Quelccaya Ice Cap Reference CryoNet Station Information
The Quelccaya Icecap is the largest icecap in the tropics and the site of a number of important paleoclimatological investigations using ice cores. The comprehensive precipitation monitoring station is located at 5,650 m just below the summit on an extensive level ice plateau.
Other Networks to Which This CryoNet Station Belongs
SENAMHI Peru
Universidad Nacional de San Antonio de Abad de Cusco
Other relevant measurement method documents:
Following best practices for measuring precipitation and snowfall using automated methods.
Data Information
Are the data quality controlled? yes
How are the data accessible? HTTP (web)
Data availability (may depend on the variable measured): in near real-time, delayed less than one year
Publications
N/A
Measurements
The measurements made at Quelccaya Ice Cap are listed in the following tables. (Note: If End Year is blank, measurements are ongoing.)
Cryosphere Measurements
Element
Variable
Start Year
End Year
Frequency
Snow
Depth
2014
Continuous
Snow
Snow water equivalent
2014
Sporadic
Snow
Chemistry
Sporadic
Glacier
Accumulation
2014
Continuous
Atmosphere Measurements
Element
Variable
Start Year
End Year
Frequency
Met
Air temperature
2014
Continuous
Met
Humidity/vapour pressure
2014
Continuous
Met
Wind speed and direction
2014
Met
Snowfall
2014
Continuous
Met
Total precipitation
2014
Continuous
Met
Rainfall
2014
Continuous
Radiation
Downwelling shortwave
2014
Continuous
Measurement Notes and Other Measurements
Category
Description or List
Atmosphere
Instruments include: OTT Pluvio2 weighing precipitation gauge surrounded by a Belfort double alter shield, OTT Parsivel present weather sensors, RM Young 05103 Alpine wind sensor, Campbell Scientific SR50a sonic snow depth sensor.
