A groundbreaking study has revealed that lakes on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau have expanded by more than 10,000 square kilometers over the past three decades. Conducted by the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the research offers new insights into the region's changing hydrology.
Led by researcher Zhang Guoqing, the study was recently published in Nature Geoscience, providing valuable scientific guidance for future development planning of the plateau. Zhang explained that the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, often referred to as the \"Water Tower of Asia,\" has experienced rapid lake expansion driven by a complex interplay of climatic and geological factors.
The findings highlight the dynamic nature of the plateau's ecosystem and underscore the importance of sustainable development strategies to maintain its critical water resources. As the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau continues to evolve, this research serves as a vital tool for policymakers, environmentalists, and communities relying on its water supply.
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New study reveals continuous lake expansion on Qinghai-Xizang Plateau
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