Comment on hess-2021-538

Water resources are scarce, and secondary soil salinization is severe in the Hetao Irrigation District. Farmland shelterbelt systems (FSS) play a critical role in regulating soil water and salt dynamics within the irrigation district. However, the understanding of soil water and salt migration within FSS during the freeze–thaw period remains unclear due to the complex and multifaceted interactions between water and salt. This study focused on a typical FSS and conducted comprehensive monitoring of soil moisture, salinity, temperature, and meteorological parameters during the freeze–thaw period. The results revealed consistent trends in air temperature and soil temperature overall. Soil freezing durations exceeded thawing durations, and both decreased with an increasing soil depth. At the three critical freeze–thaw nodes, the soil moisture content at a 0–20 cm depth was significantly lower than at a 40–100 cm depth (p < 0.05). The soil water content increased with time and depth at varying distances from the shelterbelt, with an average increase of 7.63% after freezing and thawing. The surface water content at the forest edge (0.3H, 4H) was lower than inside the farmland (1H, 2H, 3H). Soil salt accumulation occurred during both freezing stable periods and melting–thawing periods in the 0–100 cm soil layer near the forest edge (0.3H, 4H), with the highest soil salinity reaching 0.62 g·kg−1. After the freeze–thaw period, the soil salt content in each layer increased by 11.41–47.26% compared to before the freeze–thaw period. Salt accumulation in farmland soil near the shelterbelt was stronger than in the far shelterbelt. The multivariate statistical model demonstrated goodness of fit for soil water and salt as 0.94 and 0.72, respectively, while the BP neural network model showed goodness of fit for soil water and salt as 0.82 and 0.85, respectively. Our results provide an efficient theoretical basis for FSS construction and agricultural water management practices.

Tracing potential water sources of the Nagqu River using stable isotopes

Construction and verification of distributed hydrothermal coupling model in the source area of the Yangtze River

In this study, we collected radiation and active layer temperature data observed in the northern Qinghai–Xizang Plateau during the period 2006–2008 in order to analyze the impact of surface energy balance on the thawing process of the active layer. Results show that surface energy exhibits an obvious seasonal variation. The largest values of energy variables including global radiation, net radiation, soil heat flux and surface heat source intensity occur during June and July, while the smallest values occur in November and December. The active layer is generally dominated by an endothermic process. During the freeze–thaw period, the variation process of the active layer temperature is similar to that of surface energy. The seasonal thawing depth is closely related to the process of surface energy exchange. During the thawing period, seasonal thawing depth gradually increases as more solar energy enters the surface. When the surface energy accumulation is 0.0 MJ m−2 d−1, the seasonal thawing depth is the smallest. The seasonal thawing depth gradually increases with further accumulation of surface energy. Thus, the variation processes between the surface energy and seasonal thawing depth can be expressed by a power relation. The values of seasonal thawing depth calculated with the empirical relationship provided in this study agree well with the observed values. The relative error between calculated and observed values is less than 12 %. These results show that this empirical relationship can be successfully used to describe the behavior of active layers.

Response mechanism of groundwater dynamics to Freeze–thaw process in seasonally frozen soil areas: A comprehensive analysis from site to regional scale

This paper outlines dynamics of near-surface hydrothermal processes and analyzes the characteristics of moisture distribution during the freeze–thaw period in a typical black soil zone around Harbin, Northeastern China, a region with a moderate depth of seasonally frozen ground and one of the most important granaries in China. At Field Site 1, we analyzed the soil temperature and soil moisture content data from November 2011 to April 2012 from soil depths of 1, 5, 10, and 15 cm in sunny slope, and from depths of 1, 5, and 10 cm in shady slope black soil farmland. At Field Site 2, soil samples were collected from a 168 m long sloping black soil field at locations 10, 50, 100, and 150 m from the bottom of the slope at different depths of 0–1 cm, 1–5 cm, and 5–10 cm at the same location. Analysis of the monitored Site 1 soil temperature and soil moisture content data showed that the soil moisture content and soil temperature fit line is consistent with a Gaussian distribution rather than a linear distribution during the freeze–thaw period. The soil moisture content and time with temperature fit line is in accordance with a Gaussian distribution during the freeze–thaw period. Site 2 soil samples were analyzed, and the soil moisture contents of the sloping black soil farmland were obtained during six different freeze–thaw periods. It was verified that the soil moisture content and time with temperature fit line is in accordance with a Gaussian distribution during the six different freeze–thaw periods. The maximum surface soil moisture content was reached during the early freeze–thaw period, which is consistent with the natural phenomenon of early spring peak soil moisture content under temperature rise and snow melt. The soil moisture contents gradually increased from the top to the bottom in sloping black soil farmland during the freeze–thaw period. Since the soil moisture content is related to soil temperature during the freeze–thaw cycle, we validated the correlation between soil temperature spatiotemporal China Meteorological Assimilation Driving Datasets for the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model–Soil Temperature (CMADS-ST) data and monitored data. The practicality of CMADS-ST in black soil slope farmland in the seasonal frozen ground zone of the study area is very good. This research has important significance for decision-making for protecting water and soil environments in black soil slope farmland.

