Positive adaptation of Salix eriostachya to warming in the treeline ecotone,East Tibetan Plateau

Understanding of treeline ecotone ecophysiological adaptation to climate warming is still very limited. Furthermore, it is difficult to predict which plant species could dominate in the future. For this reason, a study was conducted in the treeline ecotone, East Tibetan Plateau to detect the adaptation of the dwarf willow(Salix eriostachya) to experimental warming. Compared to ambient conditions, the experimental warming advanced the bud break by 12 days, delayed the leaf abscission by20 days, and prolonged the growing period by 28 days.It also increased photosynthesis(47%), number of leaves(333%), leaf area(310%), and carbon sequestration of the dwarf willow. Experimental warming did not affect carbon use efficiency, but decreased water use efficiency significantly.Experimental warming enhanced the clonal ramets of Salix eriostachya(+ 3.7 shrubs m-2). The frequent air temperature fluctuations had minor effect on Salix eriostachya. Based on these findings, we highlighted that Salix eriostachya could dominate in the community treeline ecotone of east Tibetan Plateau in the future climate warming scenario.     

Contemporary and historic population structure of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Abies spectabilis</Emphasis> at treeline in Barun valley,eastern Nepal Himalaya

Treeline ecotone dynamics of Abies spectabilis (D. Don) Mirb. in the Barun valley, Makalu Barun National Park, eastern Nepal Himalaya were studied by establishing seven plots (20 m × variable length) from the forestline to the tree species limit: three plots on the south- and north-facing slopes each (S1–S3, N1–N3), and one plot on the east-facing slope (E) in the relatively undisturbed forests. A dendroecological method was used to study treeline advance rate and recruitment pattern. In all the plots, most trees established in the early 20^th century, and establishment in the second half of the 20^th century was confined to the forestline area. Treeline position has not advanced substantially in the Barun valley, with only 22 m average elevational shift in the last 130 years, and with average current shifting rate of 14 cm/yr. Moreover, no significant relationship was found between tree age and elevation on the south-, north-, and east-facing slopes. The number of seedlings and saplings in near the treeline area was negligible compared to that near the forestline area. Therefore, A. spectabilis treeline response to the temperature change was slow, despite the increasing temperature trend in the region. Beside the temperature change, factors such as high inter-annual variability in temperature, dense shrub cover, and local topography also play an important role in treeline advance and controlling recruitment pattern above the treeline.     

Positive adaptation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salix eriostachya</Emphasis> to warming in the treeline ecotone,East Tibetan Plateau

Understanding of treeline ecotone ecophysiological adaptation to climate warming is still very limited. Furthermore, it is difficult to predict which plant species could dominate in the future. For this reason, a study was conducted in the treeline ecotone, East Tibetan Plateau to detcct the adaptation of the dwarf willow (Salix eriostachya) to experimental warming. Compared to ambient conditions, the experimental warming advanced the bud break by 12 days, delayed the leaf abscission by 20 days, and prolonged the growing period by 28 days. It also increased photosynthesis (47%), number of leaves (333%), leaf area (310%), and carbon sequestration of the dwarf willow. Experimental warming did not affect carbon use efficiency, but decreased water use efficiency significantly. Experimental warming enhanced the clonal ramets of Salix eriostachya (+ 3.7 shrubs m^-2). The frequent air temperature fluctuations had minor effect on Salix eriostachya. Based on these findings, we highlighted that Salix eriostachya could dominate in the community treeline ecotone of east Tibetan Plateau in the future climate warming scenario.     

Implications of tree species–environment relationships for the responsiveness of Himalayan krummholz treelines to climate change

Climate warming is expected to advance treelines to higher elevations. However, empirical studies in diverse mountain ranges give evidence of both advancing alpine treelines as well as rather insignificant responses. In this context, we aim at investigating the sensitivity and responsiveness of the near-natural treeline ecotone in Rolwaling Himal, Nepal, to climate warming. We analysed population densities of tree species along the treeline ecotone from closed forest stands via the krummholz belt to alpine dwarf shrub heaths (3700-4200 m) at 50 plots in 2013 and 2014. We quantified species - environment relationships, i.e. the change of environmental conditions (e.g., nutrient and thermal deficits, plant interactions) across the ecotone by means of redundancy analyses, variation partitioning and distance-based Moran's eigenvector maps. In particular, we focus on explaining the high competitiveness of Rhododendron campanulatum forming a dense krummholz belt and on the implications for the responsiveness of Himalayan krummholz treelines to climate change. Results indicate that treeline trees in the ecotone show species-specific responses to the influence of environmental parameters, and that juvenile and adult tree responses are modulated by environmental constraints in differing intensity. Moreover, the species - environment relationships suggest that the investigated krummholz belt will largely prevent the upward migration of other tree species and thus constrain the future response of Himalayan krummholz treelines to climate warming.     

