The eddy covariance based spatial and temporal land-atmosphere turbulent heat and CO2 flux over the Tibetan Plateau

Understanding land-atmosphere (LA) interactions through coordinated, multidisciplinary, and multiscale observations is crucial for addressing global challenges such as water resource management, land-use planning, climate change, and ecosystem preservation. In this study, we introduce a comprehensive observation and research platform for LA water, heat, and CO₂ flux exchange over the TP and provide initial insights into the spatial and temporal variations of meteorological conditions, liquid precipitation, and turbulent fluxes over the Tibetan Plateau. Diurnal precipitation patterns reveal three types: peak at night, peak during the day, and bimodal peaks. While liquid precipitation can distinguish between water-limited and energy-limited regions, where soil moisture—both from surface and deeper layers—also plays a key role in surface evapotransporation. Net ecosystem exchange (NEE) fluxes are near zero at bare ground stations, show significant carbon release in forested areas, and function as carbon sinks in most alpine meadows and alpine steppe sites.