Figure 7 Rates of snow ablation at different elevations in the Hanliu River Basin during spring and winter snowfalls(a, c, e, g: Spring; b, d, f, h: Winter)
The ablation rates of different slope directions in the Hanliu River Basin varied across seasons (see Fig 8). 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.