Tibetan Plateau Research Articles

A field survey: Distinctive composition of core and keystone taxa in root microbiota of Carex cepillacea on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

A field survey: Distinctive composition of core and keystone taxa in root microbiota of Carex cepillacea on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Distinct responses of soil carbon-degrading enzyme activities to warming in two alpine meadow ecosystems on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Distinct responses of soil carbon-degrading enzyme activities to warming in two alpine meadow ecosystems on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Methane emissions from thermokarst lakes must emphasize the ice-melting impact on the Tibetan Plateau

Thermokarst lakes, serving as significant sources of methane (CH4), play a crucial role in affecting the feedback of permafrost carbon cycle to global warming. However, accurately assessing CH4 emissions from these lakes remains challenging due to limited observations during lake ice melting periods. In this study, by integrating field surveys with machine learning modeling, we offer a comprehensive assessment of present and future CH4 emissions from thermokarst lakes on the Tibetan Plateau. Our results reveal that the previously underestimated CH4 release from lake ice bubble and water storage during ice melting periods is 11.2 ± 1.6 Gg C of CH4, accounting for 17 ± 4% of the annual total release from lakes. Despite thermokarst lakes cover only 0.2% of the permafrost area, they annually emit 65.5 ± 10.0 Gg C of CH4, which offsets 6.4% of the net carbon sink in alpine grasslands on the plateau. Considering the loss of lake ice, the expansion of thermokarst lakes is projected to lead to 1.1–1.2 folds increase in CH4 emissions by 2100. Our study allows foreseeing future CH4 emissions from the rapid expanding thermokarst lakes and sheds new lights on processes controlling the carbon-climate feedback in alpine permafrost ecosystems.

Microbial Metabolic Limitations and Their Relationships with Sediment Organic Carbon Across Lake Salinity Gradient in Tibetan Plateau

Inland lakes, contributing substantially to the global storage of sediment organic carbon (SOC), are subject to marked changes in salinity due to climate warming. The imbalance in the supply of resources, such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, in sediments leads to microbial metabolic limitations (MMLs). This, in turn, triggers the secretion of extracellular enzymes by microorganisms to mine for deficient resources by decomposing complex organic carbon. This process is a rate-limiting step in the degradation of organic carbon and, as a result, has the potential to regulate organic carbon stocks. However, the general understanding of MML patterns and their relationships with SOC content along lake salinity gradients remains elusive. This study examined 25 lakes on the Tibetan Plateau with salinity ranging from 0.13‰ to 31.06‰, analyzing MMLs through enzymatic stoichiometry. The results showed that sediment microbial metabolism was mainly limited by carbon and nitrogen, with stronger limitations at higher salinity. Water salinity and sediment pH were the main factors influencing microbial limitations, either directly or indirectly, through their effects on nutrients and microbial diversity. Additionally, the SOC content was negatively correlated with microbial carbon limitation, a relationship weakened when salinity and pH were controlled. These findings suggest that the decrease in SOC with increased salinity or pH could be driven by stronger microbial carbon limitations, offering insights into the impact of salinity changes on SOC stocks in inland lakes due to climate change.

The impact of warming Tibetan Plateau on the 2020 summer unprecedented Northeastern Pacific Marine heatwave

An unprecedented marine heatwave (MHW) struck the extratropical Northeastern Pacific during the summer of 2020. This study reveals that this event is characterized by a persistent atmospheric high-pressure anomaly in the MHW region, which leads to a decreased cloud cover, an increased surface shortwave radiation (SWR), a decreased mixed-layer depth, and an increased sea surface temperature (SST). The local net surface heat flux anomaly associated with the increased SWR primarily drives the increased SST, while the oceanic processes likely play a minor role. Both observations and simulations further demonstrate that the SST and high-pressure anomaly are closely associated with a large-scale wave train over the extratropical sector from Asia to the North Pacific which can be forced by the Tibetan Plateau heating change. According to our findings, the projection of a persistent warming Tibetan Plateau heightens the risk of escalating MHW events in the Northeastern Pacific under future scenarios.

