Tibetan Plateau In China Research Articles

Cosesimic surface deformation and source mechanism of the 2023 Ms 6.2 Jishishan earthquake, northeastern Tibetan Plateau

On 18 December, 2023, the Ms 6.2 Jishishan earthquake struck the border region of Gansu province and Qinghai province in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau in China. Field investigations revealed that the 2023 Ms 6.2 Jishishan earthquake produced a ∼1.2-km-long coseismic surface deformation zone with the characteristic centimeter-sized uplift and bulge in the range of 1–13cm (generally<5 cm), which was mainly restricted to a narrow corridor of 40–50 m in width along an previously-unknown frontal blind fault of the North Lajishan thrust fault zone. In spatial location, the coseismic surface deformation zone corresponds to the core of a late Cenozoic anticline on the hanging wall of blind fault, indicating that the coseismic surface uplift was constrained by the pre-existing tectonic environment.The North Lajishan thrust fault zone is composed of the west branch fault (F1), east branch fault (F2) and the frontal blind fault (F3), the surveying results document that only the frontal thrust fault (F3) is the Holocene seismically active fault. Thus, the seismogenic fault of the 2023 Ms 6.2 Jishishan earthquake was suggested to be the F3 fault, indicating the northeastward propagation and expansion of the most recent earthquake activities within the North Lajishan thrust fault zone related to the ongoing northeastward shortening of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau accommodating the Eurasia-India continental collision.

Analysis of genetic evolutionary differences among four Tibetan pig populations in China

Tibetan pigs are a locally bred domestic pig breed originating from the Tibetan Plateau in China. They can be categorized into four distinct groups based on their geographical locations: Sichuan Tibetan pigs, Tibetan pigs from Tibet, Yunnan Tibetan pigs, and Gansu Tibetan pigs. This study aimed to explore population diversity, genetic structure and selection signals among Tibetan pigs in four Chinese national nature reserves. The results show that there is different observed heterozygosity among Tibetan pig populations (0.1957–0.1978). Ratio of runs of homozygosity (Froh) calculation of four Tibetan pig populations by runs of homozygosity (ROH) revealed the presence of inbreeding within the population (0.0336–0.0378). Analysis of the genetic structure demonstrated distinct population stratification among the four Tibetan pig populations, with each showing relatively independent evolutionary directions. Furthermore, Five methods (FST, Piratio, ROD, Tajima's D, XP-CLR) were used to artificially select evolutionary trajectories. The results mainly involved processes such as DNA repair, immune regulation, muscle fat deposition and adaptation to hypoxia. In conclusion, this study enhances our understanding of the genetic characteristics of Tibetan pig populations and provides a theoretical reference for the conservation of resources across different populations of Tibetan pigs.

Toward Cross-Species Crop Se Content Prediction Using Random Forest Modeling

Selenium is an indispensable trace element in the human body that plays an important role in maintaining life activities. The consumption of Se-rich crops provides a practical and effective way for the body to supplement Se. However, the Se content in crops is affected by the soil Se content and the interactions between other elements in the soil. In this study, the Tibetan Plateau of China was chosen as the study area. The random forest algorithm was applied to select four key indicators—selenium (Se), bioavailable phosphorus (P), cadmium (Cd), and bioavailable copper (Cu)—from 29 soil variables to predict the Se content in rapeseed, wheat, potato, pasture, and chrysanthemum crops. The results showed that, despite the rich soil Se resources in the Tibetan Plateau, only 20% of the crop samples met the national Se enrichment standard (&gt;0.07 mg kg−1). Compared with the traditional multiple linear regression method, the random forest model is more accurate, efficient, and reliable in predicting the Se content of crops. In cross-species crop prediction, which refers to the simultaneous cultivation and analysis of multiple distinct crop species within the same agricultural setting, the random forest model demonstrated superior performance, marking a significant breakthrough in cross-species crop research. This approach effectively eliminates the tedious process of conducting repetitive individual evaluations for different crop types in the same region, highlighting its innovative significance. Meanwhile, the Tibetan Plateau, known as the “Roof of the World”, is also of great research value. These results provide valuable references for the planning and management of Se-enriched farmlands, which will help improve the yield and quality of Se-enriched crops and promote the growth of farmers’ interests.