Topography and human disturbances are major controlling factors in treeline pattern at Barun and Manang area in the Nepal Himalaya

The alpine treeline ecotone is an important component of mountain ecosystems of the Nepal Himalaya; it plays a vital role in the livelihood of indigenous people, and provides ecosystem services. However, the region faces a problem of paucity of data on treeline characteristics at the regional and landscape scales. Therefore, we used Remote Sensing (RS), and Geographic Information Science (GIS) approaches to investigate cross-scale interactions in the treeline ecotone. Additionally, European Space Agency land cover map, International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) land cover map, ecological map of Nepal, and United States Geological Survey Shuttle Radar Topography Mission-Digital Elevation Model were used to analyze treeline pattern at the regional scale. Digital Globe high-resolution satellite imagery of Barun (eastern Nepal) and Manang (central Nepal) were used to study treeline patterns at the landscape scale. Treeline elevation ranges from 3300-4300 m above sea level. Abies spectabilis, Betula utilis, and Pinus wallichiana are the main treeline-forming species in the Nepal Himalaya. There is an east to west treeline elevation gradient at the regional scale. No slope exposure is observed at the regional scale; however, at the landscape scale, slope exposure is present only in a disturbed area (Manang). Topography and human disturbance are the main treeline controlling factor in Barun and Manang respectively.     

Effects of Trichoderma harzianum YC_(459) and soil types on seed germination and seedling growth in rock slope restoration

We carried out experiments with various concentrations of Trichoderma harzianum YC459 in different soil types(forest soil, mixed soil,merchantable soil, and leaf mold soil) to evaluate its effect on seed germination and seedling establishment of four species(Festuca arundinacea Schreb., Dianthus barbatus var. asiaticus Nakai,Lespedeza cyrtobotrya Miq., and Parthenocissus tricuspidata Planch) for rock slope restoration. We also investigated the use of drilled slanted holes on the rock slopes for seedling establishment. The results showed that T. harzianum concentration had significant effects on seed germination, seedling growth, and seedling survival for all the species with different soil types. Seed germination and survival rates peaked at 5% T. harzianum concentration with leaf mold soil and decreased as T. harzianum concentration increased from 5% to 10%. Seedling survival rates of all four species were generally lowest at 0% T. harzianum concentration in all soil types.The height of F. arundinacea and L. cyrtobotrya peaked at 5% T. harzianum concentration whereas that of D. barbatus and P. tricuspidata peaked at 10%T. harzianum concentration. We concluded that 5% T. harzianum concentration with leaf mold soil is appropriate for seed germination and seedling survival rates of most species, thus enhancing seedling establishment. Practical application of the findings of this study will contribute in the vegetation restoration of steep rocks in mountain environments.     

基于填充海拔的金沙江南流泄口位置

长江的发育演化尤其是东西贯通的时限问题,是百余年来地学界的焦点问题,金沙江水系的演化重组是长江演化中的关键一环。基于填充海拔的模型模拟以及物源示踪的梳理结果,讨论了金沙江在夷平面上南流汇入红河的可能性。结果显示当海拔填充至2 000~2 200 m时,金沙江水系格局发生重大变化,表现为金沙江在金江街一改东流之势,沿宾川盆地汇入古红河;古雅砻江在攀枝花附近转而向西,沿金沙江河谷经宾川盆地流入古红河,形成古红河的一级支流。推断哀牢山-红河断裂带、程海-宾川断裂带的活动及山体隆升特别是鸡足山的隆升可能阻断了上述南流泄口,切断了金沙江与红河的联系,从而形成今日江水东流的水系格局,这为古金沙江南流路径的研究提供了新的思路和方向。     