Unstable hydrological cycles and water resource instability over and around the Tibetan Plateau (TP) are topics of wide concern. The Indian summer monsoon (ISM) is one of the TP’s most important moisture sources; as such, its behavior is key to any changes in precipitation and water-related environments. However, there have been relatively few thorough investigations into ISM activities. Here we primarily explore ISM activities using outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) datasets in TP, and precipitation isotopes recorded at Lhasa, for the period 1975–2020. Our major findings are that 1) the ISM onset (retreat date) is between ∼31 May and 19 July (∼8 August–27 September), with ISM duration of ∼40–110 days; 2) significant spatial inhomogeneous patterns are evident in ISM activities, i.e., the western part of our study area experiences earlier ISM onset, delayed retreat, longer duration, and greater intensity and strength, and the inverse is true in the eastern sector of the study area; 3) the ISM activities that dominate the 1975–98 period determine their general patterns over the entire 1975–2020 period, taking into account evident discrepancies in subperiods; and 4) the negative relations between precipitation δ18O and ISM intensity/strength at Lhasa confirm the ISM activities defined using OLR. These results will improve our understanding of hydrological cycles in TP and provide insights into hydrological studies in the “Asian Water Tower” region. Significance Statement Over the recent decades, the Tibetan Plateau (TP) (Asian Water Tower) has undergone dramatic environmental changes, evinced by the instabilities of hydrological cycles. As one of TP’s most important moisture sources, the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) is key to changes in precipitation and water-related environments. To get thorough investigations into ISM activities, we primarily explore ISM activities using outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) datasets in TP and precipitation isotopes at Lhasa. Significant spatial inhomogeneous patterns are evident in ISM activities: the western part experiences earlier ISM onset, delayed retreat, longer duration, and stronger intensity and strength, and the inverse occurs in the eastern sector. These results will improve our understanding of hydrology, meteorology, ecology, and paleoclimate reconstructions in the Asian Water Tower region.

The mechanism of bilateral interaction between natural water cycle evolution and socio-economic development has been obscured in current research due to the complexity of the hydrological process and the socio-economic system. The coupling of economic model CGE (Computable General Equilibrium) and distributed hydrological model WEP (Water and Energy transfer Processes) provides a model-based tool for research on response and feedback of water cycle and social development, as well as economic prospects under the constraint of water resources. On one hand, water policies, such as water use limitation and water price adjustment under different levels of socio-economic development, are to be evaluated by CGE model as assumed conditions and corresponding results of water demand could be put into WEP model to simulate corresponding response during the whole process of water cycle. On the other hand, variation of available water resources quantity under different scenarios simulated by WEP model may provide proper limitation for water demand in CGE model, and corresponding change of economic factors could indicate the influence of water resources constraints on socio-economic development. The research is believed to be helpful for better understanding of bilateral interaction between water and society.

A multilayer medium consists of compacted soil, gravel and concrete layers. The damage law of multilayer mediums subjected to blast loading is investigated numerically at various charge weights ranging from 1 to 10kg and burying depths ranging from 0 to 150cm. The numerical results indicate that, in order to increase the energy utilization rate of explosives, charges less than 5kg should be placed in the gravel layer to explode, while those more than 5kg placed in the compacted soil layer. By use of dimensional analysis, the formula for damage effect of multilayer mediums subjected to blast loading is consequently derived. Based on regression analysis of the numerical results, the empirical expressions are established for the effects of charge weights and burying depth on the crater radiuses in the concrete layer, the gravel layer and the compacted soil layer. The expressions can be employed to assess the damage effect of charges blasting in multilayer mediums.

The Qinghai–Tibet plateau (QTP), as the “roof of the world” and the “Asian Water Tower”, provides important ecological resources for China and other Asian countries. The changing trend of ecological assets and their dominant influencing factors in different sub-regions and periods are not yet clear. In order to reveal the differences in driving mechanisms among sub-regions under the context of global changes, this study quantitatively analyzed the ecological assets and their spatial and temporal evolution patterns during 2000–2015 by using the value equivalent method. Then, the Geodetector was introduced to reveal and clarify the dominant factors of ecological asset changes in different ecological sub-regions. The results show the following. (1) From 2000 to 2010, the total value of ecological assets in Nakchu County was the highest, followed by Kangding County, while that in 2015 was the highest in Kangding County, followed by Nakchu County. (2) During 2000–2015, the average value of ecological assets of the Qinghai–Tibet plateau gradually decreased from east to west, while the average ecological asset value in the southern Qinghai–Tibet plateau was lower. (3) The QTP showed the highest value in 2005 with an increasing trend from 2000 to 2005, followed by a subsequent decrease from 2005 to 2015. (4) Between 2000 and 2015, the area of the stable zone (slight or no change) of ecological assets was the largest, followed by that of the decreasing zone. (5) During all the study period, the spatio-temporal evolution of ecological assets in different ecological sub-regions was mainly affected by natural factors, which were the main driving variables rather than human activities. These results could provide important support for decisions regarding the protection of ecosystems and resources in the Qinghai–Tibet plateau.

