Abstract
Alpine precipitation is an important component of the mountain hydrological cycle and may also be a determinant of water resources in inland river basins. In this study, based on field observation data of the upper Shule River and daily precipitation records of the Tuole weather station during 2009–2015, temporal distribution characteristics of alpine precipitation and their vertical differentiation were evaluated mainly using percentages of precipitation anomalies (Pa), coefficient of variation (Cv), precipitation concentration degree (PCD) and concentration period (PCP). The results indicated that the inter-annual variability of annual precipitation was generally small, with a Pa that was only somewhat larger in low altitude zones for individual years; the inter-annual fluctuation of monthly precipitation increased noticeably, but the Cv and precipitation can be described as a power function. Annual distribution was basically consistent; more than 85.6% of precipitation was concentrated during the period from May to September; PCD ranged between 0.71 and 0.83 while the PCP was located within the 37th–41st pentads. Diurnal variation of precipitation was defined, mainly occurring from 1500 to 0100 Local Standard Time, and displayed a vertical change that was dominated by precipitation intensity or precipitation frequency. The temporal distribution of alpine precipitation has a noticeable vertical differentiation, and this is likely to originate from the diversity of precipitation mechanisms in mountainous terrain areas.
Highlights
In the context of global warming, the hydrological cycle is undergoing many changes [1,2,3,4], and it profoundly affects the function and stability of the terrestrial ecosystem [5,6]
Temporal analysis of the annual precipitation of PG-4164, PG-3915 and WS-3367 suggested that a change in magnitude was following a sharply increasing trend, PG-3915 and their annual average precipitation values were 377.5 mm, 367.0 mm, precipitation of PG-4164, and WS-3367 suggested that a change in magnitude was following and a355.8 mm, respectively
3000 m, but no change was found in areas where the elevation exceeded 3000 m [27]. These results show that the inter-annual fluctuations of precipitation in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau were generally weaker, and the negative correlation in the variation rate and precipitation is still applicable in the alpine region
Summary
In the context of global warming, the hydrological cycle is undergoing many changes [1,2,3,4], and it profoundly affects the function and stability of the terrestrial ecosystem [5,6]. These transitions are prominent in the arid and semi-arid regions [7,8], thereby exacerbating water scarcity in inland river basins [9].
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