Carbon isotope variations of modern soils in the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau and their controlling factors

The marginal areas of the Tibetan Plateau have great vertical altitude gradient and abundant vegetation, they are therefore the ideal places for investigating the relationships among carbon isotope composition(δ~(13)C) of modern soils, vegetation and environmental factors, which would be very useful for the reconstructions of both paleovegetation and paleoclimate. In this paper, modern soil samples collected in different vegetation vertical zones along 4km elevation gradient in the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau were analyzed for their carbon isotope composition. The results show that the modern soils in different vegetation vertical zones show apparent difference of δ~(13)C values, which get heavier in the sequence of mixed evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved forest(-27.28‰ on average), evergreen broad-leaved forest(-27.25‰), subalpine shrub-meadow(-25.81‰), subalpine coniferous forest(-25.81‰), alpine bush-meadow(-25.16‰), and drought-enduring shrub(-24.07‰). 1800 m and 3500 m are two critical points for the δ~(13)C values with respect to altitude. Specifically, the δ~(13)C values decrease with increasing altitude below both points while increasing with increasing altitude above both points. Further analyses indicate that the declining δ~(13)C values are mainly controlled by the decreasing proportion of C4 plants with elevation and the increasing δ~(13)C values are attributed to the plant physic-morphological adaptation to the alpine environment. In the absence of drought stress, temperature is the main controlling factor for the carbon isotopic variations with altitude gradient.     

青藏高原东南缘碰撞造山结构与物质组成:来自岩石地球化学和地球物理的联合约束

青藏高原东南缘位于印度板块与欧亚板块侧向汇聚部位,是检验碰撞造山动力学模型的理想场所。尽可能全面收集该区已有地球物理和新生代岩浆岩数据,探讨这些资料对碰撞造山带结构和物质组成的指示。结果表明:青藏高原东南缘不同部位的壳幔结构和组成存在较大差异。兰坪—思茅地块、保山地块和腾冲地块等的中地壳(15~30 km深度)普遍发育低速层,表明富水层或者部分熔融物质的存在,为青藏高原物质向东南流动提供了可能。部分熔融产物以大型剪切带内具有高Sr、低Nd同位素特征的淡色花岗岩脉为代表。但是,扬子板块同等深度下却发育高速层,其组成很可能是峨眉山玄武岩,它的存在阻隔了碰撞带物质向东流动。扬子板块和兰坪—思茅地块下地壳底部均出现呈条带状展布的高速体。根据新生代具有高Sr、低Y的岩石显示的下地壳源区特征,结合该区地质演化历史,将上述两套呈条带状展布的高速体分别解释为新元古代铁镁质弧岩浆岩和二叠纪—三叠纪铁镁质弧岩浆岩。青藏高原东南缘地幔各向异性存在明显南、北分区特征,在26°N以北表现为SN向,在26°N以南表现为近EW向。这一差异跟俯冲的印度板片撕裂有密切关系。该撕裂在综合地球物理剖面上显示为突变的印度板片俯冲角度,在地表表现为苦橄岩、煌斑岩、埃达克岩以及淡色花岗岩等的集中出露。这一新模型明显区别于前人的岩石圈拆沉和对流减薄等作用。     

Effects of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trichoderma harzianum</Emphasis> YC459 and soil types on seed germination and seedling growth in rock slope restoration

We carried out experiments with various concentrations of Trichoderma harzianum YC459 in different soil types (forest soil, mixed soil, merchantable soil, and leaf mold soil) to evaluate its effect on seed germination and seedling establishment of four species (Festuca arundinacea Schreb., Dianthus barbatus var. asiaticus Nakai, Lespedeza cyrtobotrya Miq., and Parthenocissus tricuspidata Planch) for rock slope restoration. We also investigated the use of drilled slanted holes on the rock slopes for seedling establishment. The results showed that T. harzianum concentration had significant effects on seed germination, seedling growth, and seedling survival for all the species with different soil types. Seed germination and survival rates peaked at 5% T. harzianum concentration with leaf mold soil and decreased as T. harzianum concentration increased from 5% to 10%. Seedling survival rates of all four species were generally lowest at 0% T. harzianum concentration in all soil types. The height of F. arundinacea and L. cyrtobotrya peaked at 5% T. harzianum concentration whereas that of D. barbatus and P. tricuspidata peaked at 10% T. harzianum concentration. We concluded that 5% T. harzianum concentration with leaf mold soil is appropriate for seed germination and seedling survival rates of most species, thus enhancing seedling establishment. Practical application of the findings of this study will contribute in the vegetation restoration of steep rocks in mountain environments     