Soil is heterogeneous and has different thermal and hydraulic properties, causing varied behavior in heat and moisture transport. Therefore, soil has an important effect on land–atmosphere interactions. In this study, an improved soil parameterization scheme that considers gravel and organic matter in the soil was introduced into CLM4.5 (Community Land Model). By using data from the Zoige and Madoi sites on the Tibetan Plateau, the ability of the model to simultaneously simulate the duration of freeze–thaw periods, soil temperature, soil moisture, and surface energy during freeze–thaw processes, was validated. The results indicated that: (1) the new parameterization performed better in simulating the duration of the frozen, thawing, unfrozen, and freezing periods; (2) with the new scheme, the soil thermal conductivity values were decreased; (3) the new parameterization improved soil temperature simulation and effectively decreased cold biases; (4) the new parameterization scheme effectively decreased the dry biases of soil liquid water content during the freezing, completely frozen, and thawing periods, but increased the wet biases during the completely thawed period; and (5) the net radiation, latent heat flux, and soil surface heat flux of the Zoige and Madoi sites were much improved by the new organic matter and thermal conductivity parameterization.

Asymmetric environmental responses on evapotranspiration in Tibetan Plateau grassland.

The total column water vapor (TCWV) over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) is one important indicator of the Asian water tower, and the changes in the TCWV are vital to the climate and ecosystem in downstream regions. However, the observational data is insufficient to understand the changes in the TCWV due to the high elevation of the TP. Satellite and reanalysis data can be used as substitutes, but their quality needs to be evaluated. In this study, based on a homogenized radiosonde data set, a comprehensive evaluation of the TCWV over the TP derived from two satellite data sets (AIRS-only and AIRS/AMSU) and seven existing reanalysis data sets (MERRA, MERRA2, NCEP1, NCEP2, CFSR, ERA-I, JRA55) is performed in the context of the climatology, annual cycle and interannual variability. Both satellite data sets reasonably reproduce the characteristics of the TCWV over the TP. All reanalysis data sets perform well in reproducing the annual mean climatology of the TCWV over the TP (R = 0.99), except for NCEP1 (R = 0.96) and NCEP2 (R = 0.92). ERA-I is more reliable in capturing the spatial pattern of the annual cycle (R = 0.94), while NCEP1 shows the lowest skill (R = 0.72). JRA55 performs best in capturing the features of the interannual coherent variation (EOF1, R = 0.97). The skill-weighted ensemble mean of the reanalysis data performs better than the unweighted ensemble mean and most of the single reanalysis data sets. The evaluation provides essential information on both the strengths and weaknesses of the major satellite and reanalysis data sets in measuring the total column water vapor over the TP.

The Tibetan Plateau is an important water source in Asia. As the “Third Pole” of the Earth, the Tibetan Plateau has significant dynamic and thermal effects on East Asian climate patterns, the Asian monsoon process and atmospheric circulation in the Northern Hemisphere. However, little systematic knowledge is available regarding the changing climate system of the Tibetan Plateau and the mechanisms underlying its impact on East Asia. This study was based on “water-cryosphere-atmosphere-biology” multi-sphere interactions, primarily considering global climate change in relation to the Tibetan Plateau -East Asia climate system and its mechanisms. This study also analyzed the Tibetan Plateau to clarify global climate change by considering multi-sphere energy and water processes. Additionally, the impacts of climate change in East Asia and the associated impact mechanisms were revealed, and changes in water cycle processes and water conversion mechanisms were studied. The changes in surface thermal anomalies, vegetation, local circulation and the atmospheric heat source on the Tibetan Plateau were studied, specifically, their effects on the East Asian monsoon and energy balance mechanisms. Additionally, the relationships between heating mechanisms and monsoon changes were explored.

The Tibetan Plateau (TP) is often called the “Water Tower of Asia,” which contains the largest amount of snow and glaciers outside the polar regions. As an important and variable feature of the land surface, snow coverage on the TP has great impacts on regional climate. However, the commonly used ERA5 reanalysis in dynamical downscaling largely overestimates the snow depth for the TP. To improve the representation of snow cover in ERA5, a new ERA5‐driven downscaling data set (High Asia Refined analysis version 2, HAR v2) was generated by the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model with the bias‐corrected snow depth. This study aims to identify and better understand the impact of bias‐corrected initial snow conditions on simulated regional climate, by comparing the HAR v2 with a 5‐year ERA5 forced WRF simulation without bias correction of initial snow depth (referred to as WRF_ERA5). The results show that the bias correction significantly improves the simulation of 2 m air temperature (T2), with regional mean cold bias reduced by 0.2°C–2.4°C, but no significant improvement in precipitation simulation is found. Further comparative analysis reveals that higher snow depth in WRF_ERA5 leads to T2, mean daily precipitation, summer extreme precipitation, and contributions of convective precipitation to summer mean daily precipitation decrease by 0°C–4°C, 0%–60%, 0%–40%, and 0%–10%, respectively, in most areas of the TP. In addition, the bias‐corrected initial snow depth also has impacts on simulated diurnal cycles of precipitation and T2 and leads to peak hours one hour earlier. Overall, this study confirms the importance of snow cover for the climate in the TP.