Gut microbiome reveals the trophic variation and significant adaption of three sympatric forest-dwelling ungulates on the eastern Qinghai-Xizang Plateau

BackgroundThe gut microbiome of herbivorous mammals regulates numerous physiological processes, including digestion and energy metabolism. The complex stomach architecture of ruminants, in conjunction with the metabolic capabilities of their microbiota, confers a considerable adaptive advantage to these animals. Nevertheless, a significant gap persists in comparative studies on the variations in the gut microbiome among sympatric ruminants and their potential adaptive implications. Accordingly, in this study, 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metagenomic approaches were used to analyse the composition and functional attributes of the gut microbiome of sympatric Moschus chrysogaster, Capricornis sumatraensis, and Cervus albirostris inhabiting the eastern periphery of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau.ResultsThe gut microbiome of C. albirostris exhibited a higher diversity than that of M. chrysogaster and C. sumatraensis, whereas those of M. chrysogaster and C. sumatraensis were similar. Although species-specific variations existed among the three mammalian microbiomes, the microbiomes of C. albirostris and C. sumatraensis were more similar, whereas that of M. chrysogaster was markedly distinct. Metagenomic analysis revealed a pattern of functional convergence in the gut microbiome of the three species, with the gut microbiome of C. albirostris exhibiting a pronounced emphasis on carbohydrate metabolism, significantly surpassing that of M. chrysogaster and C. sumatraensis. Compared to the other two species, the gut microbiome of C. sumatraensis presented significantly elevated levels of amino acids and energy metabolism, whereas that of M. chrysogaster presented an increased capacity for 3-hydroxyacyl- [acyl carrier protein]-dehydratase production.ConclusionThese findings suggest that the gut microbiome of sympatric M. chrysogaster, C. sumatraensis, and C. albirostris tend to converge. Metabolic variations within their gut microbiome may result in differential food resource utilisation, potentially indicating significant nutritional and ecological trait characteristics for stable coexistence.

Distribution Pattern and Assembly Process of Fungal Communities Along Altitude Gradient in Sediments of the Yellow River Basin

Microorganisms have a profound impact on the stability and ecological health of aquatic environments. Fungi, as important components of river ecosystems, play critical roles as decomposers and symbionts. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying fungal community assembly is essential for the effective conservation and management of river ecosystems. However, the distribution patterns and assembly process of fungal communities along elevation gradients in river sediments remain poorly understood. In this study, ITS amplicon sequencing, a neutral community model, and a null model were employed to analyze the distribution patterns and assembly processes of fungal communities in sediments along the altitudinal gradient of the Yellow River. The results indicated that Ascomycota (47.79%) and Basidiomycota (15.68%) were identified as the dominant phyla in the sediments, collectively accounting for 63.47% of the total relative abundance of the community. In the three different altitudinal gradients, the fungal community diversity (Shannon) showed a gradually decreasing trend with increasing altitude. The co-line networks of fungal communities exhibited positive interactions and had more complex and compact networks in the sediments of the Tibetan Plateau area (YRA). Environmental factors in the sediments played an important role in shaping the structure of fungal communities, with lead (Pb), total nitrogen (TN), silt, and total organic carbon (TOC) being the main factors driving changes in community structure, contributing 15.5%, 12.3%, 10.7%, and 10.2%, respectively. In the community assembly process, deterministic processes were found to dominate, with homogenizing selection contributing the most (69.66%). These research results help us understand the distribution patterns of fungal communities along altitudinal gradients and the mechanisms of community assembly, and also provide a scientific basis for biodiversity conservation and the rational use of biological resources.

An active transtensional fault system across the NE margin of the Tibetan Plateau and its influence on surrounding blocks

The newly discovered Tianzhu transtensional fault system cuts across the WNW-trending Qilian Shan orogen and thrust and strike-slip fault systems on the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. Using high-resolution satellite images, geomorphic mapping, trenching, and radiocarbon and optically stimulated luminescence dating, we found that the Tianzhu transtensional fault system consists of the Western Tianzhu Basin, Jinqianghe, Xuanmahe, Eastern Gulang, and Haxi faults, exhibiting active oblique normal faulting during the late Quaternary. The Tianzhu transtensional fault system experiences at least normal and left-lateral slip rates of 1.0 ± 0.2 mm/yr and 3.1 ± 0.2 mm/yr, respectively, and it is capable of producing earthquakes of Mw 7.2 or higher. The deformation patterns and mechanisms of large earthquakes differ on both sides of the fault system. It is believed that the Tianzhu transtensional fault system plays an important role in accommodating differential deformation of the NE Tibetan Plateau. Undergoing long-term tectonic processes, different parts of the NE Tibetan Plateau exhibit varying crustal motion, resulting in oblique shear and formation of the Tianzhu transtensional fault system. Combining analyses of fault distribution, seismic activity, and deep geophysical fields, the Tianzhu transtensional fault system and the Bayanwulashan and Langshan range-front faults in the northeast are likely to constitute a regionally evolving transtensional fault system, weakening the stability of the Gobi-Alashan block. Our results challenge the conventional understanding of continuous deformation along the Qilian-Haiyuan fault zone, provide new insights into the extension patterns of the NE Tibetan Plateau and its influence on the surrounding blocks, and inform our understanding of the types of transfer faults that cut through collisional orogens around the world.

