Qinghai Lake
Overview
Qinghai Lake, known as "Kokonor" in Mongolian and "Tso ngon" in Tibetan, is a saline lake situated in the northeastern part of the Tibetan Plateau, within Qinghai Province of China. It is the largest lake in China and the largest saline lake in Asia, with a surface area of approximately 4,657 square kilometers as of recent measurements. The lake plays a crucial ecological role as a habitat for numerous bird species, including migratory birds that travel along the Asian flyway, and serves as an important site for biodiversity conservation in the region.
History
The geological evolution of Qinghai Lake Basin can be traced back to the Paleozoic era when it originally formed as part of the Gonghe Basin, creating a rhombic faulted sedimentary basin. During the early Mesozoic era, influenced by northwest-southeast trending faults, the basin uplifted in the middle, gradually forming the Qingnan Mountains which divided the basin into the Gonghe Basin and the Qinghai Lake Basin.
Since the Cenozoic era, with the significant uplift of the Tibetan Plateau, numerous faults and uplift belts were formed. During the early and middle Jurassic periods, the Qinghai Lake region had already become land with a stable crust, experiencing long-term erosion and leveling, forming the oldest planation surface in the area. The lake basin landscape of the Qinghai Lake region first appeared in the late Tertiary period as part of the "Qingdong Ancient Lake."
By the early Quaternary to the end of the early Pleistocene, the Qinghai Lake Basin began to subside significantly with river mouths uplifting. Approximately 20-200 thousand years ago during the initial lake formation period, Qinghai Lake was an ex-freshwater lake connected to the Yellow River system. The Buha River flowed through Qinghai Lake and entered the Yellow River via the Daotang River.
Around 130,000 years ago, due to neotectonic movements, the surrounding mountains uplifted strongly. From the end of the Pliocene, the Riyue Mountain in the eastern part of the lake rose sharply, blocking the Daotang River which originally flowed into the Yellow River. The river water then reversed direction, flowing from east to west into Qinghai Lake, transforming it from an exorheic lake to a closed lake. This led to the formation of sub-lakes such as Gahai and Erhai, which later separated into Haiyan Lake, Shadao Lake and others.
Key Information
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 青海湖 (Qinghai Hu) |
| English Name | Qinghai Lake |
| Location | Northeastern Tibetan Plateau, Qinghai Province, China |
| Coordinates | 36°32′–37°15′ N, 99°36′–100°16′ E |
| Surface Area | 4,657.92 km² (2025) |
| Maximum Depth | 26 meters |
| Average Depth | 16 meters |
| Water Volume | 74.3 billion cubic meters |
| Elevation | 3,196 meters above sea level |
| Water Type | Saline (brackish) water |
| Mineralization | 12.32 g/L |
| Salt Content | 14.13 g/L |
| Ice Period | 108–116 days annually |
| Major Rivers | Buha River, Quanji River, Yike Wulan River, Haergai River |
| Sub-lakes | Gahai, Erhai, Haiyan Lake, Shadao Lake |
Cultural Significance
Qinghai Lake holds significant cultural importance for various ethnic groups in the region, particularly Tibetan, Mongolian, and Hui communities. The lake is considered sacred in Tibetan Buddhism and is often referred to as the "Blue Jewel of the Tibetan Plateau." Local communities have traditionally practiced nomadic herding around the lake, with livestock such as yaks, sheep, and horses grazing on the surrounding grasslands.
The lake features prominently in local folklore and mythology. The name "Qinghai" itself translates to "Blue Sea" in Chinese, reflecting the lake's vast expanse and deep blue color. The surrounding areas contain several important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, including the famous Ta'er Monastery (Kumbum Monastery) located near the lake's southeastern shore.
Modern Status
In recent decades, Qinghai Lake has experienced significant changes in size and environmental conditions. Historically, the lake has fluctuated in size, with recorded measurements showing variations from approximately 4,800 square kilometers in 1908 to as low as 4,282 square kilometers in 1988. Since the early 21st century, however, the lake has been steadily expanding, reaching approximately 4,657 square kilometers by 2025.
The Chinese government has established the Qinghai Lake National Nature Reserve to protect the lake's ecosystem and biodiversity. The reserve covers an area of 4,952 square kilometers and includes important bird habitats such as Bird Island (Niaodao), which serves as a crucial breeding ground for migratory birds.
Climate change and human activities continue to impact the lake's environment. The region has experienced rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increased tourism pressure. Conservation efforts focus on sustainable water resource management, grassland restoration, and pollution control to maintain the lake's ecological balance.
References
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Wang, X., & Dou, H. (2018). Lakes in China. Science Press. ISBN 9787030578421.
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Liu, J., & Chen, Y. (2020). "Hydrological Changes and Ecological Responses of Qinghai Lake in Recent Decades." Journal of Hydrology, 589, 125102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2020.125102
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Zhang, Y., et al. (2021). "Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development in the Qinghai Lake Region." Environmental Management, 68(3), 352-367. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-021-01453-9
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Qinghai Provincial Bureau of Statistics. (2022). Qinghai Statistical Yearbook 2022. China Statistics Press.