Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2246
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2246
19 Aug 2024
 | 19 Aug 2024
Status: this preprint is open for discussion.

Variations in vegetation evapotranspiration affect water yield in high-altitude areas

Yinying Jiao, Guofeng Zhu, Dongdong Qiu, Siyu Lu, Gaojia Meng, Rui Li, Qinqin Wang, Longhu Chen, and Wentong Li

Abstract. Global mountains and plateaus are the main water-producing areas on land. However, under the influence of climate change, the distribution of vegetation and the way water is utilized in these areas have undergone significant changes. As such, understanding the effects of evapotranspiration from high-altitude vegetation on precipitation and runoff is vital in addressing the uncertainties and challenges posed by climate change. Between 2018 and 2022, we conducted research in the northeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, collecting data on precipitation, soil water, and Picea crassifolia xylem water to quantify the impact of vegetation transpiration and recirculated water vapor on precipitation. Our findings indicate that transpiration from vegetation accounts for the largest share of evapotranspiration within the entire forest ecosystem, averaging 57 %. Therefore, vegetation transpiration is the decisive factor in determining the water yield of inland high-altitude areas. The average contribution of local evapotranspiration to precipitation reaches 28 %, making it the main driver behind the increase in precipitation at high altitudes. The warming of global temperatures and human activities are likely to induce shifts in the distribution areas and evapotranspiration regimes of alpine vegetation, potentially altering water resource patterns in the basin. It is necessary to actively adapt to the changes in water resources in the inland river basin.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this preprint. The responsibility to include appropriate place names lies with the authors.
Yinying Jiao, Guofeng Zhu, Dongdong Qiu, Siyu Lu, Gaojia Meng, Rui Li, Qinqin Wang, Longhu Chen, and Wentong Li

Status: open (until 09 Jan 2025)

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  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-2246', Anonymous Referee #1, 13 Nov 2024 reply
Yinying Jiao, Guofeng Zhu, Dongdong Qiu, Siyu Lu, Gaojia Meng, Rui Li, Qinqin Wang, Longhu Chen, and Wentong Li
Yinying Jiao, Guofeng Zhu, Dongdong Qiu, Siyu Lu, Gaojia Meng, Rui Li, Qinqin Wang, Longhu Chen, and Wentong Li

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Short summary
This study shows that transpiration is the key reason behind the high-altitude forest zone's limited runoff generation. Furthermore, within the altitude range of 2500–3200 meters, an increase in recirculated water vapor was observed alongside an increase in precipitation, suggesting a direct positive correlation between these two factors.