The western and southern slopes, being exposed
to direct sunlight, have a higher capacity to absorb solar radiation,
resulting in faster melting. On the other hand, the northern slopes,
situated in shaded areas, are less affected by solar radiation, leading
to a slower melting rate.