Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is a region with the largest area of glaciers in China and is hence called the water tower

of Asia. The glaciers supply lots of water source for the rivers in China and Southeast Asia. The key characteristics of

glacier evolution in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau are their incessant area shrinkage, continuous thinning of their thickness and

ceaseless reduction of their ice reserves. The evolution of glaciers varies at different stages and in different places.

From the end of 1960’s to the end of 1980’s, the area of glaciers increased slightly due to the slight increase of

glaciers. Since the end of 1980’s, the area of glaciers has shrunk sharply, and their decreasing speed is faster than ever

before, especially in the districts around Tarim Basin and Himalaya Mountains. The area reduction of existing glaciers in

Pamirs Plateau is the largest in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. The area reduction of existing glaciers in Himalaya and Qilian

Mountains are also rather considerable. The area reduction of existing glaciers in Qiangtang Plateau and Kunlun Mountains

are relatively small.