Study on the attenuation relationship of the acceleration envelope parameters for the Wenchuan earthquake aftershocks

The seismic attenuation relationship between ground motion parameters (such as peak acceleration and response spectra value) and seismic parameters (such as magnitude and epicentral distance) is an important foundation for seismic hazard analysis and the core of determining seismic input parameters for seismic resistance engineering. The acceleration envelope parameters, which describe the relationship between ground motion intensity and time variation, are primarily used for artificially synthesizing seismic motion. At present, little research has been performed on the attenuation relationship of acceleration envelope parameters in the Longmenshan fault zone on the eastern side of the Tibetan Plateau in China. Therefore, this study selected the Mw4-6 aftershock records of the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake that occurred on the Longmenshan fault zone and established a commonly used three segment envelope model parameter attenuation relationship. We classified aftershock records based on their source mechanisms and obtained attenuation relationship models for thrust slip aftershocks, thrust and strike slip aftershocks, and strike slip aftershocks. The results are as follows: (1) The thrust slip aftershock records had the longest rising stage which is the time difference from the arrival of P-waves to the beginning of the stable sustained stage of seismic motion. Thrust and strike slip aftershocks records had the longest stable sustained stage period and the slowest attenuation at the tail of the record. (2) The attenuation relationship of the acceleration envelope parameters commonly used in Chinese engineering for artificially synthesizing seismic motion is based on the strong earthquake records in the western United States. But, compared to the attenuation characteristics of the acceleration envelope function in the western United States, the Mw4-6 earthquake records on the Longmenshan fault zone had a slower attenuation rate at the tail of the record. So, accurately artificially synthesizing seismic motion through envelope parameter attenuation model requires the use of attenuation model established by earthquake records in this region.

Elevation and Human Disturbance Interactively Influence the Patterns of Insect Diversity on the Southeastern Periphery of the Tibetan Plateau.

The maintenance of biodiversity and ecological balance heavily relies on the diversity of insects. In order to investigate the impacts of elevation and human disturbance, as well as their interactions on insect diversity, we conducted an intensive survey of insects in the Hengduan Mountain Range, which is situated on the southeastern periphery of the Tibetan Plateau in China. A total of 50 line transects were established in this study to investigate the impact of elevation and human disturbance on insect diversity and distribution patterns. Designed insect surveys were conducted at various elevations and levels of human disturbance, and statistical methods such as generalized linear modeling and redundancy analysis were employed for data analysis. The results of this study indicated a negative correlation between insect diversity and elevation. Additionally, moderate disturbance was found to have a positive impact on insect diversity to some extent. The explanatory power of the model for the distribution of insect diversity could be improved if elevation and human disturbance were included as an interaction effect into the model, and there were differences in the effects of human disturbances on insect diversity at different elevation levels. The highest insect diversity was observed under low disturbance conditions below elevation of ~2200 m, whereas above this threshold, insect diversity was the highest under moderate disturbance compared to low disturbance. The response of different insect taxa to the interactions of elevation and human disturbance varied. The findings imply that when formulating strategies for managing insect diversity, it is crucial to thoroughly consider the interaction of environmental factors and disturbance response of individual insect taxa.

The Novel-m0230-3p miRNA Modulates the CSF1/CSF1R/Ras Pathway to Regulate the Cell Tight Junctions and Blood-Testis Barrier in Yak.