Soil organic carbon pool along different altitudinal level in the Sygera Mountains,Tibetan Plateau

Labile organic carbon (LOC) is one of the most important indicators of soil organic matter quality and dynamics elevation and plays important function in the Tibetan Plateau climate. However, it is unknown what the sources and causes of LOC contamination are. In this study, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) and LOC were analyzed based on different soil horizons and elevations using turnover time in an experimental site (3700 m to 4300 m area) in Sygera. SOC and LOC in higher-elevation vegetation types were higher than that of in lower-elevation vegetation types. Our results presented that the soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) and soil microbial biomass nitrogen (SMBN) were positively correlated with SOC. The content of easily oxidized carbon (EOC), particulate organic carbon (POC) and light fraction organic carbon (LFOC) decreased with depth increasing and the content were the lowest in the 60 cm to 100 cm depth. The total SOC, ROC and POC contents decreased with increasing soil horizons. The SOC, TN, MBC and MBN contents increased with increasing altitude in the Sygera Mountains. The MBC and MBN contents were different with the changes of SOC (p<0.05), meanwhile, both LFOC and POC were related to total SOC (p<0.05). The physical and chemical properties of soil, including temperature, humidity, and altitude, were involved in the regulation of SOC, TN, MBC, MBN and LFOC contents in the Sygera Mountains, Tibetan Plateau.     

Landslide distribution and sliding mode control along the Anninghe fault zone at the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau

Tibetan Plateau is known as the roof of the world. Due to the continuous uplift of the Tibetan Plateau, many active fault zones are present. These active fault zones such as the Anninghe fault zone have a significant influence on the formation of special geomorphology and the distribution of geological hazards at the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. The Anninghe fault zone is a key part of the Y-shaped fault pattern in the Sichuan-Yunnan block of China. In this paper, high-resolution topographic data, multitemporal remote sensing images, numerical calculations, seismic records, and comprehensive field investigations were employed to study the landslide distribution along the active part of the Anninghe. The influence of active faults on the lithology, rock mass structures and slope stress fields were also studied. The results show that the faults within the Anninghe fault zone have damaged the structure and integrity of the slope rock mass, reduced the mechanical strength of the rock mass and controlled the slope failure modes. The faults have also controlled the stress field, the distribution of the plastic strain zone and the maximum shear strain zone of the slope, thus have promoted the formation and evolution of landslides. We find that the studied landslides are linearly distributed along the Anninghe fault zone, and more than 80% of these landslides are within 2-3 km of the fault rupture zone. Moreover, the Anninghe fault zone provides abundant substance for landslides or debris flows. This paper presents four types of sliding mode control of the Anninghe fault zone, e.g., constituting the whole landslide body, controlling the lateral boundary of the landslide, controlling the crown of the landslide, and constituting the toe of the landslide. The results presented merit close attention as a valuable reference source for local infrastructure planning and engineering projects.     

Variations in leaf functional traits and physiological characteristics of Abies georgei var. smithii along the altitude gradient in the Southeastern Tibetan Plateau?

Variations in leaf functional traits of Abies georgei var. smithii at 3700, 3900, 4100, 4300, and 4390 m altitude were investigated in 15 typical plots in the Southeastern Tibetan Plateau. In each plot, three seedlings were selected, of which functional leaves in current-year sunny branches were chosen for the measurement of morphological, photosynthetic, and physiological and biochemical characteristics, and their variations were analyzed. Results showed that significant variations existed among the leaf functional traits of A. georgei var. smithii along the altitudinal gradient, as well as their physiological adaption indicators. Leaf area decreased, while the mass per area and thickness of leaf increased at an altitude above 4,100 m. The maxima of pigment, total nitrogen concentration, net photosynthesis rate during light-saturated, and when water use efficiency appeared at 4100 m altitude. In addition, A. georgei var. smithii seedlings regulated the activities of superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase to resist abiotic stress under 4100 m altitude. Meanwhile, malondialdehyde concentration and the dark respiration rate rapidly increased, which indicates that A. georgei var. smithii seedlingssuffered from heavy abiotic stress from 4100 m to 4390 m altitude. Basing on variations in leaf functional traits along the altitude gradient, we inferred that 4100 m altitude was the suitable region for A. georgei var. smithii growth in the Sygera Mountain. Moreover, the harsh environment was the main limiting factor for A. georgei var. smithii population expansion to high altitude.     

