Influences of anthropogenic factors on lakes area in the Golmud Basin, China, from 1980 to 2015

Lakes play a vital role in keeping the balance of regional ecosystems and biodiversity. In regions such as the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau with the fragile natural environment, lakes appear to be highly sensitive to climate changing. In the Golmud Basin, which is situated on the north edge of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, the interactions among lakes area variations, climate change and anthropogenic interference have not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we analyzed lakes area variations in the Golmud Basin using Landsat-TM/ETM image data from 1980 to 2015. Within the study period, the lakes in the area have undergone two cycles with four stages: expansion in 1980–1990, shrinkage in 1990–2005, expansion in 2005–2010, and shrinkage in 2010–2015 again. In 2009, the Qarhan Salt Lake was basically enlarged and connected to the neighboring small lakes, while Dabuxun Lake had its maximum area in 2010. From 2011 to 2015, East Taijinaier Lake was shrinking and nearly dried up due to excessive water, mineral exploitation, and human blocking the connection among rivers and lakes. Climatic data were analyzed via the Mann–Kendall trend test, and both annual temperature and precipitation in the Golmud City increased considerably. The Landsat-TM/ETM images showed that the mountain glaciers around the basin retreated from 1980 to 2015, resulting in the expansion of the lake area. The land use transfer matrix was used to obtain the changes in land use types; increasing water consumption and population growth are the main factors associated with decreased lakes area and vegetation cover. As an essential part of the ecological environment, lakes have a direct impact on the change of the ecological environment. This study provides a scientific basis for the evaluation of the ecological environment quality of the Golmud Basin.