The yak (Bos grunniens) is a valuable livestock animal endemic to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China with low reproductive rates. Cryptorchidism is one of the primary causes of infertility in male yaks. Compared with normal testes, the tight junctions (TJs) of Sertoli cells (SCs) and the integrity of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) in cryptorchidism are both disrupted. MicroRNAs are hairpin-derived RNAs of about 19-25 nucleotides in length and are involved in a variety of biological processes. Numerous studies have shown the involvement of microRNAs in the reproductive physiology of yak. In this study, we executed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to describe the expression profiles of mRNAs and microRNAs in yaks with normal testes and cryptorchidism to identify differentially expressed genes. GO and KEGG analyses were used to identify the biological processes and signaling pathways which the target genes of the differentially expressed microRNAs primarily engaged. It was found that novel-m0230-3p is an important miRNA that significantly differentiates between cryptorchidism and normal testes, and it is down-regulated in cryptorchidism with p < 0.05. Novel-m0230-3p and its target gene CSF1 both significantly contribute to the regulation of cell adhesion and tight junctions. The binding sites of novel-m0230-3p with CSF1 were validated by a dual luciferase reporter system. Then, mimics and inhibitors of novel-m0230-3p were transfected in vitro into SCs, respectively. A further analysis using qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence (IF), and Western blotting confirmed that the expression of cell adhesion and tight-junction-related proteins Occludin and ZO-1 both showed changes. Specifically, both the mRNA and protein expression levels of Occludin and ZO-1 in SCs decreased after transfection with the novel-m0230-3p mimics, while they increased after transfection with the inhibitors, with p < 0.05. These were achieved via the CSF1/CSF1R/Ras signaling pathway. In summary, our findings indicate a negative miRNA-mRNA regulatory network involving the CSF1/CSF1R/Ras signaling pathway in yak SCs. These results provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of CSF1 and suggest that novel-m0230-3p and its target protein CSF1 could be used as potential therapeutic targets for yak cryptorchidism.

Characteristics and mechanisms of phosphorus adsorption-desorption in soil aggregates during cut slope restoration

Soil phosphorus (P) effectiveness and sustainability play a crucial role in influencing the ecological restoration process of cut slopes. However, the P adsorption-desorption characteristics of soil aggregates during the ecological restoration of cut slopes remain unclear. We selected three roadside slopes that have undergone ecological restoration for 7, 11, and 14 years, respectively, in Songpan County on the eastern Tibetan Plateau in China. We determined the characteristic parameters of P adsorption-desorption in soil aggregates using isothermal adsorption-desorption experiments. X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were conducted to characterize the mineral and functional group properties of soil aggregates. The results showed that the P adsorption-desorption capacity of soil aggregates increased with the restoration years. Microaggregates (<0.25 mm) were higher adsorption-desorption capacity than that of macroaggregates (>0.25 mm). Soil organic matter (SOM), available phosphorus (AP), free iron oxide (FeDCB), and free aluminum oxide (AlDCB) were the driving factor of P adsorption. In addition, total phosphorus (TP), AP, pH, SOM, FeDCB, and AlDCB played key roles in P desorption. SOM, AP, and AlDCB affected indirectly FeDCB, while SOM and TP affected indirectly pH, consequently affecting adsorption-desorption. Calcite was involved in P adsorption by soil aggregates. The ligand exchange between the hydroxyl group in montmorillonite and P in the aqueous phase may the key adsorption-desorption process. The current study provides a scientific basis for promoting the effectiveness and sustainability of soil P in cut slope restoration.

Characteristics of disinfection byproducts from dissolved organic matter during chlor(am)ination of source water in Tibetan Plateau, China

The Tibetan Plateau, a typical high-altitude area, is less affected by human activities such as industrial development, and the external pollution to water sources is extremely low. Then it is also an important source of water samples for exploring the molecular characteristics of precursors in the dissolved organic matter (DOM) of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in drinking water. Research data on DBPs in drinking water on the Tibet Plateau remains insufficient, leading to uncertainty about DBP contamination in the area. This study explores the formation potential of 35 typical DBPs, including 6 trihalomethanes (THMs), 9 haloacetic acids (HAAs), 2 halogenated ketones (HKs), 9 nitrosamines (NAs), and 9 aromatic DBPs, during chlorination and chloramination of typical source water samples in the Tibet Plateau of China. Moreover, in order to further investigate the characteristics of the generation of DBPs, the molecular composition of DOM in the collected water samples was characterized by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. The findings reveal that, for chlorination and chloramination, the average concentration of the five classes of DBPs was ranked as follows (chlorination, chloramination): HAAs (268.1 μg/L, 54.2 μg/L) > THMs (44.0 μg/L, 2.0 μg/L) > HKs (0.7 μg/L, 1.8 μg/L) > NAs (26.5 ng/L, 74.6 ng/L) > Aromatics (20.4 ng/L, 19.5 ng/L). The dominant compounds in THMs, HAAs, and NAs are trichloromethane, dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, and nitrosopyrrolidine, respectively. This study highlights a significant positive correlation between DBP generation and UV254, SUV254, and the double bond equivalents of DOM in the source water. It systematically elucidates DOM molecular composition characteristics and DBP formation potential in high-altitude water sources, shedding light on key factors influencing DBP generation at the molecular level in high-altitude areas.

