Rapid expansion of lakes in the endorheic basin on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau since 2000 and its potential drivers

Since 2000, lakes in the endorheic basin of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) have experienced rapid expansion, with significant variations across regions. While glacier retreat may contribute to lake growth, increasing annual precipitation emerges as the primary driver behind this phenomenon. Permafrost degradation further accelerates lake expansion by releasing meltwater from ground ice and soil moisture. Notably, lakes on the northern slope of the Gangdise Mountains, fed by rapidly retreating glaciers, remained stable or contracted, contrasting with significant expansions observed in non-glacier-fed lakes in the Hoh Xil region and central endorheic basin—primarily driven by the greatest increase in precipitation. This study analyzed spatial-temporal lake changes using Landsat images, meteorological data, glacier data, and permafrost monitoring data from 2000 to 2017, revealing statistically significant trends (0.01–26.29 km²/year) and highlighting the complex interplay of climate factors in shaping lake dynamics on the QTP.

Liu, W., Xie, C., Zhao, L., Li, R., Liu, G., Wang, W., Liu, H., Wu, T., Yang, G., Zhang, Y., & Zhao, S. (2021). Rapid expansion of lakes in the endorheic basin on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau since 2000 and its potential drivers. Catena, 197, 104942. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2020.104942