Climatic changes have led to significant expansion of endorheic lakes in Xizang (Tibet) since 1995
Abstract
Robust warming has led to significant expansion of lakes in the central Tibetan Plateau. Siling Co, a saline lake in a characteristic endorheic basin in the central region of the plateau, expanded more than 700 km2 in area since 1976. Particularly since 1995, the lake has significantly expanded in response to increasing precipitation and decreasing water surface evaporation. Glacier-lake interactions are important in governing lake expansion. Although worsening climatic conditions may lead to lake shrinkage, the glacier feeding the lake has made it nearly stable. As climatic conditions became suitable for lake development, as indicated by expansion in lake area, glacier saving its melting water as a solid reservoir.
- Publication:
-
EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- April 2012
- Bibcode:
- 2012EGUGA..14.1946Z