Soil erosion and risk assessment on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Abstract

Soil erosion frequently occurs on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, including freeze-thaw, water, and wind erosion, seriously threatening ecological security and human well-being. However, comprehensive research on these three types of soil erosion in this region is still lacking so far. Here, we assessed the spatial-temporal patterns of freeze-thaw, water, and wind erosion on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau for the historical period (2001–2020) and the future period (2021–2100), based on conceptual erosion models, to fill this critical gap. We found that freeze-thaw, water, and wind erosion declined from 2001 to 2020. In contrast, freeze-thaw and water erosion are projected to increase significantly from 2021 to 2100, while wind erosion is expected to decrease markedly. Additionally, the area experiencing moderate and severe erosion is forecasted to expand under future climate scenarios. This research provides valuable scientific guidance for the planning and management of soil erosion prevention and control on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Freeze-thaw, water and wind erosion on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau declined from 2001 to 2020 but are projected to diverge under future climate scenarios, with freeze-thaw and water erosion increasing and wind erosion decreasing, according to multi-source data and conceptual erosion models.