Expanding lake poses threat to wildlife
Print Edition
A SALTWATER lake in northwest China’s Qinghai-Tibet Plateau that has more than tripled in size due to climate change is now a threat to infrastructure and wildlife, scientists have said.
According to the Qinghai Institute of Meteorological Science, the surface area of Hoh Xil Lake in the Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve has since 2011 grown from 45.9 square kilometers to 150.4 sq km.
“The lake’s expansion will erode lakeside grassland and probably damage communication and transport facilities,” said Wang Hailin from the reserve’s management bureau.
The area is home to several endangered species, including Tibetan antelopes and wild yaks.
Though there has been no indication yet of any damage to animal habitats, the risks are mounting, Wang said.
The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is also threatened, as the distance between the lake and the track has shrunk to 9km, he said.
The expansion of the lake is believed to be a result of the thawing of glaciers and increased rainfall due to global warming. Water levels in several lakes in the reserve are all at record high levels.
“Following a dike breach in 2011, water has flown from Zhuonai Lake and fed into Qusay Lake, which resulted in swelling of the salt lake downstream,” said Liu Baokang, an engineer with the Qinghai Institute.
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