Research on lake water level and its response to watershed climate change in Qinghai Lake from 1961 to 2019

Abstract

Lake water level reflects the dynamic balance of water input and output/loss and is a sensitive indicator of climate change and variation. Studying the relationship between the closed Qinghai Lake water level and watershed climate change is important for understanding regional climate change and its impacts on the lake. The objective of this study was to investigate changes in Qinghai Lake water level/area and environmental factors during 1961–2019, using ground-based measurements data, hydrological balance model and statistical methods. The results revealed two primary phases: during the first phrase (1961–2004), the lake water level lowered by 0.80 m/ decade (p < 0.01), while in the second phase (2004–2019), it rose markedly by 1.80 m/decade (p < 0.01). The lake area increased in April and September between 1990 and 2019, but since 2004 the increases have been more significant. Air temperature near the lake during 1961–2019 warmed by 0.39°C/decade and precipitation increased by 17 mm/decade. Annual river runoff increased at 14.3 mm/decade from 1961 to 2019, however, runoff decreased (−6.8 mm/decade) during the first phase from 1961 to 2004 and increased significantly (84.7 mm/decade) during the second phase from 2004 to 2019. The increases in precipitation and river runoff were the predominant factors contributing to lake water level rises and area expansion, while a decreasing lake water level and area reduction corresponded to reduced precipitation and river runoff and increased evaporation. As a sensitive indicator of regional climate change, the fluctuations of lake water level and surface area provide a comprehensive reflection of climate change in the Qinghai Lake watershed.

Lake Surface Temperature Retrieval Study Based on Landsat 8 Satellite Imagery—A Case Study of Poyang Lake

“…From south to north, it converges with the Yangtze River near Shizhong Mountain in Hukou County, Jiujiang City. At normal water levels (14-15 m), the lake's surface area is 3150 km 2 . During high water levels (20 m), it exceeds 4125 km 2 , while at low water levels (12 m), it is reduced to only 500 km 2 .…”

“…At normal water levels (14-15 m), the lake's surface area is 3150 km 2 . During high water levels (20 m), it exceeds 4125 km 2 , while at low water levels (12 m), it is reduced to only 500 km 2 . Poyang Lake plays a crucial role in regulating the water level of the Yangtze River, conserving water resources, improving the local climate, and maintaining the ecological balance in surrounding areas.…”

“…Water temperature is a crucial factor influencing the ecological environment of rivers, lakes, oceans, and other water bodies. Affected by frequent extreme weather worldwide, water temperature anomalies occasionally occur [1][2][3]. Poyang Lake, a vital component of the Yangtze River Basin ecosystem, plays a significant role in ecological preservation, climate regulation, and water resource utilization [4].…”

Study on Characteristics of Water Level Variations and Water Balance of the Largest Lake in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

“…The main factors affecting the changes in water quantity in Qinghai Lake are precipitation (P), evaporation (E) and runoff into the lake (R s ) [24]. Most previous studies qualitatively revealed that the increase in P and R s was significantly positively correlated with the lake water level, while the increase in E inhibited the increase in the lake water level [19,[25][26][27][28][29][30][31]. Li et al (2020) concluded that the influence of last year's factors (R s , P and E) on the water level was more significant than that of the current year, and further quantitatively evaluated the contribution rate of the three variables to the water level fluctuation of Qinghai Lake from 1961 to 2015 by using the principle of water balance and correlation coefficients as R s > P > E. For the same research period, Wang and Gao (2021) conducted work based on the study of Li (2020) and further demonstrated through the quantitative analysis of ridge regression that the contribution rate of the three variables to the water level fluctuation of Qinghai Lake was R s (38.2%) > E (31.4%) > P (30.4%).…”

Fisheries Volume 49 Number 4 April 2024

“…Herrnegger et al ( 2021 ).8Soja et al ( 2013 ). 9Li et al ( 2023 ).10 Abbott and Anderson ( 2009 ). 11 UNEP-DHI Centre on Water and Environment ( 2021 ).12Bali ( 2022 ).13Beutel et al ( 2001 ).…”