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An introduction to the physical geography of the Qiangtang Plateau : a frontier for future geoscience research on the Tibetan Plateau : Geomorphic and environmental change on the Tibetan Plateau and surrounding mountains

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)

DONG, G.
Key Lab. of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Inst. of Tibetan Plateau Research, CAS, Beijing, Chine
YI, C.
Key Lab. of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Inst. of Tibetan Plateau Research, CAS, Beijing, Chine
CHEN, L.
Key Lab. of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Inst. of Tibetan Plateau Research, CAS, Beijing, Chine


Description :
The Qiangtang Plateau has great potential for physical geography research. It is very cold and dry, with strong prevailing westerly winds. It has an extensive inland water system with the greatest number of plateau glaciers in the world, and the largest lake area in Tibet. Many rivers on the plateau are sourced by glaciers and drain to inland lakes. River valleys are shallow owing to weak fluvial downcutting and the glacial landforms are small in comparison with those in the surrounding mountains. Lake terraces and sand ridges are widely present, owing to water-level oscillations in the past. Unique species of plants and animals live in this arid land, despite the thin soil and sparse vegetation. To date, none of these features have been well studied, providing a unique opportunity for scientific exploration.


Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Physical geography, issn : 0272-3646, 2010, vol. 31, n°. 6, p. 475-492, nombre de pages : 18, Références bibliographiques : 4 p.

Date :
2010

Editeur :
Pays édition : Royaume-Uni, Abingdon, Taylor and Francis

Langue :
Anglais
Droits :
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