Spatial patterns and influencing factors of debris flows in the middle Yarlung Zangbo River on the Tibetan Plateau

Spatial patterns and influencing factors of debris flows in the middle Yarlung Zangbo River on the Tibetan Plateau

Risk of glacier collapse in the Southeast Tibetan basin

Glacier collapse is one of the serious cryospheric hazards in the Tibetan Plateau (TP), especially in the southeast of TP. Recent studies on glacier change and glacier collapse events in this region show that the risk of glacier collapse disaster in Southeast Tibet is vague and not specific. Here, we assess the risk of glacier collapse by combining machine learning method, dangerous glacier identification and vulnerability analysis in the basin. This study considers that the glacier collapse events in this area in recent years are mainly driven by temperature, precipitation and seismic activity under the background of steep terrain. A total of 946 km2 of glaciers in southeastern Tibet are potentially at hazard of collapse, with the largest area of about 320 km2 in the southeastern region; The proportion of the southern region is the highest, about 55.6%. Eight basins are at extremely high risk, including 85 residential areas, 131 roads and 52 rivers. This study directly responds to the needs of the disaster prevention and mitigation strategy to determine the key areas, and emphasizes the necessity of coping with the threat of glacier collapse in the extremely high-risk basins in Southeast Tibet.

The Impact of Plant Diversity on Carbon Storage Along the Gradient of Altitude in Alpine Grasslands of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau

Plant diversity plays an important role in shaping the carbon cycling of grassland ecosystems. However, differences in the diversity effect on aboveground and belowground carbon storage remains unclear at specific spatiotemporal scales. A transplant experiment was carried out along the gradient of altitude (4600–5200 m) in alpine grasslands of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau in the year 2017. Vegetation characteristics like species richness, vegetation cover and height were measured in the years 2020 and 2021. The plant diversity was described by species richness. Then, I calculated the vegetation biomass to quantify the aboveground carbon storage. The belowground carbon storage was represented by soil organic carbon. The results showed that the effect of species richness on belowground carbon storage was significantly positive (p < 0.05) at most altitudes for both years. However, the diversity effect on aboveground carbon storage was weak and inconsistent. The relationship between species richness and belowground carbon storage remained relatively stable over a period of two years. In contrast, the relationship altered greatly in terms of aboveground carbon storage in terms of inter-annual changes. Precipitation of growing seasons significantly impacted the species richness rather than aboveground carbon storage. Soil temperature was significantly associated with belowground carbon storage. These findings provide a new insight which will help us to assess the relationship between plant diversity and ecosystem functioning. They also allow us to understand how vegetation responds to climate change in high-altitudes areas.

Spatial–Temporal Heterogeneity of Wetlands in the Alpine Mountains of the Shule River Basin on the Northeastern Edge of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

Alpine wetland ecosystems, as important carbon sinks and water conservation areas, possess unique ecological functions. Driven by climate change and human activities, the spatial distribution changes in alpine wetlands directly affect the ecosystems and water resource management within a basin. To further refine the evolution processes of different types of alpine wetlands in different zones of a basin, this study combined multiple field surveys, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flights, and high-resolution images. Based on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud platform, we constructed a Random Forest model to identify and extract alpine wetlands in the Shule River Basin over a long-term period from 1987 to 2021. The results indicated that the accuracy of the extraction based on this method exceeded 90%; the main wetland types are marsh, swamp meadow, and river and lake water bodies; and the spatial–temporal distribution of each wetland type has obvious heterogeneity. In total, 90% of the swamp meadows areas were mainly scattered throughout the study area’s section 3700 to 4300 m above sea level (a.s.l.), and 80% of the marshes areas were concentrated in the Dang River source 3200 m above sea level. From 1987 to 2021, the alpine wetland in the study area showed an overall expansion trend. The total area of the wetland increased by 51,451.8 ha and the area increased by 53.5%. However, this expansion mainly occurred in the elevation zone below 4000 m after 2004, and low-altitude marsh wetland primarily dominated the expansion. The analysis of the spatial–temporal heterogeneity of alpine wetlands can provide a scientific basis for the attribution analysis of the change in alpine wetlands in inland water conservation areas, as well as for protection and rational development and utilization, and promote the healthy development of ecological environments in nature reserves.