Botanical characterization, phytochemistry, biosynthesis, pharmacology clinical application, and breeding techniques of the Chinese herbal medicine Fritillaria unibracteata.

Fritillaria unibracteata (FRU) belongs to the genus Fritillaria of the Liliaceae family. It is one of the original plants of the Chinese medicinal material "Chuanbeimu" and also a biological resource featured in the Tibetan Plateau of China. The dried bulbs of FRU are used in traditional Chinese medicine. The chemical constituents of FRU that have been isolated and identified include alkaloids, sterols, organic acids and their esters, nucleosides and volatile oils. FRU has antitussive, expectorant, anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, acute lung injury-reducing, antifibrosis, antitumor, and other pharmacological effects. This valuable plant has an extremely high market demand, and over the years, due to over-exploitation, FRU has now been listed as a key species that is endangered and scarcely cultivated in China as a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. However, research on FRU is rare, and its effective components, resource control, and mechanisms of action need further study. This review systematically discusses the herbal characteristics, resource distribution, chemical composition, biosynthesis, pharmacological effects, clinical application, and breeding techniques of FRU, hoping to provide a reference for further research and the use of FRU.

Environmental Factors Shape the Differences in Biodiversity-Area Relationships in Riverine Macroinvertebrates of Two Rivers in the Tibetan Plateau in China

The species-area relationship (SAR) is a well-established, globally recognized ecological pattern, and research on SAR has expanded to include the phylogenetic diversity-area relationship (PDAR). However, this research has generally been limited to terrestrial systems. Using data on freshwater macroinvertebrates, the log–log form of the SAR and PDAR power models were compared between the Lhasa River and the Niyang River on the Tibetan Plateau in China. The study reveals that there is a significant difference in the slopes of SAR and PDAR between the two rivers, with the Lhasa River having a considerably higher slope. The beta diversity calculations in these two basins support this pattern, with the Lhasa River exhibiting significantly higher numbers of species and greater total phylogenetic beta diversity than the Niyang River. Regarding species replacement, the turnover component was the primary driver of both species and phylogenetic beta diversity in both rivers. These differences in the beta diversity components were mainly driven by dispersal constraints because spatial distance had a large effect on total beta diversity and turnover fractions. In addition, the nestedness component was more affected by climate and land cover, indicating that highland rivers are subject to the threats of anthropogenic disturbance and climate change. Therefore, spatial factors play a crucial role in determining the distribution of passively dispersed benthic organisms as the scale of change in rivers increases from local to regional effects.

Spatiotemporal Changes and Driving Analysis of Ecological Environmental Quality along the Qinghai–Tibet Railway Using Google Earth Engine—A Case Study Covering Xining to Jianghe Stations

The Qinghai–Tibet Railway is located in the most fragile and sensitive terrestrial ecosystem of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau in China, and once the ecological environment is damaged, it is difficult to restore. This study, based on the Google Earth Engine platform, focuses on the section of the Qinghai–Tibet Railway from Xining to Jianghe. It utilizes Landsat series satellite imagery data from 1986 to 2020 to calculate the Remote Sensing Ecological Index (RSEI). This approach enables large-scale and long-term dynamic monitoring, analysis, and assessment of the ecological changes along the Qinghai–Tibet Railway corridor. The results indicate that (1) the average RSEI of the study area increased from 0.37 in 1986 to 0.53 in 2020, showing an overall trend of improvement. The ecological environment quality is mainly categorized as medium and good. (2) The quality of the ecological environment in the areas along the railway experienced fluctuations during different periods of railway construction and operation. From 1986 to 1994, after the first phase of the railway opened, the overall ecological environment showed a relative decline in quality. From 1994 to 2002, the ecological quality of 60% of the region saw slight improvements. During the extension construction of the second phase of the railway from 2002 to 2007, the regional ecology fluctuated again. However, from 2013 to 2020, during the operational period, a stable recovery trend was observed in the ecological environment. (3) The ecological environment in the study area is influenced by multiple factors. Different railway station areas exhibit strong spatial heterogeneity. The impact of single factors is significant, with the existence of spatial stratification and enhanced interactions among multiple factors. The strongest interactive effects are observed between land use types, the intensity of human activities, and temperature.

