Exploring the Relationship between Hydroclimate and Lake Area in Source Area of the Yellow River: Implications for the Paleoclimate Studies

The large tectonic lake is one of the most important water bodies in source area Yellow River (SAYR), northeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP). It plays a key role decelerating climatic change and regulating regional climate patterns. In this study, we used Landsat images (MSS, TM, ETM+ OLI) Lake Gyaring Ngoring (the Two Sisters Lakes), which are two largest lakes SAYR, to determine annual fluctuations from 1986 2020. results show that increases were generally consistent with warming trend SAYR. temperature signals separated changes by using detrending analysis found processed data closely correlated variations precipitation streamflow previously reported paleoclimate records, include δ18O record stalagmite, A/C (Artemisia/Chenopodiaceae) ratio sediment scPDSI (self-calibrating Palmer Drought Severity Index) tree ring on margin QTP. phase relatively areas typically coincides negative excursion δ18O, high ratio, elevated values, while opposite true for smaller areas. suggested total Lakes associated hydroclimatic conditions Furthermore, an association TSI anomalies expansion also observed, implying solar activity driving factor hydrologic variability SAYR decadal timescales. findings our study highlight validity previous archives QTP demonstrate potential remote sensing techniques investigate paleoclimate.