Molecular phylogeny and taxonomy of the genus Eozapus (Mammalia, Rodentia, Zapodidae) with the description of a new species

Eozapus is a monotypic genus in the family Zapodidae, with a single species and two subspecies: Eozapus setchuanus setchuanus and Eozapus setchuanus vicinus in the mountains of southwestern China. Eozapus setchuanus is one of the oldest and rarest species. The molecular phylogenetic and evolutionary history of this species has not yet been explored because of its small size and difficulty in capturing it. In this study, we collected 51 specimens, sequenced one mitochondrial gene and two nuclear genes, and conducted morphological analyses to clarify the phylogenetic relationship and evolutionary history of this genus. Both molecular and morphological analyses supported the classification of these three species within the genus Eozapus. We describe a new species, Eozapus wanglangensissp. nov., and propose elevating E. s. vicinus, previously considered a subspecies of Eozapus setchuanus, to the status of an independent species. Furthermore, the uplift of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, the complex topography of sky islands, and climate change promoted the speciation and diversity of the genus Eozapus.

Primary enrichment and epigenetic magmatic-hydrothermal reactivation caused a new type of stratiform Cu-Co deposits in the Jianglang Dome, Eastern Tibetan Plateau

Stratiform/stratabound Cu-Co deposits are commonly associated with the leaching of basinal brines and synorogenic metamorphic fluids. However, significant magmatic-hydrothermal examples hosted by fertile metasedimentary rocks are lacking. Here, we present integrated geochronological and isotopic data from stratiform Cu-Co deposits in the Jianglang Dome, which was intruded by ca. 164 Ma granitic plutons. Chalcopyrite separates yielded two Re-Os isochron ages of 562 Ma and 161.8 Ma, as well as contrasting initial 187Os/188Os ratios of 0.311 and 2.766. Extracted from cupriferous quartz vein, hydrothermal zircon rims produced a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 158.5 Ma, and εHf(t) values of between −6.3 and −22.3. Metamorphic monazites in two-mica quartz schist defined a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 193.0 Ma, with εNd(t) values ranging from −14.1 to −14.7, and are attributed to ca. 204−190 Ma peak metamorphism in the Songpan-Ganze orogen. Also, sulfide minerals have positive δ34SV-CDT values of 4.8‰−9.3‰, which are compatible with those of host rocks (3.1‰−13.0‰) and granitic plutons (7.3‰−9.6‰). All of these age and isotopic constraints confirm two-staged formation of ca. 550 Ma syngenetic enrichment overprinted by ca. 160 Ma epigenetic mineralization, with the latest Neoproterozoic rock units contributing significantly to ca. 164−158.5 Ma magmatic-hydrothermal mineralization, which shows no synorogenic or metamorphic affinities. Together, our findings indicate a superimposed genetic model, and a new type of granitic intrusion-related, metalliferous siliciclastic metasedimentary rock-hosted stratiform Cu-Co deposit. Furthermore, analogous domes, where leachable basement rocks and a fluid-driving magmatic-hydrothermal system are present, may prove to be novel targets for future exploration.

The effects of different dietary nutritional levels on meat quality, rumen microbiota, and muscle metabolomics in Tibetan Plateau yaks