Research on Ecological Restoration Evaluation Index System for Construction Projects in Qinghai Tibet Plateau

In the “Ecological Protection Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau” released in April 2023, it is stipulated that “the state strengthens the ecological protection and restoration of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau, adheres to the integrated protection and restoration of mountains, rivers, forests, fields, lakes, grasses, sands, and ice, and implements a systematic governance that focuses on natural restoration and combines natural restoration with artificial restoration.” Currently, there is relatively little research on the ecological restoration evaluation index system in high-altitude areas represented by the Qinghai Tibet Plateau in China. This article studies the climate and soil characteristics of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau region and selects ecological restoration evaluation index systems suitable for high-altitude areas, including biological and community evaluation, soil and water conservation function evaluation, soil and water physical and chemical property evaluation, and landscape pattern evaluation.

Tracing the geographical origin of endangered fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis, especially from Nagqu, using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS

Ophiocordyceps sinensis (OS), known as “soft gold”, played an important role in local economic development. OS from different producing areas was difficult to be discriminated by the appearance. Nagqu OS, a distinguished and safeguarded geographical indication product, commands a premium price in market. The real claim of OS geographical origins is urgently required. Here, 81 OS samples were collected from Tibetan Plateau in China to explore markers for tracing origins. OS from Xigazê can be distinguished by dark color of head of caterpillar. Then 57 samples, a fully representative training-sample set, were used to set up OPLS-DA models by nontargeted metabolomics from UPLC-QTOF-MS. Certain markers were successfully identified and validation using 21 blind test samples confirmed that the markers can trace the geographical origin of OS, especially Nagqu samples. It was affirmed that UPLC-QTOF-MS-based untargeted metabolomics coupled with OPLS-DA was a reliable strategy to trace the geographical origins of OS.

Analysis of Carbon Emission Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Herder Households: A County-Scale Investigation of the Sanjiangyuan Region on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

With further urbanization, household consumption firmly plays a key role in China’s national carbon emissions. However, current research concerning carbon issues has mainly focused on urban household consumption, and few studies have paid attention to herder households, leading to a research gap in the field of low-carbon shifting related to nomadic economies. In this study, we interviewed more than one-thousand herder households in the Sanjiangyuan region of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau in China. The household carbon emissions and their influencing factors were investigated across the herder households of 15 counties. Our findings revealed the following: (1) There exist differences in the amounts of household carbon emissions and their compositions in the Sanjiangyuan region. From the perspective of spatial distribution, the emission hotspots are mainly concentrated in the eastern part of the Sanjiangyuan region. (2) At the prefecture level, average personal emissions were larger in the Hainan Prefecture (3.26 t ce/year), while they were approximately 1.36 times that of the Huangnan Prefecture (2.4 t ce/year), though with smaller personal emissions. The indirect carbon emissions of the four prefectures all occupied larger percentages of household carbon emissions that were mainly contributed by food consumption and housing. (3) Family type was the main diver influencing personal carbon emissions in the Huangnan Prefecture, Guoluo Prefecture, and Yushu Prefecture. The more people living in the household, the lower the per capita carbon emissions. However, the effect size of potential carbon reductions was weakened when the number of family members rose to over three. (4) We propose that grazing prohibitions and low-carbon dietary shifts would contribute to low-carbon herder livelihoods, especially for small-sized households that should be peer-to-peer targeted by regional government propaganda, which may help to strengthen the implementation of in-depth low-carbon promotions across the Sanjiangyuan region and even the overall Qinghai–Tibet Plateau.

