Some glacio-micrometeorological features on the north side of Mount Qogir (K2), Karakoram mountains

Measurement of wind velocity, wind direction, air temperature, precipitation and humidity were obtained at various altitudes in order to describe micrometeorological conditions on the north slope of Mount Qogir (K2). Meteorological elements were monitored above the moraine surface in the proglacial area and over the ice surface in the ablation area and snow surface in the firn area of K2 glacier. Precipitation increases quickly with altitude from the dry valley to the firn area. Relative humidity also increases with elevation. In the K2 glacier area, the highest absolute humidity occurs over the glacier tongue. The effects of melting and freezing of the surface of the glacier in the ablation area on diurnal and day-to-day changes in air temperature influence air temperature in ablation areas, decreasing diurnal range by comparison with the firn areas. On clear days, a down-valley wind blows from the firn area before sunrise and an up-valley wind after sunrise. On days with precipitation, an up-valley wind predominates in the night-time and a down-valley wind in the day-time.