IntroductionThe nutritional level of the diet plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the yak rumen microbiota. To explore the relationship between dietary nutritional levels, the rumen microbiota, and muscle metabolites, we examined the characteristics of the yak rumen microbiota and muscle metabolome under different dietary nutritional levels.MethodsRandomly divide 24 yaks with similar body weights, [235.96 ± 12.46 kg], into three groups. These groups were subjected to three nutritional feeding levels: ad libitum feeding (AL), 70% of ad libitum intake (IR70), and 40% of ad libitum intake (IR40). When the yaks in the AL group gained 70 kg in body weight, they were slaughtered.ResultsThe results indicated that the ad libitum feeding group (AL) demonstrated superior edible meat quality in terms of Chroma L*, Chroma a*, and shear force, compared to the 70% intake group (IR70) and the 40% intake group (IR40). At the phylum level, the abundance of Patescibacteria was notably greater in the IR40 group compared to both the AL group and the IR70 group. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Succinimonas was higher in the AL group than in both the IR70 and IR40 groups. Untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed that the levels of metabolites such as 5-Methylcytosine, Cytosine, and Thymine were upregulated in the longissimus dorsi muscle of the AL group, which contributed to the enhancement of meat flavor. Furthermore, Spearman's correlation analysis revealed a notable relationship between the rumen microbiota and both meat quality and metabolite levels. pH45min is positively correlated with trans-Cinnamic acid. Methanobrevibacter exhibited a positive correlation with the concentration of 4-(Diethylamino)benzaldehyde, while Candidatus_Saccharimonas showed a positive correlation with the concentration of phenylacetylglycine.DiscussionThis study provides scientific evidence for understanding the impact of different nutritional feeding conditions on yak meat quality, rumen microbiota, and related muscle metabolomic pathways. It also reveals the potential impact of these factors on meat flavor. These findings offer important reference information for optimizing yak husbandry management, improving the formation of beef flavor compounds, and understanding their regulatory mechanisms.

Ensemble Streamflow Simulations in a Qinghai–Tibet Plateau Basin Using a Deep Learning Method with Remote Sensing Precipitation Data as Input

Satellite and reanalysis-based precipitation products have played a crucial role in addressing the challenges associated with limited ground-based observational data. These products are widely utilized in hydrometeorological research, particularly in data-scarce regions like the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP). This study proposed an ensemble streamflow simulation method using remote sensing precipitation data as input. By employing a 1D Convolutional Neural Networks (1D CNN), streamflow simulations from multiple models are integrated and a Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) interpretability analysis was conducted to examine the contributions of individual models on ensemble streamflow simulation. The method is demonstrated using GPM IMERG (Global Precipitation Measurement Integrated Multi-satellite Retrievals) remote sensing precipitation data for streamflow estimation in the upstream region of the Ganzi gauging station in the Yalong River basin of QTP for the period from 2010 to 2019. Streamflow simulations were carried out using models with diverse structures, including the physically based BTOPMC (Block-wise use of TOPMODEL) and two machine learning models, i.e., Random Forest (RF) and Long Short-Term Memory Neural Networks (LSTM). Furthermore, ensemble simulations were compared: the Simple Average Method (SAM), Weighted Average Method (WAM), and the proposed 1D CNN method. The results revealed that, for the hydrological simulation of each individual models, the Kling–Gupta Efficiency (KGE) values during the validation period were 0.66 for BTOPMC, 0.71 for RF, and 0.74 for LSTM. Among the ensemble approaches, the validation period KGE values for SAM, WAM, and the 1D CNN-based nonlinear method were 0.74, 0.73, and 0.82, respectively, indicating that the nonlinear 1D CNN approach achieved the highest accuracy. The SHAP-based interpretability analysis further demonstrated that RF made the most significant contribution to the ensemble simulation, while LSTM contributed the least. These findings highlight that the proposed 1D CNN ensemble simulation framework has great potential to improve streamflow estimations using remote sensing precipitation data as input and may provide new insight into how deep learning methods advance the application of remote sensing in hydrological research.

Accessibility Assessment of the Iron Deposits on the Qinghai–Xizang Plateau: Integrating Transport Networks, Economic Dynamics, and Ecological Constraints

The Qinghai–Xizang Plateau (QXP) is the highest plateau on Earth, with a significant quantity of iron resources that significantly contribute to regional economic development in Western China. However, the exploitation of these iron deposits on the QXP is confronted with dual challenges. The complex geography and weak infrastructure lead to inadequate transport accessibility, while the strict ecological regulations and stringent environmental protection policies further complicate resource development. This study focuses on the transport accessibility issues related to iron deposits on the QXP, aiming to assess the suitability for regional iron resource development. This study conducts a comprehensive, multidimensional analysis encompassing the spatial distribution of iron deposits, the characteristics of the transport network, and economic dynamics. Based on these analyses, an integrated suitability evaluation model is developed to assess the accessibility of iron deposits on the QXP. The results indicate that the transport accessibility of iron deposits on the QXP displays obvious spatial disparities. The deposits on the western QXP exhibit lower accessibility due to the remoteness from major economic centers and underdeveloped transport infrastructure. In contrast, the deposits on the eastern QXP, which are closer to transportation and economic centers, show greater development potential. Additionally, this study innovatively incorporates economic dynamics and ecological protection factors into the transport accessibility evaluation framework, revealing the coupling relationship between the transport conditions, economic patterns, and mineral resource development potential. It provides scientific evidence for the balancing of resource development and environmental protection in ecologically sensitive areas. The findings could contribute to optimizing the iron resource development strategies on the QXP and provide theoretical support for future regional infrastructure planning.

