Global evapotranspiration from high-elevation mountains has decreased significantly at a rate of 3.923 %/a over the last 22 years.

Clarifying the responses of human activities and climate change to the water cycle under variable environments is crucial for accurately assessing regional water balance. An analysis of the changes in actual evapotranspiration and its driving factors was conducted in the global high-elevation mountains during the period from 2001 to 2022. Utilizing 18 formulas for calculating evapotranspiration, which are based on comprehensive, temperature, radiation, and mass transfer, and then simulated the variations in reference evapotranspiration. Furthermore, we optimized the ET simulation model based on the most effective simulation results and projected future changes using scenario simulation data. Our findings reveal that: 1) ET at high-elevation mountains has significantly decreased at an average rate of 3.923 %/a, with monthly values ranging from 31.179 to 33.652 mm and an average of 32.646 mm; 2) The radiation-based model of Irmark-Allen is particularly well-suited for simulating ET at high-elevation mountains, with precision analysis and the Taylor diagram confirming its superior simulation performance. After optimizing the model using the method of least squares, the value of R2 before and after the optimization were 0.633 and 0.853, respectively. 3) An upward trend in ET under both SSP245 and SSP585 scenario in future simulation projections. Attribution analysis has identified Vapor Pressure Deficit as the key positive driver influencing the change of ET in global high-elevation mountains. Structural equation modeling further reveals that variations in net radiation and precipitation play a significant role in altering evapotranspiration rates. Meanwhile，The water balance analysis reveals that ET has been declining from 2001 to 2022. This phenomenon can be largely attributed to the substantial decline in vapor pressure deficit, the rise in the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index signifying increased vegetation cover, and the reduction in shallow soil moisture during the same period. These factors collectively explain the notable decrease in ET observed in high-elevation mountains.

Atmospheric precipitation chemistry and environmental significance in major anthropogenic regions globally.

In order to investigate the spatiotemporal distribution and influencing factors of global precipitation chemistry, we conducted a comprehensive analysis using multiple data sources, revealing the impact of human activities on the natural environment. The results indicate a decreasing trend in global precipitation acidity over the past 20 years. The distribution of global precipitation is influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors. Alkaline cation concentrations are higher in desert and arid regions, while high concentrations of SO42- and NO3- are primarily found in industrial areas, and agricultural areas exhibit higher NH4+ concentrations. Coastal regions have higher Na+ and Cl- concentrations compared to inland areas. However, the increased Na + and Cl- concentrations due to inland salinization should not be overlooked. Additionally, influenced by atmospheric circulation, transboundary pollution from South Asia leads to higher SO42- and NO3- concentrations in precipitation over the Tibetan Plateau. Meteorological factors have a weaker influence on precipitation chemistry compared to geographical and human activity factors, although ion concentrations in snowfall are higher than in rainfall.

Particularity of hydrological processes under heavy ablation based on environmental isotopes in transition zones between endorheic and exorheic basins.

Drastic changes in the cryosphere have a significant impact on the quantity and formation process of water resources in the Qilian Mountains. The present study focused on quantitative evaluation of runoff components and runoff formation processes during strong ablation periods (August), in 2018, 2020, and 2021, in the transition zone between endorheic and exorheic basins in China, based on 1906 stable isotope samples. The results revealed that as the altitude decreased, the contribution of glacier and snow meltwater and permafrost water to runoff decreased, whereas that of the precipitation increased. Precipitation is a major source of river runoff in the Qilian Mountains. Notably, the runoff yield and concentration of rivers that were greatly affected by the cryosphere exhibited the following characteristics: (1) The altitude effect of stable isotopes was not significant and even showed a reverse trend in some rivers. (2) The processes of runoff yield and composition were relatively slow; as such, precipitation, glacier and snow meltwater, and supra-permafrost water were first transformed into groundwater and then supplied runoff to upstream mountainous region. (3) Finally, stable isotope composition in such rivers were similar to those in glaciers and snow meltwater, with small fluctuations. Therefore, the water sources of rivers affected by the cryosphere are more uncertain than those of rivers unaffected by the cryosphere. In future study, a prediction model of extreme precipitation and hydrological events will be developed, and a prediction technology for runoff formation and evolution in glacier snow and permafrost will be developed to integrate short-and long-term forecasts.