Temperature and precipitation variations at two meteorological stations on eastern slope of Gongga Mountain, SW China in the past two decades

Gongga Mountain, locates on the eastern edge of Tibetan Plateau of China, is the highest mountain in China except summits in Tibet. Only limited meteorological data on Gongga Mountain have been published so far. Here we present the meteorological records from two stations, Moxi Station (at 1,621.7 m above sea level (a.s.l.), 1992–2010) and Hailuogou Station (at 2,947.8 m a.s.l., 1988–2010), on the eastern slope of Gongga Mountain. In the past two decades, the annual precipitation decreased while the annual mean temperature increased at Hailuogou Station. Both precipitation and temperature increased at Moxi Station. The precipitation variation on the eastern slope of Gongga Mountain is influenced by both East Asian Monsoon and Indian Monsoon, so that the precipitation concentrated between May and October. The temperature variation on the eastern slope of Gongga Mountain in the past two decades showed similar trends as that of the northern hemispheric and global. In the past two decades, the temperature increased 0.35°C and 0.3°C/decade at Hailuogou Station and Moxi Station respectively, which was higher than the increase extents of northern hemispheric and global temperature. The most intense warming occurred at the first decade of 21st century. The winter temperature increased more at Hailuogou Station than at Moxi Station. A remarkable increase of temperature in March was observed with only a little precipitation at both high and low altitude stations.     

藏东南多依弄巴流域冰湖溃决危险性评价

冰湖溃决灾害是指冰湖坝体突然破坏引发溃决洪水或溃决泥石流的现象,对下游人类活动和自然环境造成严重影响。近年来,藏东南地区冰川快速退缩,冰湖数量和规模显著增加,冰湖溃决事件广泛发生。基于1995-2021年多时相Landsat系列遥感影像、Sentinel-2A遥感影像,结合RAMMS水文动力学模型方法,对藏东南地区多依弄巴流域内冰湖、冰川进行动态变化分析,模拟冰崩危险体触发冰湖溃决和冰湖溃决泥石流的演进过程,根据泥石流模拟中的流速和流深对冰湖溃决可能影响的区域进行危险性分区。结果表明:流域内冰川面积由1995年的14.05 km2退缩为2021年的9.43 km2,年均退缩率约为0.15 km2/a。流域内共发育3处冰崩危险体,均可能触发冰湖溃决。潜在危险冰湖在全溃情况下,溃决泥石流会冲出沟口堵塞然乌湖湖口和帕隆藏布主河道,对下游居民和道路造成影响,影响范围约4.05 km2,其中高危险性区域约2.55 km2。危险性评价结果可为多依弄巴流域未来土地利用规划和防灾减灾提供依据,也能为藏东南地区冰湖溃决型泥石流危险评估提供参考。      

黄土高原生态退耕的时空分异特征

生态退耕是调整陆地生态系统结构与功能以应对土地利用过度干扰的重要途径之一,因此科学掌握退耕格局与耕地格局演变对黄土高原生态环境治理与生态修复具有深远意义。本文以位于黄土高原的延安市为典型区,从生态退耕的整体特征、地形因素及区域差异等角度,探究生态退耕以来其耕地变化及退耕状况的空间分异特征。结果表明：生态退耕致使延安市耕地面积由2000年的11 752.80 km²减少为2013年的9149.93 km²,退耕面积为2756.85 km²,退耕指数为22.15%,且退耕耕地主要转化为林地、草地,占退耕面积的95.29%;耕地与退耕面积主要分布于6~15°、15~25°坡度及第II级（925~1115 m）、第III级（1115~1275 m）,且2005-2013年的生态退耕速率均高于2000-2005年的生态退耕速率;县域退耕面积及退耕程度均呈现由北向南依次递减的分异特征,而退耕重心与耕地重心均在延安市几何中心以北的安塞县与宝塔区边界,且生态退耕的重心由东北向西南方向迁移,耕地重心则由北向南迁移。本文通过对延安市生态退耕的时空分异特征分析可为黄土高原更加科学合理地推进生态保育与生态文明建设提供参考。     