Gradually Disappearing Cross‐Seasonal Teleconnection Between ENSO and Tibetan Plateau Upper‐Level Westerlies

AbstractChanges in the Tibetan Plateau upper‐level westerlies (TPUW) and El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are crucial in regulating local hydrological cycles and large‐range climate. Here we report a gradual disappearance of the cross‐seasonal ENSO‐TPUW teleconnection since the early‐2000s, with correlation decreasing from 0.75 to near zero. Before the early‐2000s, the anomalous western North Pacific (WNP) anticyclone (WNPAC) induced by ENSO can last from winter to summer under the maintenance of Indo‐western Pacific surface seawater temperature gradient (IWPSSTG), prompting the WNP subtropical high to expand and strengthen toward South Asia, attracting the Tibet Plateau subtropical high southward, thereby causing the subtropical westerly jet to move southward and forming a cross‐seasonal ENSO‐TPUW teleconnection. However, given the prominent tropical WNP warming since the early‐2000s, the early‐summer outage of IWPSSTG and WNPAC disrupts the ENSO‐TPUW chain. This discontinuity poses severe challenges to the improvement of short‐term climate predictions in the Tibetan Plateau and surrounding areas.

Insights into Tibetan Lower Crustal Composition through Seismic Velocity Modeling

The Tibetan Plateau's lower crustal composition and rheology dictate the tectonic and surface deformation in response to the India-Asia collision. Yet, their spatial variations under the Plateau remain unclear. In this study, we forward calculated seismic velocities (i.e., Vp and Vs) for three types of rocks presumed to constitute the continental lower crust. By comparing the simulated and observed velocities, we infer the current lower crustal composition of the Tibetan Plateau. The results show west Tibet and Pamir is predominantly composed of eclogite, suggesting ongoing intense metamorphism. Our simulations reveal the presence of a weak felsic granulite layer in southeast Tibet, potentially indicative of lower crustal flow. In contrast, the felsic component identified in eastern Lhasa is likely attributed to magmatic underplating. Our results further suggest that the lower crust of west Qiangtang and west Lhasa primarily consists of mafic granulite, indicating the likely preservation of Asian proto-rocks. Furthermore, by linking lower crustal composition to rheology, this study demonstrates how the crust has predominantly deformed in response to the India-Asia collision across the Tibetan Plateau.

Cross‐Regional Horizontal and Vertical Transport Pathways of Carbon Monoxide and Its Impact on Air Pollution in the Tibetan Plateau

AbstractCarbon monoxide (CO) is an ideal tracer for tracking cross‐regional transport of anthropogenic pollution due to its longer atmospheric lifetime. This study analyzed the seasonal variations of CO over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) using surface and satellite observations, focusing on the impact of transport processes on the three‐dimensional distribution of CO across the TP and surrounding regions. Unlike regions with significant surface emissions, the TP exhibited opposing seasonal patterns and a negative correlation between surface CO and CO total columns (COTC). Surface CO peaked in winter/spring, while COTC peaked in summer, due to different contributions of transport processes at various altitudes. CO from tropical biomass burning was transported up and north by the Hadley circulation, increasing CO concentrations with altitude over the TP, except for winter, when CO stayed uniform within the troposphere, indicating seasonal variations in transport. During winter/spring, downdrafts transported high CO concentrations to the lower troposphere, where it was efficiently removed by strong winter westerlies. In summer/autumn, strong convection lifted surface CO from India and Southeast Asia into the upper troposphere over the TP. These findings indicated that high COTC over the TP and other regions influenced by similar circulations should not be misinterpreted as surface air pollution. Furthermore, using low CO as an indicator of stratospheric intrusion as in current studies might be unsuitable for tropical/subtropical regions where CO was elevated near the tropopause. Future research should further explore these transport mechanisms and their broader implications for atmospheric chemistry and climate dynamics over the TP.