A dataset of endorheic basins on detailed delineation and classification for the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

Abstract

Endorheic basins are important geomorphological and ecological units on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP), which is undergoing a rapid evolution of its lake system structure and drainage reorganization that is threatening local ecology, infrastructures and residuals owing to climate change. This dataset provides a detailed delineation and classification of endorheic basins on the QTP for understanding the complex dynamics under climate changes. A newly-developed algorithm, namely the Joint Elevation-Area Threshold (JEAT) algorithm (Liu et al, 2024), is applied for delineating endorheic basins based on digital elevation model (DEM). A total of 184 endorheic basins were divided, of which the permanent divide lines were characterized. All the endorheic basins were further categorized into five groups based on the hydraulic connectivity attributes, which have been commonly observed since 2000. The dataset also includes basic information such as drainage area, water surface area, and water storage volume of each endorheic basin. It is particularly beneficial for digital watershed analysis towards ecological restoration and water resource management on the environmentally vulnerable QTP.

Keywords

• Endorheic basins
• Hydraulic connectivity
• Basin delineation and classification
• Digital elevation model
• The Qinghai–Tibet Plateau