基于多源数据的青藏高原雪深重建

青藏高原地形复杂,积雪时空分布异质性较强且大部分地区积雪较薄,而被动微波遥感因其空间分辨率低以及雪深反演中的不确定性,极大地限制了其反演青藏高原雪深的精度。本文尝试将多源遥感数据以及与积雪模型（SnowModel）相结合,来重建更高质量的青藏高原雪深数据。首先,利用MODIS积雪面积比例产品,根据构建的积雪衰减曲线以及经验的融合规则对低分辨率被动微波雪深进行了降尺度;然后,结合MODIS/被动微波融合雪深数据和SnowModel对研究区进行雪深数据同化实验;最后,利用地面站实测雪深数据对MODIS/被动微波融合雪深以及同化输出雪深的精度进行了分析和对比。结果表明,基于数据同化方法得到的雪深数据更接近地面观测雪深值,通过均方根误差以及相关系数的对比,同化雪深结果优于MODIS/被动微波融合雪深结果。     

Red Clay Sediment in the Central Chinese Loess Plateau and Its Implication for the Uplift of the Tibetan Plateau

Introduction A set of reddish clay-silt-sized sediments named red clay underlying the Quaternary loess-paleosol sequence widely distribute in the Chinese Loess Plateau. The thickness of the red clay sediments ranges from decades of meters to over 100 m (Evan et al.1991,Mo and Derbyshire 1991, SUN et al. 1997&1998, DING et al. 1999, GUO et al. 2001, QIANG et al. 2001). Previous studies show that not only loess-paleosol (e.g.LIU et al.1985,AN et al.1990,DING et al.1992),but also red …     

Alterations to biological soil crusts with alpine meadow retrogressive succession affect seeds germination of three plant species

Biological soil crusts (BSCs) are the important components of alpine meadow ecosystems. The extent and morphology of BSCs vary greatly with alpine meadow retrogressive succession due to grazing pressure. There is significant interest in impacts of crust composition on plant seed germination, especially in (semi-) arid environments. However, little is known about the influences of BSCs, and their associations with alpine meadow succession, on germination of typical alpine meadow vascular plant species. In a full factorial common-garden experiment, we studied effects of: (1) crust type, (2) seed position, and (3) surface texture on seed germination. We chose three typical alpine meadow plant species (i.e. Poa pratensis, Tibetia himalaica and Potentillen nivea), which belonged to different functional groups (graminoids, legumes, and forbs) and play important roles in all alpine meadow succession stages. Crust type and seed position influenced seed germination, and the inhibitory effects of BSCs depended on the crust type and seed species tested. The major factors influencing seed germination were BSC type, seed position, soil texture, and the interactions between BSC type and seed position; species and seed position; species and surface texture; and species, crust type, and surface texture. Cyanobacteria crust significantly inhibited germination of all seeds. Seed position also had a significant effect on seed germination (p < 0.001). Fewer seedlings germinated on the surface than below the surface, this was especially true for P. nivea. seeds within cyanobacteria and lichen crusts. Only germination rates of T. himalaica on the soil surface were significantly correlated with plant occurrence frequency within the alpine meadow community. The poor correlation for the other two species is possibly that they are perennials. Our results clearly demonstrated that BSCs can be biological filters during seed germination, depending on the BSC succession stage. Through their influences on seed germination, BSCs can strongly influence community assemblages throughout alpine meadow retrogressive succession.     

大陆岩石圈的增厚及对流剥离对青藏高原隆升的影响

伴随着印度板块对欧亚板块南缘的碰撞、挤压,青藏高原地壳及下伏地幔岩石圈的厚度增加了１倍。增厚岩石圈热结构的变化可导致高原海拨下降约１５００ｍ。其对流剥离并被较热的软流圈物质替代可用以解释青藏高原自８百万年或３百万年前开始的快速隆升。大陆岩石圈的增厚及热结构变化和对流剥离可能是青藏高原自９百万年前开始的夷平—快速隆升过程的主导控制因素。