Effect of Mixed Lactiplantibacillus plantarum- and Bacillus subtilis-Fermented Feed on Growth, Immunity, and Intestinal Health of Weaner Pigs

Bamei pigs, an eximious local breed reared on the Tibetan Plateau of China, are facing problems such as feed shortages, weaning stress, and antibiotic abuse. This study aimed to improve the quality of feed, growth performance, intestinal microbiota, and immunity of Bamei pigs through feeding with potentially probiotic-fermented feed. Different feeds were administered to weaned Bamei piglets for 60 days, creating the following five experimental treatment groups: basal feed group; Lactiplantibacillus plantarum-fermented-feed group; Bacillus subtilis-fermented-feed group; mixed-fermented-feed group; and antibiotic-supplemented-feed group. The results showed that the pH, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber of the potentially probiotic-fermented feeds were significantly reduced; organic acids were produced; and Coliform bacteria, Clostridium, and aerobic bacteria were effectively inhibited. Feeding with potentially probiotic-fermented feed not only reduced the feed-conversion ratio but also improved immunity by increasing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, as well as decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and typical inflammatory pathways. The 16s rDNA high-throughput-sequencing results showed that probiotic-fermented feed improved the diversity of intestinal microbiota, inhibited the growth of the opportunistic pathogens Clostridium and Streptococcus, increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Prevotella, and promoted gut health, demonstrating the promising application prospects of potentially probiotic-fermented feed.

Simulations of Io Plasma Torus Around Jupiter: Predictions for Lenghu Observatory

AbstractCharacterizing the temporal evolution of the three‐dimensional structure of the Io plasma torus is essential to understand the dynamics of the Jovian magnetosphere. Optical imaging is a powerful tool to uncover the global torus structure. Currently, two ground‐based optical telescopes with diameters of 0.8 and 1.8 m, respectively, are under construction at the Lenghu Observatory for Planetary Science on the Tibetan Plateau of China, to systematically observe the Io plasma torus at wavelengths between 392 and 1,100 nm. These telescopes will begin to operate in the end of 2023. In order to support the inversion and scientific interpretation of the Io plasma torus images, we perform systematic simulations of the Io plasma torus in this work. First, a three‐dimensional model of electron and ion densities and electron temperature is constructed first. Then, the emissions of O+ 372.7 nm, O+ 372.9 nm, S+ 406.9 nm, S+ 671.8 nm, S+ 673.1 nm, and S++ 953.2 nm are simulated from the perspective of observing from the Earth. The simulated emission intensities and distributions are consistent with previous observations. This work provides a state‐of‐the‐art convenient tool for ground‐based telescope observation of the Io plasma torus at a specific site and time and also benefits future inversion of images to obtain physical parameters of Io plasma torus.

2OC: A General Automated Orientation and Orthorectification Method for Corona KH-4B Panoramic Imagery

Due to a lack of geographical reference information, complex panoramic camera models, and intricate distortions, including radiation, geometric, and land cover changes, it can be challenging to effectively apply the large number (800,000+) of high-resolution Corona KH-4B panoramic images from the 1960s and 1970s for surveying-related tasks. This limitation hampers their significant potential in the remote sensing of the environment, urban planning, and other applications. This study proposes a method called 2OC for the automatic and accurate orientation and orthorectification of Corona KH-4B images, which is based on generalized control information from reference images such as Google Earth orthophoto. (1) For the Corona KH-4B panoramic camera, we propose an adaptive focal length variation model that ensures accuracy and consistency. (2) We introduce a robust multi-source remote sensing image matching algorithm, which includes an accurate primary orientation estimation method, a multi-threshold matching enhancement strategy based on scale, orientation, and texture (MTE), and a model-guided matching strategy. These techniques are employed to extract high-accuracy generalized control information for Corona images with significant geometric distortions and numerous weak texture areas. (3) A time-iterative Corona panoramic digital differential correction method is proposed. The orientation and orthorectification results of KH-4B images from multiple regions, including the United States, Russia, Austria, Burkina Faso, Beijing, Chongqing, Gansu, and the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau in China, demonstrate that 2OC not only achieves automation but also attains a state-of-the-art level of generality and accuracy. Specifically, the standard deviation of the orientation is less than 2 pixels, the mosaic error of orthorectified images is approximately 1 pixel, and the standard deviation of ground checkpoints is better than 4 m. In addition, 2OC can provide a longer time series analysis of data from 1962 to 1972, benefiting various fields such as environmental remote sensing and archaeology.

