The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: Its Climate/Ecology and Its Impact on Global Climate/Ecology

Dear Colleagues,

The Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, known as the "Third Pole of the World," the "Water Tower of Asia," and the source region of China’s major rivers, plays a pivotal role in shaping both regional and global climate and ecological systems. Its dynamic and thermal effects significantly influence the East Asian monsoon and regional weather patterns, and may even contribute to broader impacts on global climate and ecosystems. While many studies have explored these influences, continued research is essential to deepen our understanding of the Plateau’s complex role in Earth system dynamics. In light of growing concerns about ecological degradation and climate change in the region, both local governments and the international community have placed increasing importance on environmental protection and the sustainable development of the Plateau. This Special Issue aims to promote research on the climate and ecology of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, as well as its impacts on global climate and ecological systems, particularly in the context of climate change.

This Special Issue invites research papers on the following (but not limited to) topics. 

1. The climate and ecology of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, including the surface temperature, soil moisture, glaciers and snow, vegetation, moisture and carbon flux between the ground and the atmosphere, ecological and environmental monitoring indexes, climate change and climate extremes, landslides and other geological disasters, soil and water conservation, etc.
2. The atmospheric heat source over the plateau, the possible impact of the dynamic and thermal effects of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau on the climate, agriculture, and ecology in different regions of the world, the teleconnections and the paths of the influences, etc.
3. The influences and interactions among the thermal of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, global sea surface temperatures, and the sea ice in the polar regions, etc.

Dr. Er Lu
Dr. Yaoming Ma
Dr. Anmin Duan
Dr. Wenkai Li
Dr. Hui Wang
Guest Editors

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