Spatiotemporal Patterns and Regional Differences in Soil Thermal Conductivity on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

The Qinghai–Tibet Plateau is an area known to be sensitive global climate change, and the problems caused by permafrost degradation in context of warming potentially have far-reaching effects on regional hydrogeological processes, ecosystem functions, engineering safety. Soil thermal conductivity (STC) a key input parameter for temperature surface energy simulations active layer. Therefore, understanding spatial distribution patterns variation characteristics STC important accurate simulation future predictions Plateau. However, no systematic research has been conducted this topic. In study, based dataset 2972 measurements, we simulated spatiotemporal shallow layer (5 cm) using machine learning model. monthly analysis results showed that was high from May August low January April September December. addition, mean region higher during thawing period than freezing period, while eastern southeastern regions generally western northwestern regions. From 2005 2018, difference between periods gradually decreased, with slight hinterland large region. areas specific landforms such as basins mountainous areas, changes were different or even opposite. alpine meadow found most within zone, bare land, desert, swamp decreased overall 2018. study provide baseline data subsequent