July 1 Glacier, Mountain glacier in Jiayuguan City, China.
July 1 Glacier sits on the northern slope of Tola Mountain, spreading across several kilometers at elevations ranging from 4300 to 5150 meters. Its ice surface shows clear layering patterns that reflect decades of accumulated snow and compression.
Scientists first documented this glacier in 1958 during a geological expedition to the Qilian Mountains. The discovery came as part of fieldwork exploring the high mountain regions of Gansu province.
The glacier remains a central element in scientific research, allowing researchers to study climate patterns and geological transformations in the Gansu province.
The best time to visit is during warmer months when snow and ice conditions are less hazardous. The high elevation requires good physical preparation and suitable equipment for alpine conditions.
Despite its high-altitude location, this glacier is among the closest to urban areas in Asia. Its thick ice layers offer rare opportunities to examine natural climate records spanning long periods.
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