Supergene Hydrous Sulfates in the Tuolugou Co-Au Deposit, Northern Qinghai–Tibet Plateau: Implications for Genetic Mechanism and Exploration

Supergene hydrous sulfate minerals form through the oxygenation and weathering of primary sulfides. In the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau region, with an alpine and dry environment, hydrous sulfate minerals oxidized from pyrite-bearing ore bodies provide important clues regarding the mineralization and environment. The Tuolugou sedimentary-exhalative (SEDEX) Co-Au deposit is located in the East Kunlun metallogenic belt of the northern Qinghai–Tibet Plateau in China. In the mining district, pyrite is the prevalent Co-hosting sulfide mineral, and is partially exposed on the surface to weathering and oxidation. Herein, we document the mineral assemblages in the supergene oxidation zone in the Tuolugou deposit, probe the genesis of supergene assemblage, and explore the implications for exploration. Three zones can be recognized in the oxidation zone of the Tuolugou deposit, including the outer zone (natrojarosite), intermediate zone (rozenite and aplowite), and inner zone (roemerite and melanterite). The mechanism of oxidation under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, as well as zoning with different oxidation degrees, are described in detail. Hydrous sulfates such as natrojarosite can be used as possible indicators of the exploration of albitite-related SEDEX deposit in this region.

Effectiveness of protected areas in the Three-river Source Region of the Tibetan Plateau for biodiversity and ecosystem services

Protected areas are widely recognized as crucial for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem service maintenance. In recent decades, countries worldwide have made great progress in expanding the scope of protected areas. However, the evaluation of conservation effectiveness is insufficient due to limited resource inputs. In this study, we assessed the nature reserves’ effectiveness in conserving biodiversity and ecosystem services for the Three-river Source of the Tibetan Plateau in China over the past 20 years at multiple scales. Our findings revealed substantial improvements in biodiversity value, habitat quality, water retention carbon storage, and a slight decline in soil retention. Furthermore, implementing conservation measures within the nature reserves has resulted in better ecological conditions than areas outside. In terms of the different protection zones within the nature reserves, the core areas showed the highest improvement in ecological conditions, followed by the buffer areas and experimental areas. These results indicate a positive influence of ecological projects on conservation objectives. Additionally, the study indicated the effectiveness of more stringent conservation management. Limiting human activities and taking measures to protect soil retention in the Three-river nature reserves is urgent.

Spatial pattern of land use along the terrain gradient of Qinghai Tibet Plateau: a case study of Qiangtang Plateau, China

Understanding the land use and land cover (LULC) pattern of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau in China is crucial to support the structural and functional integrity of the ecological barrier of the plateau. This information has significant implications not only for the ecological environment and regional development of the plateau but also for the broader environmental impact at regional and global levels. It is critical to comprehend the spatial pattern and ascertain the underlying causes of land use and land cover in significant areas of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau. This can enable the formulation and implementation of context-specific policies and measures that can contribute to enhancing the ecological security barrier function of the plateau. This study focused on the core area of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau - the Qiangtang Plateau. Based on surface cover data from 2020 and ASTER GDEMV3 data, distribution indices and geographic detectors were used to explore the quantitative impact of land use/cover spatial patterns and terrain factors on land use/cover spatial distribution. The results showed the following: 1) The land use/cover space of the Qiangtang Plateau was dominated by grassland and bare land. Specifically, grassland had the greatest area, accounting for approximately 63.94% of the plateau area and covering an area of 449,983 km2. Grassland was widely distributed in most areas of the plateau. Bare land was the second-largest land cover type, with an area of 186,302 km2, accounting for 26.47% of the plateau area. Bare land was primarily located in the western and northern parts of the plateau. 2) The spatial differentiation of land use/cover in the Qiangtang Plateau was significant. Grasslands were primarily distributed in low mountainous areas characterized by high relief, gentle slopes, and low roughness. In contrast, bare land was mainly distributed in low mountainous areas with high relief, steep slopes, and low roughness. 3) The main drivers of the spatial distribution of land use/cover on the Qiangtang Plateau were elevation, roughness, and relief. Moreover, the interactions between these three terrain factors and other environmental variables significantly influenced the land use/cover pattern in the study area.