Welcome to Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin,

Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin ›› 2016, Vol. 32 ›› Issue (23): 93-99.doi: 10.11924/j.issn.1000-6850.casb16010073

Special Issue: 农业地理

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Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Soil Moisture in Tibet

  

  • Received:2016-01-15 Revised:2016-07-15 Accepted:2016-02-24 Online:2016-08-10 Published:2016-08-10

Abstract: The paper aims to investigate the seasonal variation and regional characteristics of soil moisture in Tibet, and their relationship with meteorological factors. The temporal and spatial distribution characteristics and their relationship with air temperature and precipitation were analyzed on the basis of soil moisture data and mean air temperature and precipitation data of 38 meteorological stations in Tibet during 1980-2009. Results showed that: the annual and seasonal soil moisture increased from the northwest part to the southeast part of Tibet, and the minimum and maximum values were located in Ngari and the southern Motuo of Nyingchi Region, respectively. The maximum value of soil moisture appeared in autumn, followed by that in summer, the minimum value appeared in spring. The annual and seasonal soil moisture decreased from 1980s to 1990s, then increased. Both the annual and seasonal soil moisture had an increasing mutation point in late 1990s. The soil moisture in spring had a positive correlation with precipitation in most parts of Tibet in spring and summer, and the soil moisture in summer had a positive correlation with the precipitation along the Yarlung Zangbo River and the eastern Tibet.