Permafrost Hydrology of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: A Review of Processes and Modeling

Permafrost extends 40% of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP), a region which contains headwaters numerous major rivers in Asia. As an aquiclude, permafrost substantially controls surface runoff and its hydraulic connection with groundwater. The freeze–thaw cycle active layer significantly impacts soil water movement direction, velocity, storage capacity, conductivity. Under accelerating warming on QTP, degradation is drastically altering regional even continental hydrological regimes, attracting attention hydrologists, climatologists, ecologists, engineers, decision-makers. A systematic review processes modeling QTP still lacking, however, leaving number knowledge gaps. In this review, we summarize current understanding applications some models varying complexity at different scales QTP. We then discuss challenges future opportunities, including observations data, processes, model realism. goal to provide clear picture where are now describe opportunities. concluded that more efforts needed conduct long-term field measurements, employ advanced observation technologies, develop flexible modular deepen our improve ability predict responses hydrology climate changes.