Abstract / Description of output
Water towers is frequently used as a symbolic term for a mountain area that supplies disproportional runoff by comparison with the adjacent lowland catchment. Headwaters is another often-used term that actually refers to the source of the water, ie the place from which the water in the river or stream originates. The headwater areas of rivers are crucial source areas for water supplies and ensure sustainable development not only in mountain regions but also in downstream, water-limited lowlands.
The Himalayan region, including the Tibetan plateau, fulfills both roles and is thus significant in this region. Table 1 shows that the mountainous area of the Himalaya plays an essential role in providing water to downstream catchments. The Qinghai–Tibetan plateau is the most important source of water for Chinese rivers, being one of the wettest areas with the highest water generation in China.
The Himalayan region, including the Tibetan plateau, fulfills both roles and is thus significant in this region. Table 1 shows that the mountainous area of the Himalaya plays an essential role in providing water to downstream catchments. The Qinghai–Tibetan plateau is the most important source of water for Chinese rivers, being one of the wettest areas with the highest water generation in China.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 42-52 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Mountain Research and Development |
Volume | 30 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Feb 2010 |